History of Zoetica Organic Wellness Center

The name “Zoetica” is derived from the Greek work “zoetic,” which means wellness or health and well being. This personalized wellness center, the first in the country, is the brainchild of Lillian Ostojich, M.D. Dr. Ostojich was born and raised in Yugoslavia. She received a Doctor of Medicine degree from University of Belgrade in 1982. In 1984, she began a series of residency training and internship positions, both in the US and Yugoslavia, for plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery and burns. This included stints at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Desert Hospital and Medical Center in Palm Springs, California and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. In 1992, she was awarded her M.D. in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from the University of Belgrade.

For a brief time in the early years of the 21st century, Dr. Lilly dabbled in real estate as she tried to focus her interests. In 2001, she discovered kindred spirits at the Anti-Aging Academy, where the dominant philosophy emphasized preserving and protecting health. She combined this philosophy with her fascination with plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, establishing a conceptual foundation for what would later take shape as Zoetica.

In 2003, Dr. Lilly opened a traditional day spa in Lincolnwood to gain first-hand experience and knowledge about the industry and running this type of business. After two years of success, she closed the spa in order to realize her dream of a new model for a wellness-oriented facility that stressed health maintenance as a way to achieve optimal beauty. In 2005, Lilly purchased a property on LaSalle Street in Chicago which opened in winter 2008 as Zoetica. As a recognized leader in the longevity movement, Dr. Lilly is a frequent speaker at many health and wellness and sustainability industry events.