Cynthia M Valukas MD is the Medical Director of CSO Aesthetics. She graduated from Rosalind Franklin University and did both her residency and fellowship at Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, with a special interest in cardiothoracic anesthesia. Prior to her medical education, Dr. Valukas was a classically-trained professional musician, with piano performance as her major. After completion of her medical education, she began her position as staff anesthesiologist at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Within a short time, she became involved in various leadership roles, including Chief of the Department of Anesthesia progressing to larger roles as Secretary-Treasurer, Vice-President, then President of the medical staff in 2008 and then again in 2013-2015. In addition, she has served on several committees focusing on quality and education. She has been named in many publications for excellence by peer selection, including Guide to America's Top Anesthesiologists by Consumer Research Council of America and National Register's Who's Who of Executives and Professionals. In her clinical practice, Dr. Valukas has worked extensively with Dr. Placik since 2003 in the co-management of plastic surgery patients. Her artistic background and knowledge of physiology are well-suited to the unique requirements of an aesthetic practice. She maintains this keen interest in the ever-evolving science of aesthetics.