SCH Employee :: The Science of Feeling Better

Dr. Singh, a gastroenterologist who joined the SCH team this summer, changed a patient’s life. Read her story and get details about Dr. Singh’s care philosophy and services. This profile is part of a monthly series introducing SCH physicians.

The power of a doctor who listens

In 2006, at age 62 with several marathons under her belt, Joanne Kaedig was named the “runner-up” senior runner of the year by the Chicago Area Runners Association. Less than a year later, the Lincoln Park resident couldn’t run at all because of severe digestion problems.

Severe abdominal pain and cramping made eating painful ,and her weight steadily dropped from 100 to 88 pounds. Over the next few years she saw a myriad of doctors and specialists all over Chicago and the west coast.

“Irritable Bowel Syndrome was the diagnosis I got from almost everyone, but I knew something more was going on,” Kaedig said. “The treatments never worked and I was miserable and at my wits end.” 

Kaedig starting doing research and began to suspect that her condition was bacterial. She sought out gastroenterologist Dr. Kavita Singh and presented her ideas. Dr. Singh did her own research, and then tested her for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). The test was positive. After only a few weeks of treatment, Kaedig felt better than she had in years.

Although Kaedig was surprised and relieved to find a physician who would listen to her thoughts and involve her in her own care, to Dr. Singh, this is standard practice.

“I never want a patient to feel like I am just interested in their GI tract,” she said. “Patients often can tell you exactly what is going on if you take the time to listen, and apply your medical knowledge from there. I believe in treating the whole patient, patient choice and teamwork.”

Today, Kaedig has regained the lost weight and started running again. Although she is finished running marathons, she still regularly competes in shorter races around Chicago and recently took a three-week backpacking trip in Colorado. She said neither of these activities could have been possible before she met Dr. Singh. 

“I have my life back,” Kaedig said. “Sometimes it just takes one person — one doctor that will listen.”

More about Dr. Singh

What brings you to Swedish Covenant Hospital?
After serving as a chief resident at Rush, I was looking to settle at a hospital that was academic, but also focused on patient care, and SCH fit the bill.

What is your practice philosophy?
My approach is to always listen to the patient and treat them as a whole person. Exercise as medicine is also my philosophy. Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can fix many things.

What can you offer Swedish Covenant Hospital patients?
I treat men and women experiencing gastrointestinal conditions including abdominal pain, pelvic floor conditions, irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s, colitis and celiac disease. I offer the full range of services and the full GI work-up.

I am passionate about increasing awareness about the need for colo-rectal screenings. Many patients, particularly women, are not getting their colo-rectal screenings because they are afraid of the discomfort. But this test is a powerful prevention tool and it needs to be viewed just like a mammogram. Colo-rectal exams are part of maintaining good health, particularly if you are age 50 and older or have a history of gastrointestinal disorders.

Also, for patients who are iron-deficient and have not been able to identify a diagnosis, I offer video capsule endoscopic testing. During this test, the patient swallows a device similar in size and shape to a vitamin pill. The device then takes more than 10,000 photos of the small intestine, which is typically not accessible through an endoscopy or colonoscopy.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I am from Southern California, so I appreciate the diverse population in our services areas. I love Chicago and my family enjoys exploring the city.

Also, sleep is my favorite hobby with two kids at home!