Chicago, Illinois – October 1, 2026 – Just months after getting married in 2014, Ranim Haddad suffered her first miscarriage. While she and her husband, Fuad, initially remained hopeful, they could never prepare themselves for what would come next – 11 years, 20 miscarriages, a still birth, and a baby who died just hours after being born.

But on October 1, 2025, Ranim and Fuad’s dreams of parenthood finally came true. With the help of maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a healthy baby boy named Emmanuel was born.

“We went through 11 years of nonstop heartbreak,” said 36-year-old Ranim. “I was basically pregnant twice a year and wanted to give up so many times. If you have the right support around you, it helps you to keep going and I’m so glad I did.”

Holding out hope

The couple from Alsip, Illinois, was able to conceive both naturally and through in vitro fertilization (IVF), but each one would end in loss. In 2020, just one day after hosting a gender reveal party with family and friends, Ranim’s water broke while she was 18 weeks pregnant. She gave birth at another health system but the baby girl she named Miracle did not survive.

“All of my husband’s siblings got married after us, and they all ended up with babies right away,” said Ranim. “I never felt comfortable. I knew something was wrong, but we just couldn't tell what it was.”

In 2024, Ranim switched her care to Northwestern Medicine and started seeing Susan Gerber, MD, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. During a pregnancy that year, ultrasounds showed no amniotic fluid around the baby which meant no chance of survival outside of the womb. Ranim’s son, Samuel, was born without lungs, and after holding him in her arms, Ranim said goodbye to another baby.

Her luck would finally change in 2025, when she got pregnant again. She was monitored closely by Dr. Gerber’s team and fortunately, experienced no major complications during the pregnancy. After 11 years of waiting, Ranim and Faud’s story finally had a happy ending when Emmanuel was born.

“We evaluated Ranim exhaustively to determine the cause of her losses, and were ultimately unable to find one,” said Dr. Gerber. “We placed a stitch in her cervix during her last pregnancy which may have prevented preterm birth, but that likely has nothing to do with all her first trimester losses. Her success may just be due to her persistence and refusal to give up.”

Life as a new mom

Ranim is embracing life as a mom and rarely leaves Emmanuel’s side. In May 2026, Ranim and Emmanuel wore matching shirts with their photo and the words, “Our First Mother’s Day.”

As Ranim now prepares to celebrate Emmanuel’s first birthday, she’s sharing her story to inspire other women to never give up.

“When I was dealing with each loss, I felt isolated and didn’t want to talk about it with anyone,” said Ranim. “But now I realize, if I had sought support, or heard someone else’s story, it might have helped me. I want other women to know that they’re not alone.”

Common causes of pregnancy loss

About 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. Pregnancy loss happens in about one in four pregnancies, with women over 30 at a higher risk.

Most losses happen in the first trimester and about half are caused by problems with genes or chromosomes. Other factors include:

• Abnormal embryo development
• Existing conditions in the birth parent like high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid issues
• Problems in the uterus like scar tissue or fibroids
• Cervical insufficiency
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases

The obstetrics and gynecology program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to be the highest-ranked in Illinois and among the top 5 in the U.S., per U.S. News & World Report, 2026 – 2027. For more information, visit nm.org.

• Academic Medical Center cohort: Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Large Specialized Complex Care Medical Center cohort
  • Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
• Complex Care Medical Center cohort:
  • Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital
• Community Hospital cohort: Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital
• Pediatric cohort: Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

“This recognition reflects the dedication our physicians, nurses and staff hold in delivering exceptional care every day,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Being among the nation’s top-performing health systems demonstrates our continued focus on advancing medicine, strengthening outcomes and making high-quality care accessible close to home. Above all, this honor represents the confidence our patients place in Northwestern Medicine and the extraordinary care our teams provide across our health system.”

This year, 1,346 participating hospitals were segmented into seven cohorts for the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study. The study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

Additionally, Northwestern Health Network Medical Group was one of only five medical groups in the country to be acknowledged for the Ambulatory Quality and Accountability Top Performer category, demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality outpatient care.  

“Delivering consistently high-quality care requires organizations to align clinical expertise, operational discipline and a continuous focus on improvement,” said David Levine, MD, chief medical officer, Vizient. “The hospitals recognized this year demonstrate what is possible when that commitment is embedded across the organization, resulting in better performance and, most importantly, better care for patients.”

CHICAGO - Northwestern Medicine today announced the launch of the Northwestern Medicine Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care, a transformative new institute dedicated to advancing primary care delivery, education and innovation across the health system. The institute is made possible through a generous anonymous philanthropic gift in honor of Robert J. Havey, MD, a longtime Northwestern Medicine primary care physician, educator and leader.

This extraordinary contribution represents one of the most substantial philanthropic gifts in Northwestern Medicine’s history and among the most significant ever made in support of advancing the vital practice of primary care.

The Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care builds on Northwestern Medicine’s sustained commitment to expanding and strengthening primary care and will serve as a catalyst to develop a nationally recognized, integrated primary care model that sets new global standards for patient care.

“This is a transformational gift that will have a lasting impact on our health system and, most importantly, on the patients and communities we serve,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Primary care is the foundation of better health. It is where relationships begin, prevention takes root and care is coordinated across every stage of life. The Robert Havey, MD, Institute for Primary Care will enable NM to accelerate strengthening primary care as the front door to Northwestern Medicine while expanding access, supporting our clinicians and enabling more proactive, connected care.”

The institute will be focused on optimizing the patient experience through individualized care, advanced technologies and innovative delivery models while fostering a dynamic clinical workforce and advancing the global conversation on the impact of primary care on health outcomes.

Northwestern Medicine will further expand access to high-quality primary care and develop innovative, team-based care models that integrate physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and support staff. Efforts will include:

• Enhancing connectivity so patients can more easily access care
• Expanding support for patients with complex health needs
• Recruiting top primary care clinicians to broaden reach and clinical excellence

The institute will launch a leading-edge professional development curriculum aimed at equipping current physicians with the latest knowledge and innovations while helping train the next generation of primary care clinicians.

Northwestern Medicine will lead the adoption of advanced technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve patient engagement, streamline clinical documentation and enhance care delivery.

The institute builds on more than a decade of investment in primary care across Northwestern Medicine, including innovations in proactive care, care coordination and advanced care planning. Today, Northwestern Medicine operates more than 70 primary care locations. These capabilities provide a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.

Honoring the Legacy of Robert Havey, MD

Robert J. Havey, MD, has dedicated his career to primary care at Northwestern Medicine, serving as a trusted physician, educator and advocate for patients. He is a clinical professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and vice president of operations for Northwestern Medical Group and has long been committed to advancing primary care both locally and globally.

“While it is an honor to have this institute named after me and to have patients express their gratitude by investing in the future of Northwestern Medicine, the work of this institute is bigger than any one person,” said Robert Havey, MD. “I hope this honor will inspire other primary care physicians to understand their vital role in the healthcare system and the lives of each of their patients.”

GLENVIEW, Ill., — A pilot program at the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center using remote blood pressure monitoring to improve care for patients with hypertension has been published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality, highlighting meaningful gains in patient outcomes.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease and often develops without noticeable symptoms. Consistent monitoring is critical to managing the condition and preventing long-term complications.

