IBJI Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeons and Rheumatologists

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), one of the largest independent, physician-owned orthopedic practices in the United States, is excited to welcome two surgeons and two rheumatologists:

• Andrew R. Benck, MD, rheumatologist specializing in autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders
• Craig Forsthoefel, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon with fellowship training in orthopedic spine surgery
• Tim Keating, MD, orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hip and knee reconstruction
• Nirav Nagarsheth, MD, rheumatologist specializing in a wide range of rheumatic diseases

Andrew R. Benck, MD

Dr. Benck is a seasoned rheumatologist with expertise in autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoporosis. He earned his accounting and business administration degrees from the University of Southern California, initially pursuing a career as a certified public accountant. Later, he transitioned to medicine, achieving his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, followed by an internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a rheumatology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Dr. Benck’s practice centers on the diagnosis and treatment of adults facing autoimmune and musculoskeletal challenges. He values shared decision-making, tailoring treatments to his patients’ preferences, aiming to control disease activity, enhance functionality, and boost quality of life.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Benck enjoys travel, skiing, and time with his family.

Dr. Benck will practice at the Bannockburn and Morton Grove Doctors’ Offices.

Craig Forsthoefel, MD

Dr. Forsthoefel is a skilled orthopedic spine surgeon with expertise in complex spinal conditions, both in adults and children. He served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing his medical career. He holds dual degrees in chemistry and biomedical sciences from Colorado State University, and he completed his medical school and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Illinois. His fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University focused on complex spinal deformity.

Dr. Forsthoefel is passionate about diagnosing and treating spine-related pain and disability. He emphasizes conservative approaches and employs advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery as well as complex osteotomies. His goal is to minimize surgical-related pain and promote same-day discharge for patients.

In his personal time, he enjoys weightlifting, cycling, and quality time with his wife and rescue dog, Holmes.

Dr. Forsthoefel will practice at the Des Plaines and Morton Grove Doctors’ Offices.

Tim Keating, MD

Dr. Tim Keating, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, hails from North Carolina. He excelled in biology at Davidson College and swam competitively in NCAA Division 1. After earning his MD from the Medical College of Virginia and joining the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, he completed a prestigious five-year orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center.

With a commitment to pain relief and function restoration, Dr. Keating tailors personalized treatment plans for each patient, using both operative and nonoperative methods. He prioritizes excellent outcomes, customer service, and patient accessibility. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Keating contributes to surgical innovation, collaborating with the medical device industry to enhance precision and reduce invasiveness in surgery.

When not caring for patients, he enjoys family time with his wife, Katie, and their growing family.

Dr. Keating will practice at the Joliet, Naperville, and New Lenox Doctors’ Offices.

Nirav Nagarsheth, MD

Dr. Nirav Nagarsheth is a highly-skilled rheumatologist specializing in diverse rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoporosis. His expertise extends to ultrasound-based joint injections, providing precise pain relief and improved joint function.

Dr. Nagarsheth earned his molecular biology degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his Doctor of Medicine from Saint James School of Medicine. After completing his internal medicine residency, he pursued rheumatology through a fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

At IBJI, he offers holistic musculoskeletal care, crafting personalized treatment plans with advanced imaging and therapies. Beyond medicine, he stays active outdoors, cooks healthily, and values family time, emphasizing balanced living for his patients’ well-being.

Dr. Nagarsheth’s dedication, patient-centered approach, and focus on enhancing functionality and quality of life make him a trusted and respected rheumatologist, helping patients manage conditions and achieve musculoskeletal health.

Dr. Nagarsheth will practice at the Gurnee and Libertyville Doctors’ Offices.

Request an appointment with any of our new physicians by visiting ibji.com.

About Illinois Bone & Joint Institute

Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI) is the largest independent physician-owned orthopedic practice in Illinois. IBJI is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care to your family for every orthopedic specialty with leading-edge technology and innovative treatment options.