What You Should Know About Randy Tack: Letter

From Laura Friedrich:

A lot of negative words have been written about Dr. Randy Tack. I'd like to share my experience as a millennial working mom and Lake Forest resident. Randy hired me about six and a half years ago to be his nurse practitioner. While I had been an RN for several years prior, this job was my first advanced practice role. He has helped me find educational programs to expand my knowledge and expertise. He would find books, clip articles, and save journals for me. About a year and a half into working with Dr. Tack, my lease was up. I wanted to buy a home, but was having a hard time finding the right one. My husband and I were looking on the North Shore. Dr. Tack said, " Please please please look at Lake Forest". He shared that he absolutely loved raising his kids here, and it would be the best place for a young couple to start a family. We took his word, and we moved here.

A year after living in Lake Forest, my mother developed a severe spinal cord injury. She was experiencing extreme neck and arm pain. Her legs went weak, and she couldn't use her left arm. Dr. Tack took action immediately knowing she needed surgery. She required two procedures. He collaborated with a local neurosurgeon and they performed an extensive cervical laminectomy fusion. She is walking without a walker and driving again. She wrote him a thank you note once she gained function back in her arm. It said: "Thank you for saving my life."

The following year, I had some health issues and concerns for infertility. Dr. Tack helped me find a specialist to evaluate my situation because he knew I was in so much pain. I luckily became pregnant, but then had some complications. It was the prime of the Covid-19 pandemic. He immediately took over all my hospital rounding duties so I could work in a safer office environment. I ended up having to leave work early and come back later than planned due to Covid-19 issues and a complicated delivery. I was sad because I did not know how I could keep my job. He worked with my manager and HR department. They found I qualified for an extended leave in an employee clause. I could keep my job fair and square.

While working for Dr. Tack all this time, I'd see him rushing to city council meetings, taking calls with residents and city officials, and reviewing city documents. He would share that while it was challenging to juggle city work and his practice, it was so important to him. He really does read every email sent to him, and researches thoughtful answers. I can attest the reason he has been late to things over the years is because he always puts his patients first. He lets me add on one more surgical case, one more patient in clinic, and he always takes my calls when I need help with a patient. So I'm also sorry, it's likely me that has interrupted him during city functions.

It saddens me to see people write negative things about Dr. Tack, but I can only speak to the positive. I know as he transitions out of his surgical practice this summer, he will be ready to be the Mayor of Lake Forest. He is the most honest person I know. He has a dry sense of humour, and he gives it to you straight. He's truly the best boss I've ever had, and I'm sad he's retiring. I am happy for him that he worked over 30 years as a dedicated surgeon, and I'm excited to see what he does next.

Sincerely,
Laura Friedrich
Lake Forest, IL

This press release was provided by Laura Friedrich. The views expressed here are the author’s own.