Physicians

DENISE M. ELSER, MD

Dr. Denise M Elser is a native of Chicago. After obtaining an undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana, she completed medical school as well as residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) in Chicago. She helped to create the fellowship in Urogynecology at the Medical College of Virginia, in Richmond. After spending time on the teaching faculty at MCV, Dr. Elser returned to the Chicago area to found the Urogynecology Center at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Dr. Elser joined IULTD in January 2005 and is the Director of the Oak Lawn Division. Dr. Elser holds the position of Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

Dr. Elser’s special interests include evaluation and development of minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of urinary incontinence, prolapse and other gynecologic indications. She travels nationally to lecture and teach surgical anatomy and new procedures to gynecologic and urologic surgeons. Dr. Elser is the principal investigator in several ongoing research studies, including: evaluation of the use of pessaries in women with pelvic organ prolapse, radiofrequency urethral collagen remodeling (Renessa), the success of pelvic floor physical therapy in treatment women with bladder dysfunction, hysteroscopic tubal occlusion for permanent birth control (Essure) and the optimal treatment for stress incontinence at the time of prolapse surgery.

When not busy in the OR, Dr. Elser is very involved in organized medicine, having recently servedas the Chair of the Illinois Section of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ISACOG). She embraces this opportunity to help educate the community and our legislators on matters affecting women’s health. Dr. Elser also serves as President of the Chicago Urogynecologic Society (CHUGS). Dr. Elser was just appointed to the ACOG Committee on Gynecologic Practice, which involves writing and approving national guideline on the best gynecologic practices for Obstetricians and Gynecolgoists nationally.

Dr. Elser, her husband and their 4 children live in the Western Suburbs with 2 dogs, one lovebird, and the occasional reptile.