Our Doctors
Dr. Chin is a recreational tennis player, runner, and golfer and enjoys spending time with his wife Shannen, son Samuel, and daughter Rosalise.
The Running Institute, Founder
Dr. Michael J. Chin, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Chin is a foot and ankle physician and surgeon with a passion for treating the motivated and health-conscious patient. His knowledge in lower extremity biomechanics allows him to treat those ailments at the source. The Running Institute was created from his vision to provide a comprehensive team approach to treating the active Chicago community.
Dr. Chin's practice includes therapeutic laser and shockwave (EPAT) treatments, x-ray, ultrasound, 3-D CT scan, custom foot orthotics, biomechanical analysis of the lower extremity, sports medicine and endurance training related injury evaluation, and corrective procedures for foot and ankle deformities. He also plays an active role in shoe technology and design.
Dr. Chin received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and his Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. He completed his residencies at the Veterans Administration Hospital and Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, and at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. He is affiliated with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American College of Sports Medicine, American Podiatric Medical Association, Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and International Aesthetic Foot Society. He is the Director of the Chicago Marathon Podiatry Medical Tent, as well as, Team Podiatrist for CARA, National AIDS Marathon, Team to End AIDS Marathon Group. Dr. Chin is also on the Board of Directors for Spara, Inc.
Dr. Balu Natarajan, MD
Dr. Natarajan is one of the few physicians in the Chicagoland area who is Board Certified in both Internal & Sports Medicine. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal medicine. Dr. Natarajan received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and continued his studies in medicine at Northwestern Medical School. After residency, he completed a sports medicine fellowship in Minneapolis, MN where he focused specifically on work with high school and college area athletes. Dr. Natarajan began his solo practice in 2003.
In addition, he serves on the Medical Team of the Chicago Marathon and has extensive experience with patients preparing for endurance events. He also serves as team physician for the Chicago Storm and traveled to Brazil with the US World Cup Beach Soccer Team.
As both an internist and Sports Medicine specialist, Dr. Natarajan treats adolescent and adult patients. With his dual specialties, he is particularly qualified to treat “the whole patient” including diabetes, abdominal pains and asthma in athletes.
He was born and raised in Chicago and is, himself, a runner and recreational athlete.