 “This study reinforces that consistent blood pressure monitoring is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect heart health,” said Emily S. Tuchman, MD, internal medicine at Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center. “By making it easier for patients to track and share readings in real time, we can intervene earlier and prevent complications before they happen.”

 The yearlong study followed nearly 500 patients who used at-home devices to automatically send blood pressure readings to their care teams. Researchers found that, on average, patients experienced a meaningful drop in systolic blood pressure — a reduction associated with lower risk of serious cardiovascular events.

The study also demonstrated that the Northwestern Medicine Glenview Outpatient Center’s team-based approach combining physicians, advanced practice providers and support staff improved care without increasing the workload for primary care clinicians.

“What makes this program innovative is not just the technology, but how the care team works together around it,” said Micah J. Eimer, MD, associate chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine and cardiologist at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. “It’s a model for how we can scale remote monitoring more broadly and reach more patients before high blood pressure leads to serious disease.”

Leaders say the findings point to broader opportunities to expand remote monitoring programs and increase awareness about the importance of regular blood pressure tracking.

“This is a scalable, patient-centered approach to managing a very common and very serious condition,” Eimer said. “Our goal is to expand access to this kind of care so more patients can take control of their blood pressure and their long-term health.”

The research was supported by a Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital Quality and Innovation Grant and is expected to help inform future remote monitoring programs across Northwestern Medicine.

WHEATON, Ill. — A specialized driving rehabilitation program at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is helping teens and young adults on the autism spectrum learn safe driving skills and gain independence behind-the-wheel. Designed to address the unique learning styles, sensory needs and communication preferences often associated with autism spectrum disorders, the program provides comprehensive evaluation and one-on-one training to support individuals in preparing for the Illinois Road Test. 

“There is no single pathway to becoming a driver, and meeting each learner where they are can make a tremendous difference,” said Monica Scalise, MS, OTR/L, CDRS, occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “Our therapists already support individuals on the autism spectrum, but this program was designed to be even more specialized. By considering processing differences, sensory needs and even heightened anxiety, we create individualized plans that build confidence, independence and practical driving skills.”

 A Structured, Tiered Approach

Led by certified driver rehabilitation specialists with advanced training, the Driver Rehabilitation for People with Austim program begins with in-depth assessments to determine readiness and identify sensory or other processing needs. Each participant is then matched to a tiered level of support designed to meet their individual goals.

Training may include classroom instruction, visual scanning and rules‑of‑the‑road education, structured passenger activities and behind‑the‑wheel lessons. Participants typically start in controlled environments, such as parking lots or Marianjoy’s campus roadways, before progressing, when appropriate, to community driving and more complex traffic situations.

Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the process, with instructors providing guidance for supervised driving practice and structured home training to reinforce skills outside of sessions.

“Consistency across environments is critical,” Scalise said. “Using familiar routines, language and vehicles helps reduce anxiety and supports carryover.”

Preparing for the Road Test

Participants in the program follow the same permit and licensing process as any driver in Illinois. As individuals work toward road testing, Marianjoy’s team also provides preparation focused on predictability, confidence and familiarity with the testing process. When appropriate, the program helps coordinate accommodations allowed by the Illinois Secretary of State, such as use of a familiar vehicle during the road test.

Christian Callaway of St. Charles, a 22‑year‑old on the autism spectrum, recently passed the Illinois road test after completing training with Marianjoy’s driver rehabilitation team. Callaway enrolled in the program after demonstrating a strong interest in cars from an early age.

“As a child, Christian learned everything he could about cars – from diffrent makes and models to their mechanics and maintenance – so having access to this program was exciting for our family,”said Peter Callaway, Christian’s father. “The structure of the program helped break the process into manageable steps. We always knew what the focus was and how to practice between sessions.”

“I just love it,” Christian added, referring to his interest in all things cars.

Scalise led Christian through a hybrid training approach through 18 sessions,  working on everything from basic driving skills to navigating community roads and planning routes, with consistent involvement and encouragement from his family. 

Ahead of of his road test, Christian felt confident and excited. “I was ready for it,” he said.

Driving as a Pathway to Independence

For many individuals on the autism spectrum, driving represents increased independence, access to employment, and greater participation in their community. Marianjoy’s program is designed to support those goals without placing unnecessary pressure on timelines.

“Many families don’t realize specialized driver rehabilitation programs exist,” Scalise said. “We want people to know there are options and that driving preparation can happen in a thoughtful, supportive way.”

About Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in medical rehabilitation, providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services for adults and children. Marianjoy’s driver rehabilitation program offers clinical evaluations, structured training and adaptive solutions to promote safe, independent mobility.Marianjoy Hospital’s state‑certified Driver Rehabilitation Program provides highly regarded, comprehensive driving education for individuals with disabilities, delivered by Illinois‑certified driver rehabilitation specialists and instructors using a customizable fleet of adaptive vehicles to support driving independence.

CHICAGO – March 31, 2026 – Black Maternal Health Week is recognized from April 11-17, a time to raise awareness that Black women in the United States are dying from pregnancy-related causes at a higher rate. For the third year, Northwestern Medicine's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is hosting an educational session and open house on Tuesday, April 14, at Prentice Women's Hospital to raise awareness for Black maternal health. 

What: Third annual Improving Black Maternal Health Open House. The event is free to attend and will feature discussion of women's health hot topics, demonstrations on subjects such as pushing positions, exhibitors from Northwestern and the greater Chicago community, along with tours of Labor and Delivery.

When: Tuesday, April 14, from 5-7:30 pm 

Where: Prentice Women's Hospital, third floor atrium, 250 East Superior Street, Chicago

Parking: With registration, attendees can park in Northwestern Medicine Parking Garages A (222 East Huron Street), C (321 East Ontario Street) and D (321 East Ontario Street) at no charge

Register for the event by clicking here. 

Event Highlights: 

- Labor and Delivery Floor tour

- Q&A panel with Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians

- Speakers will address hot topics such as: high risk pregnancies, infertility, mental health, anesthesia and birth preferences

- Exhibitors and demonstrations include: pelvic floor physical therapy, social work, smoking cessation program, midwives and pushing positions, contraception and family planning, genetics, etc. 

- Networking opportunities with physicians and nurses

- Food and beverages will be provided

The Importance of Black Maternal Health
The focus on Black maternal health is crucial due to the stark disparities in maternal mortality rates. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 69 deaths per 100,000 live births, a rate 2.6 times higher than that for non-Hispanic white women. Furthermore, Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, with over 80% of these deaths being preventable. 

Jacqueline Hairston, MD, is a leading voice in the field and maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine. When asked about the disparities in maternal mortality rates, Dr. Hairston explains, “We don’t have a good way of quantifying systemic racism and what we’re using as a proxy is race. We have a long way to go in terms of research, but we know that there are things we can do to improve the health of Black birthing people.”

For more information on overcoming barriers to health, visit nm.org. 

To register for the event, click here.

“Building on the tremendous momentum of our first year, we could not be more excited to welcome this new group of exceptional founders,” said Brad Schnitzer, Managing Director of the Accelerator, Techstars. “Our inaugural class set an incredibly high bar, and we're excited to help this next wave of innovators over the next 13 weeks. We continue to be deeply impressed with the Northwestern Medicine team, whose hands-on support and commitment are invaluable to ensuring these startups succeed in the enterprise healthcare space.”

