Denise A. Monahan, MD

4.9

2001 ratings Read Reviews

Northwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Breast Surgery

Secondary Specialty

General Surgery

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Practice Website

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Benign Breast Disease
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer In Families
Breast Cancer in Men
Breast Cancer in Pregnant Women
Breast Cancer in Young Women
Excisional Breast Biopsy
High Risk Breast Disease and Risk Assessment

Education

Medical Education:: MD, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine - 2007
Residency:: University of Miami/Jackson Health System - 2012
Fellowships:: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University - 2013

Board Certifications

American Board of Surgery - Surgery (Certified)

Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:: Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:: Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:: Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital

Grayslake Ambulatory Surgery Center

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9

4.9

2001 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

February 27, 2026

5.0

She really takes time with you and does rush you. Explain your situation well.

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February 27, 2026

5.0

Like her personality, very well informed,a lot of experience.

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February 27, 2026

5.0

She is very good at her job and she knows everything and all the answers

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February 26, 2026

5.0

Very informative and clear on expectations. Great follow-up. The doctor was caring and took her time.

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February 24, 2026

5.0

She is so compassionate and truly listens.

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February 24, 2026

5.0

Very organized, knowledgeable and nice.

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February 23, 2026

5.0

The queen of breast surgery. She tells it like it is and doesn't sugar coat it. Her team is the best team in the world.

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February 23, 2026

5.0

She is wonderful.She explained everything in a calm manner and made me feel better about the situation I found myself in. She is brilliant and kind and has a wonderful bedside manner. hard to find these days.

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February 22, 2026

5.0

She is fabulous.

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February 20, 2026

5.0

I trust her with my life .

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Skilled surgeon, engaging person

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February 20, 2026

5.0

I met with Dr. Monahan and she is very knowledgeable and very caring. She explained everything to me. I liked her immediately.

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February 17, 2026

5.0

The doctor explained the whole process to us in July before the operation, along with her nurses and the oncology treatment team, all very professional.

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February 15, 2026

5.0

She is smart, professional. Compassionate and human.

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February 10, 2026

5.0

She is very caring and thorough

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February 06, 2026

5.0

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Monahan and the entire care team, from Lake Forest to Grayslake Hospital, for the successful surgery and the exceptional care I received. From the clear explanations before the procedure to the compassion and professionalism shown throughout my treatment, I always felt confident and well supported. The staff's responsiveness, kindness, and attention to detail made a meaningful difference in my experience. I would highly recommend their care to anyone seeking skilled and compassionate medical treatment.

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February 06, 2026

5.0

Very helpful friendly and informative!!

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Dr.Denise took time to check me and not in a hurry. Ver professional.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Explained everything very thoroughly. Talked abt options and next steps and explained the whole care processcompletely. Took the time to make sure all our questions were answered.

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January 29, 2026

5.0

Dr. Monahan is the best! Kind, caring, and a great surgeon!

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January 28, 2026

5.0

Very knowledgeable, personable, caring Dr!

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January 26, 2026

5.0

Since August 2022 when my DCIS was diagnosed, I have developed a strong rapport with Dr. Monahan. She has provided timely guidance, and I trust her.

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January 26, 2026

5.0

She was professional and compassionate, and thoughtful. I would recommend her

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January 25, 2026

5.0

Answered my questions and explained everything to me

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January 21, 2026

5.0

She was very kind, thorough, compassionate, and caring.

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January 19, 2026

5.0

Dr. Monahan is very thorough and knowledgable. She listens to and addresses my concerns. She's a great explainer. I feel very safe in her hands!

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January 19, 2026

5.0

She is wonderful!!

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January 16, 2026

5.0

She has been reassuring and did well in explaining everything. I felt comfortable with the process and the surgery.

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January 16, 2026

5.0

Excellent patient care and truly cares about her patients. Rare find these days

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January 13, 2026

5.0

Very helpful, personable and thorough

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January 11, 2026

5.0

Dr. Monahan exhibits care and knowledge with every interaction. She made me feel comfortable and cared for with every interaction. She explains all options and takes time to list to my concerns. I never feel like she has her hand on the door. She is in the present moment with me her current patient. She is one smart cookie! So thankful for her!

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January 10, 2026

5.0

Denise Monahan is an excellent surgeon and a very caring person for all follow-up appointments.

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January 09, 2026

5.0

Impeccable bedside manner. Puts a patient at ease. A thorough explanation of my diagnosis.

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January 08, 2026

5.0

Friendly and caring

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January 06, 2026

5.0

The Best!

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January 02, 2026

5.0

From the moment you walk in she makes you feel comfortable and cared for.

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December 30, 2025

5.0

She was kind, patient, compassionate, explained everything and made eye contact. So happy she is going to do my surgery!!

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December 27, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan explained my case clearly and provided treatment options thoroughly to guide my decision. Jessica & Jennifer were also very accommodating & responsive. All of them showed genuine empathy in all our interactions & throughout my visit. I felt heard, informed & well cared for. Thank you.

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December 23, 2025

5.0

Dr Monahan is very thoughtful and explains everything in detail.

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December 23, 2025

5.0

She went into detail about the sx and the possibilities of how my L BR will look afterwards. She explained where the lesions were and the size; I wasn't aware that one was 2cm (biopsied) rather than 9mm (other facility not biopsied). The papilloma will also be removed as this can become cancerous down the road (this was also biopsied). Also discussed options of plastic but I will need to speak with plastic in the future. Spent much time with me and am comfortable with Dr. Monahan.

