Summit Animal Hospital partners with leading physicians and public health experts to strengthen our approach to veterinary care. Their medical insight helps us better understand complex health issues, improve protocols, and bridge the connection between human and animal wellness.
Dr. Stephen Schrantz, MD, MA
Dr. Stephen Schrantz is a highly accomplished infectious diseases physician and clinical trial specialist with over two decades of experience spanning frontline care, academic medicine, and global therapeutic development. He earned his MD from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, followed by an Infectious Diseases Fellowship at UChicago Medicine and a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the Harris School at the University of Chicago. His clinical interests focus on the treatment of HIV and COVID-19, and he is deeply committed to medical education, working extensively with students, trainees, and general practitioners.
Currently serving as Director of Clinical Development at Moderna, Dr. Schrantz plays a pivotal role in shaping innovative infectious disease therapeutics. His prior leadership roles include Senior Medical Director for Vaccine Strategy at IQVIA and Medical Director at ICON plc, where he led Phase I–III trial protocols and served as a key liaison to regulatory agencies and opinion leaders. His work bridges clinical excellence with strategic insight, ensuring effective trial development and post-market support for vaccines and treatments. A member of Alpha Omega Alpha, Dr. Schrantz continues to make a significant impact on infectious disease research and patient care across multiple sectors.
Dr. Catherine Counard, MD, MPH
Dr. Catherine Counard is a board-certified expert in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine with a distinguished career in government health leadership, clinical care, and health policy. She currently serves as the Preventive Medicine Medical Advisor at the Illinois Department of Public Health, where she contributes her expertise to statewide public health initiatives. Dr. Counard earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine with the United States Navy at Naval Hospital Charleston. She later received her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago, deepening her focus on health equity and systems improvement.
Throughout her career, Dr. Counard has held pivotal roles, including Director of the Skokie Health Department and Assistant Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness and Communicable Disease Control at the Cook County Department of Public Health. Her public health leadership spans critical areas such as communicable disease control, food safety, tobacco regulation, and access to care. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world public health training, she also mentors future professionals through meaningful field placements. Dr. Counard’s commitment to reducing health disparities and advancing evidence-based policy continues to shape healthier communities across Illinois.
Dr. James Alexander, MD, MHA, CPE, FACHE, FAAFP
Dr. James Alexander is a board-certified family physician and nationally recognized healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience in clinical care, medical leadership, and healthcare administration. A certified physician executive and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, he brings a unique blend of medical insight and strategic vision to every role. Dr. Alexander earned his medical degree with honors and holds a Master of Healthcare Administration, supporting his commitment to advancing quality, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes in both acute and ambulatory care settings.
Dr. Alexander is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a longstanding member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. His affiliations also include the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, the American College of Physician Advisors, and the American Association for Physician Leadership. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for empowering teams, optimizing care delivery, and promoting ethical, data-driven decision-making in complex healthcare environments. His enduring dedication to improving systems of care continues to shape impactful, sustainable solutions in American healthcare.
Dr. Paul Merrick, MD
Dr. Paul Merrick is a board-certified urologist and nationally recognized medical leader with decades of experience in patient care, clinical leadership, and organizational growth. He earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1989 after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. Dr. Merrick completed his residency at Rush University Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident of Urology. With clinical expertise in prostate cancer treatment, erectile dysfunction, bladder cancer, BPH, vasectomies, kidney stones, and incontinence, he has been consistently named among Chicago Magazine’s Top Doctors and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a leading urologic surgeon.
As Co-Chairman of the Board and Chief Physician Executive at Duly Health and Care, Dr. Merrick has played a central role in transforming one of Illinois’ largest independent physician-led groups. A founding physician of the former DuPage Medical Group, he served as President of its Board from 2009 to 2020 and has been instrumental in driving growth, physician engagement, and patient-focused care. In addition to his executive leadership, he helped establish the Duly Health and Care Charitable Fund, supporting over 30 nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Merrick is an active member of the American Urological Association and the American Medical Group Association.