These early-stage companies are tackling some of the most critical challenges in healthcare today, ranging from digital therapeutics and clinical compliance to advanced proteomics. The three-month, mentorship-driven program will take place at Northwestern Medicine's Mansueto Innovation Institute, right in the heart of Chicago's dynamic healthcare ecosystem.

“We’re excited to welcome the 2026 cohort and continue advancing our mission to inspire the next generation of health care innovation,” said Doug King, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Northwestern Medicine. “Our inaugural program last year proved what’s possible when visionary entrepreneurs partner directly with our clinical teams. In the months ahead, we look forward to collaborating with these new founders as we explore emerging technologies and the meaningful, long-term impact they may have on patient care and the broader health care ecosystem.”

The selected startups for the 2026 class are:

• Arul Health - Boston, MA – A digital health platform built by survivors to elevate cancer survivorship care, providing personalized psycho-oncology therapy, virtual peer support, and integrative medicine guidance.

• ImmPro - Chicago, IL – A pioneer in top-down proteomics for biopharmaceutical development, providing comprehensive, single-particle analysis of proteins to characterize intact proteoforms and gene therapy vectors.

• Verbal - San Jose, CA – An AI-powered clinical compliance and quality assurance platform that ensures written clinical, safety, and billing protocols are followed at the point of care, saving staff hours of manual auditing.

• Slideflow Labs - Chicago, IL – An open-source, unified AI platform for digital pathology that empowers research and healthcare delivery by allowing teams to build, validate, and deploy digital biomarkers using local, low-cost hardware.

• Soihtu DTx - Helsinki, Finland – A digital therapeutics company redefining mental health treatment through immersive video games designed to treat major depressive episodes, offering an engaging alternative for patients resistant to conventional therapies.

Demo Day for the 2026 class will take place in early June 2026, where these startups will pitch to a community of mentors, investors, and healthcare industry leaders.

WHEATON, IL — For Bartlett Police Sergeant Chris Johnson, 42, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a celebration of life after the fight of his life. In March, Johnson was 2 millimeters from death after a rare and deadly Type A aortic dissection, a condition that kills nearly 13,000 Americans annually.

An aortic dissection is a sudden tear in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery. The condition can cause internal bleeding and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Johnson’s survival depended on the rapid response and seamless teamwork of several Northwestern Medicine facilities—most of them close to his home in the Chicago suburbs.  When initial scans didn’t catch the tear, emergency physicians at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital ordered a second scan that revealed the life-threatening condition. This triggered a coordinated effort that ultimately saved his life. After activating the Northwestern Medicine Code Aorta "Direct-to-OR" program, Johnson was airlifted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where a surgical team was waiting to repair Johnson’s aorta during a six-hour open-heart surgery.

"An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency where every second counts. Most patients will die without immediate surgery" said Christopher K. Mehta, MD, his cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. "In this case rapid diagnosis and transfer through our Corta Aorta program were critical to get him to definitive surgery so we could save his life."

Johnson’s fight didn’t end in the operating room. After 10 days in the ICU, he began intensive rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital with the goal of not only getting back on his feet, but ultimately back on the beat.

“I 100 percent would not have been able to come back like I did if it wasn’t for the help of Marianjoy,” said Johnson. “It was a lot of work—arm exercises, hand exercises, fine motor skills like putting pegs in holes with one hand. All that repetitiveness helped me get back to the job I love.”

Rehabilitation’s Crucial Role in Recovery
Beth Bosak, OTR/L, MHS, occupational therapist, at Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, developed a rehabilitaton plan focused on Johnson’s goals of returning to full duty, taking care of his family, and enjoying the things he loves.

“We look at roles—what’s important to them at home and at work,” Bosak explained. “For Chris, that meant simulating tasks that use the same muscles and cognitive skills he needs as a police officer. We break down every movement—what muscles, what coordination, what brain function—and rebuild it step by step. It was incredible to see him accomplish those things, even on days he left discouraged.”

With time and hardwork, Johnson regained the fine motor skills essential for police work—handling equipment, writing reports, and performing tasks under pressure. For Bosak, his success highlights the crucial role of  rehabilitation after a health crisis, not just for physical recovery, but for restoring a patient’s independence and identity.

A Family and Community That Rallied
Johnson’s determination wasn’t just for himself—it was for his family. At home in Carol Stream, he’s a husband and father to two children: an 11-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Before his health crisis, Johnson loved playing basketball, hitting the gym, and staying active—habits that mirrored his demanding role as a detective sergeant with the Bartlett Police Department.

“Every day I take it one step at a time,” Johnson said. “I’ve changed my eating habits, I’m more cautious, but I’m grateful to be here for my wife, my kids.”

His comeback is more than personal—it’s a victory for the entire Bartlett community, where he is known for his joyful spirit and commitment to service. His experience has sparked conversations about officer wellness and preventive care.

“He’s one of those guys with a joyful spirit who wants to make an impact in the community,” said Bartlett Deputy Chief of Support Services William Naydenoff. “His goal from day one was to get back to work full duty. If you looked at him on a Monday, by Wednesday he was light years ahead.”

A Friendship That Spans Decades
Johnson’s story is also about friendship. Bartlett Chief of Police Ryan Conway has known Chris for more than 30 years, a bond that began in high school and grew through their careers in law enforcement.

“Chris and I have been close since high school,” Conway said. “When I heard what happened, I called and left a message: ‘I love you, dude. I know you’re going to be all right.’ We wanted his wife and kids to know they had a family behind them—bigger than they imagined. Law enforcement as a whole was pulling for them.”

Conway says Johnson’s return is nothing short of a blessing:

“I truly believe he was spared for a higher purpose. His strength and work ethic inspire all of us. Having him back is incredible—he’s my sounding board, my strength. He’s got your six—not just as a backup officer, but as a wellness officer, making sure everyone here takes care of themselves.”

Just 10 weeks after his ordeal, Johnson returned to active duty, astonishing colleagues and inspiring his community. Now, he advocates for hypertension awareness, especially among Black men and those in high-stress professions.

“We have to get away from that stigma of ‘I’m fine.’ Go get checked. Do your physicals, follow-ups, blood work. It could save your life,” Johnson said.

This Thanksgiving, Johnson says he’s grateful for more than turkey:

“I’m thankful for every doctor, nurse, therapist, and friend who worked together to give me a second chance—and for the chance to sit at the table with my family.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

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CHICAGO - Northwestern Medicine has once again earned gold-level recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine^® organization. The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician’s association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care.

“This honor is a direct reflection of the commitment our health system has made to supporting the health and wellness needs of our physicians and clinical staff,” said Gaurava Agarwal, MD, Chief Wellness Executive, Northwestern Medicine. “Creating a positive work environment that enhances the professional fulfillment on our workforce will enable us to support the health care needs of our patients and the communities we are so proud to serve.”

Northwestern Medicine prioritizes the health and well-being of the health system’s physicians, nurses and staff. Under the leadership of Dr. Agarwal, the Office of Well-Being develops and delivers evidence-based programs to support and nurture clinicians and employees across the organization. For the fourth consecutive year, employee and physician burnout has declined across the system. One of the key programs that continues to serve as a driving force is the Scholars of Wellness program. Now in its seventh year, this professional development program equips physicians, advanced practice providers (APP) and pharmacists with the tools and expertise to lead impactful well-being projects within their teams.

Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams. Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the Covid pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023. Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.

“Joy in Medicine recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 200 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. This year, a total of 109 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Organizations that earned 2025-2026 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 164 recognized organizations.

“Every day our physicians, nurses and staff demonstrate their commitment to better medicine, better outcomes and better patient care” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings as one of the top hospitals in the U.S.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2025-26 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 1 (tie) in Illinois and metropolitan Chicago.  Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked top 10 in 8 specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 7); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10); Geriatrics (No. 9); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 6); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 6); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 7); and Urology (No. 10).
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 10 in both Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is ranked No. 17 (tie) in Illinois and No. 16 (tie) in the Chicago metropolitan area.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings

CHICAGO - PathAI, a leading provider of AI-powered pathology solutions, and Northwestern Medicine, Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system, today announced a strategic collaboration to transform pathology diagnostics through artificial intelligence. This multi-year collaboration will see Northwestern Medicine implement PathAI’s AISight digital pathology image management system with the goal of driving efficiency and quality in pathology operations. In addition to the digital innovation efforts, this joint effort establishes a broad framework for joint research initiatives, clinical innovation programs, and co-development of new AI-powered diagnostic tools aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Key components of the PathAI–Northwestern Medicine partnership include:

●     Deployment of PathAI’s AISight digital pathology platform: Northwestern Medicine’s 95 pathologists will begin utilizing AISight to review pathology cases enabling remote case review across Northwestern Medicine’s 11 hospitals

●     Joint research projects in AI-powered pathology: PathAI scientists and Northwestern Medicine’s pathology researchers will collaborate on studies to explore new applications of AI in digital pathology (e.g. enhancing cancer detection, quantifying biomarkers, and discovering novel disease patterns).

●     Clinical innovation initiatives: The collaborators will pilot AI tools in clinical settings at Northwestern Medicine, integrating AI insights into pathology practice to improve diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and patient care.

●     Co-development of new diagnostic algorithms: Northwestern Medicine’s pathologists will work with PathAI to develop and refine next-generation AI tools, leveraging real-world clinical data and feedback to create algorithms tailored to unmet medical needs.

For Northwestern Medicine, the deployment of AISight enables pathologists to manage and review cases in a fully digital environment enhanced by advanced AI capabilities. AISight’s cloud-native platform allows high-resolution pathology images to be analyzed using PathAI’s machine learning algorithms. By streamlining case assignment, slide viewing, and analysis on a centralized system, the platform has the potential to enhance workflow efficiency, enabling seamless collaboration among Northwestern Medicine’s pathologists, including remote consultations across the health system, and maintain high diagnostic quality and consistency.

Beyond the technology implementation, the collaboration will combine Northwestern Medicine’s clinical expertise with PathAI’s computational prowess to drive innovation in pathology. Teams from Northwestern Medicine and PathAI will launch joint research initiatives to develop and rigorously validate new AI models for pathology. The insights and algorithms generated from this research will be rapidly translated into clinical practice at Northwestern Medicine. Through co-development and clinical data validation, the partnership will ensure that these AI-driven diagnostic tools are effective in real-world settings and truly augment the pathologist’s capabilities, ultimately leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses for patients.

“At PathAI, our mission is to advance medicine by improving the accuracy and efficiency of pathology through AI,” said Andy Beck, MD, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of PathAI. “Collaborating with Northwestern Medicine allows us to bring this mission to life on a large scale. We are thrilled to collaborate with an institution at the forefront of clinical excellence to deploy AISight and jointly develop AI tools that could redefine diagnostic pathology and improve patient outcomes.”

“Integrating this technology into our workflow represents a significant leap forward for our pathology program,” said Daniel J. Brat, MD, PhD, Chair of Pathology, Northwestern Medicine. “By adopting digital pathology and advanced AI tools like AISight, our pathologists will be able to analyze cases more efficiently and with enhanced precision. This collaboration positions Northwestern Medicine at the cutting edge of innovation in pathology, enabling us to conduct groundbreaking research and ultimately deliver even better diagnostic care to our patients.”

PathAI and Northwestern Medicine expect that their combined efforts will accelerate the adoption of AI in clinical pathology and serve as a model for how AI can be integrated into healthcare to improve outcomes.

¹AISight® is for Research Use Only in the US; AISight® Dx is CE-IVD marked in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland.

“For both patients and physicians, it can be challenging to balance the risk and benefits of continuous anticoagulation therapy,” said Rod Passman, MD, MSCE cardiac electrophysiologist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and director of the Center for Arrhythmia Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Currently, standard of care for AFib leaves many patients on blood thinners for the rest of their lives even if they experience very infrequent arrhythmias either on their own or as the result of medications or ablation treatment.”

The seven-year trial will recruit participants at more than 80 sites nationwide, randomizing them to either receive the current standard of care of continuous blood thinners or the “pill-in-pocket” treatment directed by a study app on Apple Watch. The trial will also examine whether this new approach can reduce major bleeding events compared to continuous therapy.

Dr. Passman is leading a clinical trial that, if successful, could potentially provide a more personalized approach to preventing AFib-related stroke. The Rhythm Evaluation for AntiCoagulaTion (REACT-AF) trial will  monitor a participant’s AFib episodes to attempt to reduce patients’ continuous and lifelong reliance on blood-thinning medication. A collaboration between Northwestern Medicine and the American Heart Association, the study is funded by a multi-million-dollar grant awarded to Northwestern University and Johns Hopkins University from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

“We know that risk of stroke is greatest in the weeks following an episode of AFib then returns to a low level, which suggests the potential for anticoagulant therapy only as needed rather than every day of the year,” says Dr. Passman, the principal investigator for REACT-AF. “However, many patients have no symptoms of AFib, so treating in the moment is challenging. That’s where wearable technology comes in.”

The trial will use a custom study app on Apple Watch that utilizes its powerful heart health features to monitor heart activity and notify patients when they’re entering an episode. When alerted to an episode, participants will start blood-thinning medications only for a few weeks when they are considered at highest risk for stroke.

“If we can show this ‘pill-in-pocket’ strategy is equally protective against stroke and also reduces bleeding caused by these blood thinners, that could potentially save lives, reduce cost, improve quality of life and fundamentally change the standard of care for millions of patients living with AFib,” said Dr. Passman, who for ten years has studied solutions to end the standard “one-size-fits-all” practice of prescribing lifelong blood thinners to everyone with AFib.

To participate in the clinical trial, individuals must have an iPhone. Apple Watch devices are provided to participants through a contribution from Apple.

“This is an exciting opportunity to better understand how this technology can help us better personalize patient care,” said Dr. Passman. “Why should patients expose themselves to the risk and cost of these drugs when they may not be benefiting?”

Individuals interested in enrolling in the study should visit ClinicalTrials.gov to review inclusion criteria and find a trial site near them.

Northwestern is the lead study site. Partnering institutions include Johns Hopkins, Stanford University and University of California at San Francisco. REACT-AF is funded by grant number 1U24HL165066-01; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05836987.

For information on the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute’s Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders or to find other cardiovascular clinical trials, visit heart.nm.org. To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit news.nm.org.

About Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute

Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is an innovative powerhouse in developing the latest, safest advances in cardiovascular care. Anchored in downtown Chicago, it has expanded and integrated across the Northwestern Medicine health system, bringing advanced cardiovascular services close to where patients live and work. Consistently recognized as one of the top cardiology and cardiac surgery programs in the country, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked seventh in the country by U.S. News & World Report in the annual “America’s Best Hospitals” rankings.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine’s top ranked cardiovascular care, go to nm.org/heart or call (312) NM-HEART. For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

ORLAND PARK, Ill. – March 24, 2025 – William Brtis, 67, says the first sign something wasn’t right was when he noticed blood in his urine in January 2023.

Brtis went to Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital for tests and a mass was discovered in his bladder.

Upon further testing, pathologists diagnosed the Oak Forest man with muscle-invasive high-grade urothelial carcinoma, an aggressive form of bladder cancer. Six days later, Brtis was given another diagnosis – right lung adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer.

“While undergoing the work-up for the bladder cancer, we were surprised that he, at the same time, had another cancer. It was a lung cancer and that complicated things for him, because it wasn’t a straightforward case,” said Yazan Numan, MD, a medical oncologist at the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute in Orland Park.

Two cancers at the same time

While rare, Dr. Numan says patients can have two cancers at the same time.

“Usually, from five to 10% of patients can get diagnosed with two cancers at the same time. Usually, this is due to a genetic or familial predisposition that certain types of cancers can run in the family,” Dr. Numan said.

Brtis, who has 10 siblings, wasn’t aware of any familial predisposition to cancer. A non-smoker, he said the lung cancer diagnosis hit him hard.

“They found some white spots, and it was a cancerous lesion in my lung. And that's about the only thing that scared me. It could be a death sentence, which is how I thought about it,” Brtis said.

Devising a treatment plan to cure two cancers

Brtis’ care team held multidisciplinary meetings to come up with the best course of action.

“We had multiple meetings with different doctors from different specialties. At Northwestern Medicine, we have several tumor boards for different types of cancers, and we discussed his case with many doctors to come up with the best treatment plan for him,” Dr. Numan said.

Brtis first underwent surgery to remove the mass on his bladder and then began several weeks of chemotherapy. When the treatment wasn’t progressing the way the team hoped, the decision was made to conduct surgery to remove Brtis’ bladder.

In May 2023, Joshua Meeks, MD, PhD, urologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, performed a successful cystoprostatectomy, the removal of the bladder and the prostate. 

With the bladder cancer cured, treating the lung cancer was next

After recovering from surgery, in August 2023, Brtis began a regimen that included both chemotherapy and daily radiation treatments for his lungs.

Haider Ali Shirazi, MD, medical director of radiation oncology at the St. George Cancer Institute collaborated with Dr. Numan to determine Brtis’ treatment plan.

“He was treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy,” Dr. Shirazi said. “It allows the radiation oncologist to make sure we minimize the doses to certain organs and maximize the dose to the tumor, while minimizing side effects at the same time.”

Cancer treatments don’t have to put life on hold

From the beginning, Brtis told his care team that he would like to continue working, if possible. A forklift operator, Brtis works second shift, unloading trucks at RJW Logistics in Lockport.

Even as he underwent five weeks of daily radiation treatments and weekly chemotherapy infusions, Brtis surprised his care team by working the entire time.

“I was teasing the nurses about it, saying, ‘You're not putting chemo in me. You're putting water in me,’ because nothing was bothering me at all,” Brtis said.

Brtis experienced minimal side effects from the chemotherapy. His only hair loss came in the form of his eyelashes, which have since grown back.

“It's really a testament to William how well he tolerated such intense treatment. It never got his spirits down. He was always very friendly despite having to come in for daily treatments for almost six weeks, and everyone got to know him and got to love him,” Dr. Shirazi said.

Every tool in the cancer toolkit

In early 2024, Brtis began immunotherapy treatments, another tool in the cancer toolkit.

He was scheduled to continue the weekly therapy until September 2024, but scans taken in June showed the lung cancer lesions were gone, allowing the immunotherapy treatments to be halted early. Brtis is now cancer-free.

“William received every tool available to us. He had surgery and received chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Lastly, he has been on a treatment to prevent cancer recurrence that targets a certain mutation of his cancer. And that's how we ended up with a successful outcome,” Dr. Numan said.

“I am so happy that he's doing well. It's almost a year and a half since he completed his radiation treatment. He basically has no side effects from his lung cancer treatment. He’s been able to adapt to the consequences of his cystoprotatectomy, the removal of the bladder and the prostate, and he hasn't let it hold him back at all,” Dr. Shirazi said.

About Northwestern Medicine Cancer Care

With the exception of the cystoprostatectomy, Brtis was able to receive all his cancer care less than 20 minutes from his Oak Forest home at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute.

The Orland Park cancer center offers hematology and medical oncology care, laboratory services, nutritional counseling and social work. A full-service infusion suite and specialty pharmacy provide onsite chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and supportive care. New cancer therapies are now available in the south suburbs through participation in clinical trials, before these treatments become more widely available.

For more information about the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute, visit nm.org.

CHICAGO - Northwestern Medicine, Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system, and Vitestro, a pioneer in autonomous robotic vascular access and diagnostic blood collection, today announced a multi-year collaboration to advance automation in phlebotomy and transform the patient experience.

As part of this collaboration, Northwestern Medicine will participate in a multicenter clinical trial validating the performance and safety of Vitestro’s Aletta™—the world’s first Autonomous Robotic Phlebotomy Device™ (ARPD™). The goal of the study is to generate key clinical evidence to support adoption of automated phlebotomy as a scalable solution for U.S. hospital and outpatient blood draw centers.

“At Northwestern Medicine, we are dedicated to pioneering innovations that elevate patient care and operational excellence,” said Gary A. Noskin, MD, senior vice president, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, and president, Northwestern Medical Group. “Our collaboration with Vitestro is a step forward in transforming diagnostic testing by automating venous blood collection. Through this relationship our goal is to improve efficiency, enhance sample integrity, and redefine the patient experience through cutting-edge technology.”

By automating and standardizing blood collection, this collaboration aims to:

• Address critical phlebotomy workforce shortages by providing a scalable, automated solution.
• Enhance operational efficiency and patient throughput in high-volume hospital outpatient settings.
• Improve sample quality and integrity, reducing errors associated with manual venipuncture.
• Expand access to high-quality blood collection while enhancing patient comfort and overall care.

“We are privileged to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine in setting a new standard for laboratory automation,” said Brian Joseph, Co-founder of Vitestro. “Vitestro’s mission is to empower hospitals and laboratories with transformative robotic solutions that drive efficiency, improve clinical outcomes, and elevate the patient experience. This collaboration will further validate the role of automation in modernizing blood collection.”

As Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system, Northwestern Medicine offers patients access to world class, compassionate care at 11 hospitals and more than 200 diagnostic and ambulatory sites.

“Phlebotomy remains one of the last manual processes in laboratory medicine, and automation presents a pivotal opportunity to transform it,” said Gregory S. Retzinger, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Pathology Clinical Services, Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This collaboration goes beyond evaluating autonomous robotic phlebotomy — it has the potential to solve urgent staffing challenges and redefining the future of laboratory medicine.

