Howard Axe, MD | Northwestern Medicine

Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

Adult Medicine
Chronic Disease Management
Comprehensive Primary Care
Health Education
Healthy Aging
Heart Disease Prevention
Hypertension
Preventive Medicine

Education

Medical Education:: MD, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University - 1989
Residency:: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago - 1992

Board Certifications

American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine (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

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Overall Rating

4.7

4.7

1327 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

February 27, 2026

5.0

He is very thorough and takes the time to explain everything. Visits are never rushed and the summery report is very helpful.

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February 26, 2026

5.0

He's a very good doctor and has a lot of information to give out to the patient

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February 24, 2026

4.0

Very good at what he does

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February 24, 2026

5.0

Been a thorough primary

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February 17, 2026

4.0

Friendly and knowledgeable_ clear instructions

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February 07, 2026

5.0

Knowledgeable, caring and explains things very well

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February 04, 2026

5.0

Great person and Doctor

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Because of his straight forward attitude! And fact filled information concerning Health and behaviors associated with as much.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Great DR

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January 22, 2026

5.0

Explains exam patiently and gives full consideration to any issues I may have

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January 21, 2026

5.0

Thorough, straight to the point, and answers questions very clearly.

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January 19, 2026

5.0

My experience with Dr. Axe was a very positive one. The check-in process was seamless and I didn't have to wait awhile. His nurse was very warm and friendly. I wasn't left alone in the room for a long time before Dr. Axe came in. When the doctor arrived, he went through my whole portal and cleaned it up. Dr. Axe is very thorough and I very much appreciate it! He made me feel comfortable and we discussed all of my topics without feeling rushed out the door or like I'm just another number/patient. We discussed the flu shot and Covid vaccine and Dr. Axe was very informative without coming off "pushy". After my lab results came in, Dr. Axe provided a very thorough review and recommendations on lifestyle changes to improve some results. I would recommend Dr. Axe to anyone looking for a PCP.

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January 15, 2026

5.0

Today was my first time meeting Dr. Axe who is going to be my new PCP. Dr. Axe made me feel comfortable and confident that he will provide excellent care!

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January 14, 2026

5.0

Doctor spent as much time as I needed during the appointment. He answered my questions and seemed genuinely interested in my wellbeing

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January 12, 2026

5.0

Dr Axe is thorough in his preparation. He really cares about my health and gives me guidance and suggestions for preventative care.

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January 09, 2026

5.0

Very thorough and knowledgable dr.

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January 07, 2026

4.0

Good bedside manners/attitude... seems to really care about my health.

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January 06, 2026

5.0

Took the time to explain every thing. Answered my questions.

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December 29, 2025

5.0

Explains all the questions in details do the patients understand fully

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December 29, 2025

5.0

Trust and honesty

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December 20, 2025

5.0

He is thorough and gives you the facts about your health.

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December 18, 2025

5.0

Doctor Axe and is very thorough and he explains every procedure.

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December 16, 2025

5.0

He is knowledgeable and thorough. He explains thjngs well, yet is still efficient. He is personable too.

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December 11, 2025

5.0

Thorough in, responsive to, engaged with my health profile during medicare wellness exam and follow up issues.

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December 08, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe is kind and relatable. Takes the time needed to understand the concerns of his patients.

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December 02, 2025

5.0

Thorough and thoughtful

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November 29, 2025

5.0

Very pleasant, lots of good information given, understandable explanations.

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November 27, 2025

5.0

He's very thorough and respectful

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November 20, 2025

5.0

Good communication, both in person and via MY CHART. Very knowledgeable and stays up to date on current medical recommendations. Listens well and provides options for voiced concerns, spent over an hour with me on my first visit with him. Went out of his way to understand my medical history, current treatments in place, and suggestions as to alternate plans.

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November 19, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe is patient. Explains test results and ask enough questions to actually know how I am He is very helpful in making plans with me that will actually help me

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November 16, 2025

5.0

He listens carefully about my concerns.

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November 14, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe was wonderful. This was my first appointment with him and I felt at ease and he answered my questions. Now that Dr. [last name] has left, I'm happy that he will be my new primary care doctor.

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November 13, 2025

5.0

Offers informed guidance but not pushy. Very thorough.

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November 12, 2025

5.0

Very knowledgeable and easy to understand.

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November 12, 2025

5.0

Very professional.

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November 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe is very thorough and informative.

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November 05, 2025

5.0

Very patient person

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October 29, 2025

5.0

Very involved, answer all questions provides recommendations and advice how to be healthy.

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October 28, 2025

5.0

He listens. He explains. He suggests. He doesn't judge. I like the way he interacts with his staff.

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October 27, 2025

5.0

I like him

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October 18, 2025

5.0

Very thorough, explains things in detail. Very professional , explains intelligently without sounding condescending.

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October 15, 2025

5.0

Exceptional doctor who is concerned about my health. He is friendly and explains everything that is going on. Easyu to talk to.

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October 15, 2025

5.0

I am so appreciative for the amount of time Dr Axe spent in getting to know my health history and giving honest and clear recommendations. I feel very lucky that Dr. Axe is my new primary care physician.

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October 14, 2025

4.0

Dr. Axe is excelent. He always takes the time to answer my questions in full.

