Two new doctors join Franciscan Physician Network in Lake County
- By: Franciscan Health
- Last Updated: September 17, 2025
St. John pediatrician, Munster OB/GYN both accepting new patients
A pediatrician and an obstetrician/gynecologist are now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and are accepting new patients in Lake County.
Obstetrician/gynecologist Avani Patel, MD, is accepting new patients in Munster, while pediatrician Katherine Stalbaum, MD, is accepting new patients in St. John.
Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed her residency at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago.
Her clinical interests include full-spectrum obstetric care, including prenatal counseling, labor management and postpartum support; preventive gynecologic care, including well-woman exams, pap smears and HPV vaccination; management of menstrual disorders and abnormal uterine bleeding and overcoming socio-economic barriers to provide patient-centered care.
In addition to English, Dr. Patel is also fluent in Spanish.
Dr. Patel is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual appointments at the Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center, 9800 Valparaiso Drive in Munster. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call (219) 934-9818.
Dr. Stalbaum earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She completed her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C.
Her clinical interests include preventive care, well child visits, mental health, vaccine advocacy and education as well as acute and chronic disease management.
Dr. Stalbaum is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual visits at the Franciscan Physician Network St. John Health Center, 10860 Maple Lane in St. John. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (219) 365-7000.