Elizabeth R. Grethen, M.D.
Dr. Grethen is a double board certified physician specializing in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. She cares for patients with conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, calcium-related disorders, adrenal and pituitary disease, PCOS, and more. Dr. Grethen listens to her patients with compassion and patience to gain a detailed understanding of their concerns and medical history. Using evidenced-based medicine, she determines the best treatment plan to treat the individual patient, not just their disease. She believes in the value of spending time with her patients to learn what works best for them to make a positive impact on their health.
Dr. Grethen received her bachelor's degree in Neurobiology and Behavior at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Born and raised in the Chicago area, she returned to Illinois to complete her medical degree at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. She participated in a medical service trip to India, providing care to residents of remote villages in the Himalayas. Following medical school she completed her Internal Medicine residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis, providing care for patients in a variety of clinical settings including the University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, the Roudebush VA, and Wishard Hospital (now Eskanazi). She pursued her passion in endocrinology by completing her fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at Indiana University. During fellowship she worked alongside renowned experts in osteoporosis and other bone disease, and published the results of her clinical research on bone effects of metabolic disease and obesity.
Dr. Grethen has been privileged to have been entrusted to care for numerous patients over the years. She finds great interest in the field of endocrinology and has treated almost any endocrine condition you could think of over her 13+ year professional career at Ascension St. Vincent. While there she participated on several medical committees to improve care for those with diabetes. She believes teaching is one of the essential roles of the physician, and takes the time to educate her patients about their disease, finding that active participation improves health outcomes in a meaningful and natural way. She has also taught many students and resident physicians through the years. When she isn’t at the clinic, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and quality time with her husband and 4 children.