It’s the most impulsive thing he’s ever done, declares Dr. Carl W. Soderstrom of buying the historic castle on Grandview Drive—and a great way for him to give back to the community by hosting philanthropic events. It’s certainly a long way from the small office in Morton he founded in 1973 as a young dermatologist right out of medical school.
For more than 40 years, Dr. Soderstrom has been serving central Illinois patients through Soderstrom Skin Institute, one of the country’s most highly regarded skin care facilities. A native of Streator, he earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois and completed residencies in both internal medicine and dermatology at the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
He remains active with Mayo Clinic as a distinguished alumnus, and he is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Soderstrom and his wife, Cris, live in Morton and have five sons.
- Favorite vacation spot: Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
- Person(s) who had the greatest impact on my life: My father and mother. My mother taught me to enjoy learning and appreciate intellectual academics, and my father taught me compassion.
- What was your first job? Selling eggs and tomatoes from our chicken coop and garden when I was eight years old.
- Do you collect anything unique? Kentucky rifles, antique cars and Russian antique icons.
- What book(s) do you think everyone should read? The Qur’an, the Torah and the Bible.
- What was your first car? A 1952 Desoto.
- Favorite aspect of central Illinois: I very much enjoy the four seasons and the fact that Streator, Illinois is where I grew up.
- Favorite occupation: Exercising the compassion of being a physician.
- What is some of the best advice you’ve ever received? Compassion, dignity and respect for all—in addition to study hard, work hard, play hard.
- Proudest moment: Having five sons graduate with advanced degrees from universities. a&s