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December 23, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is personable, knowledgeable and an excellent surgeon.

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December 22, 2025

5.0

For their professionalism and attention

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December 21, 2025

5.0

She was very nice. She explained everything she was doing. I had a great appointment.

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December 21, 2025

5.0

I'm not comfortable with many doctors, but I am comfortable with Dr. Monahan. She is compassionate and kind and warm.

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December 18, 2025

5.0

Dr Monahan is professional, skilled and empathetic.

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December 16, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable No nonsense Reassuring Kind

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December 10, 2025

5.0

She is wonderful. She answered all my questions and I did not feel rushed. My surgery went well.

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December 07, 2025

5.0

Dr Monahan is very thorough. She checked out a small lump she found which, thankfully, turned out to be nothing. But after two rounds with breast cancer, I feel she is very concerned. She is also open to new ideas and a very pleasant and knowledgeable person.

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December 07, 2025

5.0

A surgeon who takes time to explain & address concerns.

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December 05, 2025

5.0

She was honest and straightforward with me about why I was there.

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December 02, 2025

5.0

She is an excellent Dr. Addresses all your concerns.

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Answered all my questions .

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November 25, 2025

5.0

Was generous with her time, kindness and demonstrating great ability while making me comfortable during an extremely trying vidit

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November 17, 2025

5.0

She was great and very professional. She explained the surgery to me so I knew what to expect. Luckily my result was good.

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November 14, 2025

5.0

Very good care!!!!

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November 13, 2025

5.0

Thorough, kind, gets specific

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November 13, 2025

5.0

She is knowledge, approachable and kind.

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November 07, 2025

5.0

She is wonderful

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November 07, 2025

5.0

Pleasant personality and informative

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November 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is so caring and always takes that little bit of extra time to get to know you and what you need.

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November 06, 2025

5.0

Excellent Doctor

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November 05, 2025

5.0

Professional. A great surgeon and so caring

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November 04, 2025

5.0

I have and will continue to always recommend Dr.Monahan.

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November 04, 2025

5.0

She's great. I feel very cared for.

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November 03, 2025

5.0

Timely, compassionate, a good listener, and thorough.

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November 01, 2025

5.0

Caring

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October 30, 2025

5.0

Excellent surgeon. Answers all questions thoroughly. Very comfortable to be with.

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October 30, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is warm and thoughtful.

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October 30, 2025

5.0

Very position and efficient

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October 30, 2025

5.0

My 2nd meeting with Dr Monahan was today & she answered all my questions that were in her area of expertise & had her nurse navigator review contacts that would cover the rest. I would choose Dr Monahan if u decide on surgery.

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October 28, 2025

5.0

She did an excellent job on my prior surgery!

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October 28, 2025

5.0

She answers all my questions and makes it easy to understand. Takes her time to listen to what I have to say.

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October 25, 2025

5.0

Respectful, kind, professional, knowledgeable, and responsive.

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October 22, 2025

5.0

Good surgeon

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Just love her, warm, personable, understanding and caring.....can't say enough about and trust her implicitly with my care.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Love Dr. Denise A. Monahan. From the first day I met her she has been very kind, very detailed, explaining things at a level I could understand and very caring. Always gives me time to ask my questions.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is the best! I've been seeing her since 2017. 2 surgeries. She listens and takes into account everything you are going through

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October 21, 2025

5.0

Knowledgeable and good. bedside manner. Communicates well and is warm.

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October 21, 2025

5.0

I liked that she took her time to explain my condition and treatment options. I didn't feel rushed and she answered my questions.

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October 20, 2025

5.0

She's very professional and caring

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October 14, 2025

5.0

She was always available2 answer my questions & 2 see me!

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October 13, 2025

5.0

She is the best in patient care.

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October 09, 2025

5.0

Very patient from start to finish

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October 09, 2025

5.0

I can't say enough great things about her. She really listens and takes tge time to understand how I'm feeling. So blessed to have her

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October 07, 2025

5.0

She was informative and took time to discuss what I might need and what I might not need.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

Dr Monahan is extremely caring and very knowledgeable. I am extremely grateful to have her as my Dr. in my time of need.

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October 02, 2025

5.0

knowledgeable/attentive/affable & overall so nice.

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September 30, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is a reassuring, attentive surgeon.

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September 30, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan was very personal in our interaction and provided a detailed preview of the options to come.

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September 26, 2025

5.0

Very caring and a great vibe

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September 25, 2025

5.0

I liked and trusted Denise from the getgo. Just had my 18 month check with her and all is good. She is wonderful at explaining all the pieces parts of everything and will answer any questions.

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September 24, 2025

5.0

She too is kind and professional

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September 23, 2025

5.0

She's very knowledgeable and her bedside manner is amazing

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September 23, 2025

5.0

Professional

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September 22, 2025

5.0

Dr Monahan was concerned that I knew all the information on the cancer as well as the procedure. Very personable and professional

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September 19, 2025

5.0

Drs. knowledge & how comfortable she makes you feel.

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September 19, 2025

5.0

Dr. Monahan is a terrific doctor. Very good listener and always so supportive and knowledgeable.

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September 17, 2025

5.0

She listened to my concerns and made what I felt were appropriate recommendations for next steps.

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Great bedside manner and trust her expertise!

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Knowledge and compassionate

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Disclosures

Denise A. Monahan, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2024.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.

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HealthBeat

Do You Need a Double Mastectomy?

Studies show you might not, but the choice is personal.

More HealthBeat Articles