Geoffrey Dixon M.D., neurosurgeon and president, Chicago Neurological Surgery P.C.

How do you balance your career with fatherhood?
"Fortunately, my profession and the fact that I am in a private practice allows me significant flexibility with regard to my schedule. As a result, I am able to accomplish most of my duties in the morning and early afternoon, leaving me time to spend with my kids after school and in the evening around dinnertime. Also, the weekends are largely unscheduled, and it’s pretty easy to have quality family time."

What are some of the things you like to do in Chicago when you are hanging with your kids?
"The options for spending time with children in Chicago are almost limitless. There are many remarkable parks with everything from complex climbing equipment to waterworks for them to play on. The museums are all fantastic places for educational activities, as well as pure entertainment. We’re also lucky enough to live near the beach as well as having a school playground directly across the street from our house, so we can play outside anytime the weather permits."

We live in kinda scary times these days. What dating advice do you think you'll give your kids when they grow up?
"Hopefully between now and then, we will be able to instill a deep-seated sense of self-esteem in both of our children. This should allow them to make good decisions about the things they will do and whom they will do them with. I don’t think any specific advice is as likely to protect them in the future."

What do you love most about being a dad?
"There are so many magical moments every day as a father watching his children: discovering new things, learning to express themselves more clearly, and of course, manipulating their parents. My favorite thing about being a dad is seeing how my children take my presence and my assistance completely for granted. I hope they never learn to doubt that Daddy is home and that he’ll always be there to help."

Photo: Courtesy of Geoffrey Dixon