Dr. Daniel Hurley, MD

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Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Daniel Hurley, who serves patients throughout the State of Illinois.

A seasoned physiatrist, Dr. Hurley is affiliated with North Shore Medical Group, serving patients in the Skokie and Chicago areas. He specializes in treating spinal disorders from the neck to the low back, cervicogenic or post-concussion headaches, other neurologic and orthopedic disorders, and complex pain problems. He performs a multiple number of diagnostic and therapeutic injection procedures.

“What I hope to do with each patient is to listen: listen to his or her words, listen to what his or her body is saying through symptoms, and listen to his or her spirit – what comes through beyond the words and symptoms. Then I use my knowledge, expertise and experience to attempt to solve the patient’s problem. I apply to each patient a plan unique to his or her situation. Finally, I want the patient to understand his or her problem as much as possible, the plan, and his or her role in that plan. Relief of suffering, creative problem-solving and patient education are what I hope to provide”.

With a broad educational background, Dr. Hurley obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Harvard University in 1979, and graduated with his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1983. He then went on to complete his internship and residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago in 1987, which is the highest ranked training program in his specialty.

An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as in pain medicine, by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). The mission of the ABPMR is to serve the public by improving the quality of patient care in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). This is accomplished through a process of certification and maintenance of certification that fosters excellence and encourages continuous learning.  He scored in the 98th percentile on his last set of Pain Boards testing.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

On a more personal note, Dr. Hurley’s deepest interest is a continual quiet exploration of the presence of God in life. He has a brother who is disabled, and he tries to learn from him the ability to be truly present to others, as he is unabashed in his affection toward those around him. He loves art, nature, sports, music, the past-time of philosophizing and wondering on life, solving the world’s problems, laughing and singing as much as possible. He has written a book on pain, suffering and spirituality entitled Facing Pain, Finding Hope, and he would like to write more. He has also often felt the urge to get more involved in government and politics.  He feels strongly that insurers are becoming far too powerful and controlling in determining patients’ care options and interfering with physician decision-making. Patients need to empower themselves by contacting their insurers and their political representatives.

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