When did you OSF HealthCare?
2000

Family?
Married to Chris Zallek, another neurologist and we have two daughters.

Hobbies/Interests?
I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, reading, travel, playing guitar, swimming, biking and running.

Why did you choose your specialty?
Caring for patients with sleep disorders is very rewarding for several reasons.

Many are unable to work, drive safely, succeed in school, or get along with friends and family because of a sleep disorder.   Some have serious medical consequences.

Seeing patients of all ages, hearing their stories, making the right diagnoses, and treating them so they can function well in work, school, and life is a great way to practice medicine.

Sleep is very personal and very individual. The individual time I spend with each patient is the most enjoyable part of medicine for me.

Teaching and clinical research are also much needed aspects of this field, and having an opportunity to contribute in those ways also made sleep medicine attractive.

Why did you choose Peoria, Illinois, to practice when you could have gone anywhere in the country?
I grew up in Peoria. The opportunity to return here to practice medicine in a way that allowed me to use all of my training, as well as teach, do research, and work with colleagues who are expert in their fields made this a great choice.

Do you have any advice to give your patients?
Sleep is critical to good health. Practice healthy sleep hygiene, and seek help if you either can’t sleep or are not refreshed by the sleep you get.