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October 10, 2025

5.0

Answer all your question so you understand.

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October 10, 2025

5.0

Professional and attentive to conditions

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October 10, 2025

4.0

30 years of good service

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October 06, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe is very thorough with my husbands condition. We feel we are in good hands.

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September 29, 2025

5.0

Awesome Doctor. Takes his time to answer questions and explain things.

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September 26, 2025

5.0

Very thorough.

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September 26, 2025

5.0

Thoroughness, patience, satisfactory responses to questions, quick follow up on requests and issues

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September 24, 2025

5.0

I felt all my question and concerns were answered and I feel I can reach back out with any additional issues or concerns! Dr and staff were very professional and knowledgeable!

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September 22, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe is very thorough. No detail gets missed! He makes sure my chart is accurate and up to date. He lays out a plan and lets me know what to expect.

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September 18, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe is very thorough and easy to talk to.

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September 17, 2025

5.0

He knows his work and doesn't preach.

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September 14, 2025

5.0

Great Doctor, very intelligent, and very thorough!

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September 13, 2025

5.0

My first impression of him is that he is bright, capable, concerned about details. He listens and involves the patient in their own care. He his mindful of the patient's time, yet takes time with them to clarify questions they may have and to become acquainted with their concerns. He gives clear instructions for follow-up and his expectations.

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September 12, 2025

5.0

Great doctor, listens to what you have to say, and doesn't rush.

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September 12, 2025

5.0

Felt welcome and thoroughly assessed.

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September 11, 2025

5.0

Dr.Axe and his staff made me feel comfortable and explained everything in away I could understand

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September 11, 2025

5.0

Doctor Axe was a pleasure to work with. He listened to my concerns and we talk thoroughly about the expectations that would happen. He also gave me good advice on products that I was using that were not so good for me and other products that I thought wouldn't work he indicated that time expectations would matter. He was very thorough and I appreciated that he did not talk down to me. I felt that I was on a good level with him and he was a pleasure to work with.

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September 10, 2025

5.0

Personable, listens, explains drugs/treatments well, and didn't rush through the exam

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September 10, 2025

5.0

Listens well, asks good questions, is thorough in his office visits.

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September 08, 2025

5.0

No one is perfect, but he is really good.

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September 04, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe spent a surprising amount of time to listen my concerns and provided excellent solutions moving forward.

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August 24, 2025

5.0

GOOD MEDICAL INSTITUTION

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August 21, 2025

5.0

Has kept me alive for 32 years

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August 18, 2025

5.0

He takes the time to make sure you understand and are included in the decisions regarding your health and treatment.

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August 18, 2025

5.0

Professional, friendly approach

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August 09, 2025

5.0

Caring and informative

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August 08, 2025

5.0

Explained everything in detail.

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August 06, 2025

5.0

As they said in the previous statement, Dr. act is amazing. He's the most thorough physician that I've ever met.

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August 06, 2025

5.0

Very through

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August 05, 2025

5.0

Competent.

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August 05, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe listens, is attentive to concerns and thorough in his exams. Good bedside manner!

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July 31, 2025

5.0

He truly spends time and explains all that appears issues with my health

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July 30, 2025

5.0

Straight forward

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July 29, 2025

5.0

The most thorough, intelligent, caring, Doctor I have ever encountered in my 74 plus years!

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July 20, 2025

5.0

Very thorough and he explains things well. Also very personable.

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July 14, 2025

5.0

Texas time and explains every detail

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July 10, 2025

5.0

He explains everything clearly He always has time for my questions.

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July 08, 2025

5.0

Great doctor! Explains everything, listens to what you say, doesn't rush, makes sure you understand what he is saying.

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July 07, 2025

5.0

Very helpful and very friendly staff

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July 07, 2025

3.0

He is a good doctor

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June 26, 2025

5.0

Strong health provider

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June 25, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe is attentive, listens and ensures that my question and concerns are addressed.

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June 25, 2025

5.0

He is informative and polite with a sense of humor

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June 25, 2025

5.0

Like the fact he is upfront and answers my questions.

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June 25, 2025

5.0

Efficient

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June 21, 2025

5.0

Excellent Doctor

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June 19, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe took the time to explain his concerns with me and addressed all my issues. I felt that he was very thorough and did not rush me

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June 13, 2025

5.0

Listened to us, explained well and very pleasant

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June 09, 2025

5.0

Very thorough, meticulous note taker, open to patient decisions regarding medications.

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June 07, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe is new to me. He is through, presents information clearly, is non judgmental, and even a small victory is commented on in an encouraging manner. He spent a lot of time with me this last visit, covering a wide range of actions I need to address and already I'm comfortable with him.

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May 29, 2025

5.0

Thorough pleasannt

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May 26, 2025

5.0

I appreciate the candor with which Dr. Axe explains conditions and treatments.

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May 22, 2025

5.0

Had him for many years. Outstanding Doctor who really cares.

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May 20, 2025

5.0

Was very thorough and knowledgeable

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May 19, 2025

5.0

Dr Axe actually listens and responds with information that I understand

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May 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Axe listens and is a caring person. He provides guidance for next steps in health.

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Disclosures

Howard Axe, 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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