“We are proud to partner with Northwestern Medicine’s visionary leadership, who recognize the future in phlebotomy automation,” said Bob Gerberich, CCO of North America at Vitestro. “Their commitment, along with the work of our other U.S. clinical trial partners, will be instrumental in establishing a new standard in total laboratory workflow automation. This collaboration marks a defining moment in making autonomous blood collection an integral part of modern healthcare.”

CHICAGO - The Northwestern Medicine and Techstars Healthcare Accelerator is thrilled to announce the startups selected for its inaugural class. The program is designed to provide healthcare startups with resources, mentorship, and network to scale across the healthcare industry.

“It’s hard to overstate just how competitive the selection process was this year,” said Brad Schnitzer, Managing Director of the Accelerator, Techstars. “The talent and passion of these founders are exceptional, and we’re excited to help them over the next 13-weeks. We’ve also been incredibly impressed with the Northwestern Medicine team, who have been so accessible and deeply committed to ensuring the success of this program. Northwestern’s support is invaluable, and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with such a hands-on health system.”

These early-stage companies are tackling some of the most critical challenges in healthcare today. The three-month, mentorship-driven program will take place at Northwestern Medicine’s Mansueto Innovation Institute, right in the heart of Chicago’s dynamic healthcare ecosystem.

“We are excited to support this well-deserving inaugural class as they build the next wave of health care innovation,” said Doug King, chief information officer, Northwestern Medicine. “Over the next few months, we will have the opportunity to engage, converse and explore the latest in innovation and technology and the potential long-term impact it may have on the health care ecosystem.”

The selected startups for the 2025 class are:

• Decimal Code (Chicago, IL) – Helping healthcare providers eliminate operational waste through automated medical coding and improved billing accuracy.
• LastMinute (Boston, MA) – Optimizing healthcare workforce management with AI to reduce staffing inefficiencies.
• efficientSC (New York, NY) – Empowering hospitals to manage supply disruptions more effectively and efficiently.
• Aimedica (Birmingham, AL) – Delivering evidence-based EHR automation to improve reimbursement accuracy, care quality, and compensation integrity
• ExactRx (Nashville, TN) – Converting care facilities into an AI-native, intelligent, data-driven environment.
• Voythos (Houston, TX) – Using Multimodal AI to transform cardiovascular disease management and treatment.

Demo Day for the inaugural class will take place on June 5, 2025, where these startups will pitch to a community of mentors, investors, and healthcare industry leaders.

CHICAGO — Northwestern Medicine announced a new initiative with Peloton, launching a 30-minute heart health walk featuring Peloton Instructor, Matt Wilpers, and Northwestern Medicine’s Clyde Yancy, MD, chief of cardiology.  The class coincides with Heart Awareness Month, and is the latest addition to Peloton’s Health Centered class collection, which includes conversations with medical advisors on how to incorporate movement for lifestyle goals and chronic conditions.

“Collaborating with Peloton on such an important topic as heart disease will have a meaningful impact on patients and Peloton members,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Leveraging Dr. Yancy’s heart care expertise and Matt Wilpers’s health and exercise experience is the perfect combination for class participants to gain heart health knowledge while having an enjoyable workout experience.”

The newly launched class seeks to raise awareness of the importance of heart health. According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. To address this staggering reality, the class invites participants to take a step towards building healthy habits with Matt and Dr. Yancy in a workout about heart health as they walk to some of your favorite tracks.

“Typically, we promote heart healthy messaging in the scientific, and occasionally the lay literature, but promoting heart healthy lifestyles on a vibrant activity-oriented platform like Peloton is innovative,” said Clyde Yancy, MD, chief of cardiology, Northwestern Medicine. “Peloton embraces a robust engaged community capable of extending our messaging even further. That’s powerful. Creating a fun dynamic exchange promoting optimal lifestyle choices opens healthy possibilities we’ve never accessed before.”

As part of this initiative, Northwestern Medicine will have access to Peloton’s corporate wellness benefit offerings, which includes preferred pricing on memberships and equipment, and custom engagement experiences for employees. The health system is committed to delivering best-in-class wellness solutions for its workforce.

“With the support and expertise of Northwestern Medicine and Dr. Yancy, we’ve created a heart-healthy Peloton walking class designed for new and existing Peloton members, while also coordinating with Northwestern Medicine to make Peloton classes more accessible to their employees," said Greg Hybl, SVP and General Manager of Peloton for Business. “These health centered classes encourage Members to think of fitness as a commitment to overall well-being.”

Northwestern Medicine is Chicago’s premier integrated academic health system. Dedicated to providing the most advanced health care to patients, the health system is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For 13 consecutive years, Northwestern Memorial has been named to the Best Hospital Honor Roll by U.S. News and World Report, with 11 specialties ranked nationally. Most noteworthy being, Northwestern Memorial is one of only three hospitals in the nation to receive a U.S. News rating of High Performing in all procedures and conditions. The health system’s cardiology program is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and provides patients with access to state-of-the art therapies, highly specialized cardiovascular care and innovative clinical trials.

CHICAGO – Just three weeks before getting married, Annesley Clark (they/them/theirs) had to cancel their wedding. The 33-year-old from Chicago, Ill., had a life-threatening infection and a mass growing on their heart. Clark needed open-heart surgery right away.  

Because of the infection, the risks from surgery increased significantly and their outcome was uncertain. Clark and their partner, Christine Corso (they/them/theirs), were determined to say their vows before it was too late. 

The nursing staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital had formed a special bond with the couple and despite not having much time, they pulled together a wedding in less than 24 hours.   

“Annesley is one of the most positive people I have ever met and constantly uplifts others,” said Tien Mai, a clinical nurse on 11W Feinberg at Northwestern Memorial. “They asked if it was possible to have a wedding the next day before surgery, and the moment I heard that, I made all the calls necessary. From blowing up balloons at the nurses' station to safely preparing them to walk down the aisle, my whole team made all the details perfect. Seeing Annesley smile as they walked down the aisle was the best feeling.” 

On October 9, one day before heart surgery, the nurses transformed the hospital waiting room into a wedding venue with balloons, decorations, flowers, and a makeshift altar. Clark’s close family, friends, and dozens of hospital staff gathered to celebrate their big day. 

“I am so grateful for the care that I’ve received from these doctors and nurses,” said Clark. “I have spent more than a third of the past 15 months at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Many of the nurses at our hospital wedding were invited to our planned wedding in November. We’ve built such a great relationship with these people, and I have come to feel so cared for and seen by them. They’ve seen me in times that are really rough and scary, and I’m so glad they got to witness the enormity of the joy today.” 

A race against the clock 

The wedding allowed Clark and Corso to enjoy a few hours of bliss during an otherwise unnerving time. While most couples look ahead to a honeymoon on their wedding night, Clark was preparing for open heart surgery.  

Benjamin Bryner, MD, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, says he normally opts for a minimally invasive way to operate, but in Clark’s case, the mass on their heart was too big. Despite the infection and a suppressed immune system making Clark a poor candidate, open heart surgery was the only option.  

“We wanted to get this mass out as quickly as we could because we were worried about a bloodstream infection,” said Dr. Bryner. “The infection was not going to go away until we got the mass out. We have to try not to disturb other structures, and we don’t want pieces of the mass to break off and get sent to other parts of the body. So, we settled on opening the heart up and taking the mass out directly. The safest way to do that was through cardiopulmonary bypass, which is like a safety net that cardiac surgeons build for themselves. That allowed us to open the heart and salvage all of the blood that was coming out. We could then see this mass really clearly, lift it out of the heart, and then close it back up. Everything went very smoothly just like we had hoped.” 

Clark underwent surgery on October 10 and the mass was successfully removed. They spent a few weeks recovering in the hospital and are now enjoying their new married life with a healing heart.

The newlyweds are looking forward to their first holiday season as a married couple, with a lot to be thankful for.

To learn more about heart surgery and other cardiac treatments, visit nm.org.  

London and Chicago – [19^th November] – The London Clinic, the UK’s largest independent charitable hospital and Northwestern Medicine, a leading U.S. based academic healthcare organisation, have announced a ground-breaking international collaboration. It is a wide-ranging agreement that will accelerate The London Clinic’s infrastructure improvements and growth ambitions in the years ahead.

 With a combined 250 years of delivering healthcare in the community, and sharing a not-for-profit ethos, this strategic agreement is a natural extension of both organisations’ commitment to improving healthcare and enhancing lives worldwide.

The London Clinic will draw on Northwestern Medicine’s experience in healthcare innovation, technology and research, alongside operational efficiency. It will greatly strengthen The London Clinic’s long-term position as the leading independent charitable hospital in the UK, defined by patient outcomes and community impact.

By leveraging The London Clinic’s exceptional reputation, Northwestern Medicine aims to expand its international reach, build partnerships with other healthcare systems, and develop patient-centred pathways with world-renowned consultants. This collaboration will further Northwestern Medicine’s mission to make people better by making medicine better.

The collaboration will focus on four key areas:

1. Enhancing Patient Care: By combining clinical expertise to deliver better care through increased access to innovative treatments.
2. Amplifying Charitable Impact: A shared commitment to philanthropy to enable both organisations to expand their community outreach and increase access to care.
3. International Collaboration: Consultants/physician leaders will collaborate in patient care, research and innovation to deliver advances in the care of rare and complex conditions.
4. Maximising Performance: Sharing best practice to optimise operational efficiency which will allow more resources to be directed towards patient care and charitable initiatives. 

Al Russell, CEO of The London Clinic, shared his excitement for what the new relationship will bring, “This is an incredibly defining moment in our history, and we’re thrilled to be working with the team from Northwestern Medicine as we embark on this next chapter together to set a new world-class standard in healthcare. Not only have we found a partner that shares the same not-for-profit values, but one with the scale that will give our charity access to the resources we need. We are determined to do as much as we can to support the health challenges our country faces. This collaboration with Northwestern Medicine will take this support to a new level, allowing us to further fulfil our charitable purpose.”

Remarking on the importance of the relationship, Howard Chrisman, MD, President and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare said, “Driven by our Patients First mission, we believe this strategic collaboration has the potential to redefine patient care and accelerate our ability to learn and share from a like-minded organisation with an exceptional reputation for clinical care. Leveraging the expertise of both organisations will enhance our collective ability to implement innovative healthcare solutions and drive breakthrough research for the betterment of all patients.”

About The London Clinic
The London Clinic is a leading independent charitable hospital, situated in Harley Street, in the heart of London’s medical district. Opened in February 1932, it has been at the forefront of healthcare for nearly 100 years. Her Majesty The Queen is the Patron. As a charity, The London Clinic reinvests all its surplus to further its mission of advancing healthcare for the benefit of the wider community, through programmes including clinical education, scientific PhD’s, innovation and community outreach.

About Northwestern Medicine
A leading U.S. based academic healthcare organisation, Northwestern Medicine offers patients access to world-class, compassionate care at 11 hospitals and more than 200 diagnostic and ambulatory sites. The health system is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For 13 consecutive years, Northwestern Memorial has been named on the Best Hospital Honor Roll by U.S. News and World Report, with 11 specialties ranked nationally; and is one of only three U.S. hospitals to receive a U.S. News rating of High Performing in all procedures and conditions. To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit NM.org.

CHICAGO – After serving 21 years in the U.S. Army, Louis Smith’s heart only functioned at 10 percent. The father of three from Country Club Hills, Ill., had been visiting the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVA) for about one year before his symptoms suddenly got worse. Just before Thanksgiving 2023, the then 65-year-old was told he needed a new heart.  

Louis was transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he waited just two weeks for his new heart. Before his transplant surgery on December 31, 2023, he wasn’t nervous, wasn’t scared, but did have one request for his surgeon.  

“Can you do me a favor? When you cut me, can you try to save the tattoo on my chest?” said Smith. “It’s a saying that me and my late father used to say. We would listen to ‘I did it my way’ by Frank Sinatra. That’s our saying. If you can please not destroy the tattoo, I’ll be just fine.” 

Benjamin Bryner, MD, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, made sure both the incision and stiches would preserve every inch of Smith’s tattoo.  

“Mr. Smith had some tattoos that we were eager to save as best we could,” said Dr. Bryner. “There’s no way to do a transplant without leaving a scar behind, but we did our best to make sure the tattoos would at least line up and we were happy with the final results.”

Serving His Country and Needing a New Heart

Smith enlisted in the Army when he was just 17 years old, following in the footsteps of his father. His more than two decades of service took him through tours in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Germany, and Korea, but feeling his heart begin to fail was something this soldier was not prepared for.  

“I used to wake up every morning around two o’clock,” said Smith. “It felt like somebody was either choking me or standing on my chest. And I couldn’t breathe. It was like somebody just turned off my air.” 

Smith suffered from cardiac amyloidosis, an underdiagnosed disease that causes heart failure. It occurs when protein builds up and is deposited in tissues where it isn’t supposed to be. This can lead to organ damage, notably in the heart. Cardiac amyloidosis impacts up to 25 percent of people over the age of 80, with African American patients at a higher risk.  

During his time in the Army, Smith was active and never had any issues with his health. He was 63 years old by the time he learned about the genetic condition he’s had since birth. Because his case was so advanced, not only did he need a heart transplant, but Sarah Chuzi, MD, a heart failure and heart transplantation specialist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and JBVA, recommended he be moved up on the list.  

“I went to visit him in the hospital and noticed he was short of breath just walking from his bed to the bathroom,” said Dr. Chuzi. “That was so out of character for him, so unlike him. I could tell that he really felt like things were changing rapidly. So, we recommended that he not only be listed for heart transplant but that he be listed at a very high status which gave him priority on the heart transplant list.”

Almost one year later, Smith is doing well and is back to his old routine. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 47 years, Jacquelyn, his three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Smith is an avid biker, and often takes cross-country trips with friends on his motorcycle. He’s even taken one trip with his new heart.  

“I’m a soldier and a heart transplant survivor,” said Smith. “And I love my new heart.” 

More about the Advanced Heat Failure Clinic at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center 

For more than 77 years, Northwestern Medicine has partnered with the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVA) in Chicago. Medical residents from the hospital system rotate through the VA clinic during their medical training, and it’s the longest-running academic affiliation in the VA system.  

In 2022, Sarah Chuzi, MD, a heart failure and heart transplantation specialist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, established an Advanced Heart Failure Clinic at JBVA. Dr. Chuzi rotated through JBVA during her medical training and since then, she’s dedicated her career to helping veterans.

“The JBVA is very unique,” said Dr. Chuzi. “We serve about 62,000 veterans and about 70 percent of those veterans identify as Black. That is a population that is very underserved for a number of reasons. They face a lot of health barriers but also a lot of structural barriers to health like systemic racism, a lot of trauma, and PTSD. The combination of all these factors really does adversely affect their health.”

The clinic offers evidence-based heart failure care that includes medical therapy, devices, and other diagnostic tests and procedures. Patients from the heart failure clinic are often referred to Northwestern Medicine for specialized surgeries and treatments. Dr. Chuzi and her team will soon participate in heart failure clinical trials out of JBVA, including ones looking at new medications to improve patient outcomes.

To learn more about heart failure treatment options, visit nm.org. 

Chicago – October 24, 2024 – Northwestern Medicine has announced a major new center focused on leveraging insights from artificial intelligence (AI) for rapid discovery in Alzheimer’s disease research.

 A $25 million gift from Wendy and Jim Abrams and the Eleven Eleven Foundation will endow the The Abrams Research Center on Neurogenomics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, with a mission to drive scientific innovations and develop effective interventions for Alzheimer’s disease. The new center, led by David Gate, PhD, assistant professor of Neurology in the Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, will integrate AI and other leading-edge genomics technologies, computational approaches and strategic international collaborations.

 "We are thrilled to support the world-class research team at Northwestern Medicine. Through collaboration and technological innovation, we are optimistic that their efforts will bring us closer to finding a cure in the near future," said Wendy and Jim Abrams.

Through the establishment of the center, the Northwestern team will create a suite of new AI tools and analysis methods that allow neuroscientists to interrogate the genes and cell types affected by Alzheimer's disease. The success of these efforts will help fill the chasm between the current understanding of Alzheimer's disease at the level of genes and their functions, with the ultimate goal of developing novel clinical applications.

"This gift has the potential to be transformational in the way we care for and treat patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease,” said Howard B. Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This act of kindness and generosity by Wendy and Jim Abrams and the Eleven Eleven Foundation will have a global reach on patients, caregivers and those impacted by this deadly disease.”

The center will build on established collaborations and work with international scientists to analyze the volumes of data that are currently incomprehensible, but through modern tools can identify key pieces of information that further the science and mystery behind Alzheimer’s disease. These human data sets, provided through clinical and research partnerships, will make the information more accessible to other scientists and foster collaboration within the field. By facilitating agreements with pharmaceutical and AI industry partners, the center aims to streamline research processes, accelerating the pace of discoveries becoming therapeutics.

 About Eleven Eleven Foundation

Eleven Eleven Foundation is dedicated to a healthier, more sustainable world.

About Northwestern Medicine

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, please visit NM.org.

According to a federal report, the number of adults struggling with mental illness went from about 17% in 2008 to more than 20% in 2019. That jump represents an increase of about 11 million Americans. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health illness.

Funding from the Women’s Board has directly addressed this issue by allowing Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital to expand its psychotherapy and psychiatry teams. This includes the addition of roles such as a licensed clinical social worker, case manager, and a psychiatry registered nurse to provide a comprehensive program. 

With the extra staff, the hospital can treat about 800 more behavioral health patients each year.

“The need for mental health care has increased since COVID-19,” said Juliet Spelman, MD, psychiatry at Lake Forest Hospital. “There are resources in and near downtown Chicago, but there aren’t as many psychiatrists in Lake County. So, we’re able to reach patients in Lake County and northern Cook County who need help, and our team is growing. The more providers we have, the more patients we can serve.”

Dr. Spelman says the expansion of case management has been crucial in providing care that extends beyond hospital walls.

“Our case manager can get people referrals for housing, financial, or legal help,” said Dr. Spelman. “Just touching base with patients to make sure they’re not lacking any social support. We were able to hire her because of the generosity of the Women’s Board.”

Over the past two years, Lake Forest Hospital has also launched a neuropsychiatry team and expanded access to mental health screening and resources in both primary and specialty outpatient settings. Investments in behavioral health care, like those from the Women’s Board, will continue to connect patients with the behavioral health care they need and help fight the stigma of mental health.

“With the continual increase of behavioral health needs across the area, the Women’s Board responded to raise funds to help grow the program at Lake Forest Hospital,” explained Ellen Verlen, Chairperson. “Support from the additional staff members has allowed for more patients to receive care and treatment.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

“The award is basically indicative of the care that you're providing to people,” said Christoper Berry, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Blum Cardiovascular Institute at Kishwaukee Hospital. “By achieving a certain level of quality in this program, this will, in turn, lead to improved outcomes in our patients.”

The Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure quality achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients using the latest guidelines from the AHA. This is done by consistently entering baseline and patient data into an AHA Registry Tool and following the recommended treatment plans.

“Managing this patient population is very labor intensive,” said Dr. Berry.  “It really does take a village.  In addition to making sure they are on the appropriate medical therapy and offered the appropriate medical devices, a lot of attention is given to diet, activity, and symptom management.  Follow-up visits and phone calls are frequent. So, a lot goes into receiving an award like this.”

In addition to Gold Plus status, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital was recognized on the American Heart Association’s Honor Roll for Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes treatments.

• 2024 award - Gold Plus, Target: HF Honor Roll, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award
• 2023 award - Gold Plus, Target: HF Honor Roll, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award
• 2022 award - Gold Plus, Target: HF Honor Roll, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award
• 2021 award - Gold Plus, Target: HF Honor Roll, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award

Marsha Royalty, 68, of DeKalb has been a patient at Northwestern Medicine for over two decades. She started seeing Dr. Berry for heart failure in 2016.

“He’s always been very attentive and willing to listen to me as a patient. I’ve had an absolutely wonderful experience with him,” said Royalty. “I have not had one single nurse or doctor that I wasn’t fond of there. I’ve loved them all.”

For more information about The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine, as well as advanced therapies, visit nm.org.

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL – August 19, 2024 – In the continued quest to provide local patients with the highest level of care, staff at Northwestern Medicine Palos Heights Hospital is celebrating an exciting milestone for one of its surgeons. Samer Rajjoub, MD, surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, recently celebrated his 500^th robotic surgery. The state-of-the-art da Vinci robots allow surgeons to perform complex minimally invasive procedures with more precision, often leading to less pain for the patient post-surgery and quicker recovery times. 

“It’s a blessing that I’ve been able to do such a high volume of cases, and I think it correlates with a certain level of proficiency that I’m thankful to have achieved,” said Dr. Rajjoub. “For me to provide that level of care with this technology for my patients has been great.”  

To use the da Vinci robots, surgeons sit at a nearby console to view 3-D images of the surgical site. Using the controls, the surgeon moves the robotic instruments with accuracy and stability through small surgical incisions. This often leads to better outcomes and quicker recovery times for patients. The hospital is currently equipped with four da Vinci robotic surgical systems. 

 “The robotic camera magnifies the surgical field 10 times larger, so if I can see something better, I can absolutely do better,” said Dr. Rajjoub. “Think about virtual reality glasses. You feel like everything is right there. And that’s how the robot is. When your head is in the console, you can see the relationship of structures much better.”

 Dr. Rajjoub often uses the robot to perform surgeries for hernias, colectomies, and cholecystectomies. He says not only does the machine give him more dexterity, but it gives him a better view of the anatomy.

 One patient who benefitted from the innovative surgery was Daniel Heidegger from Oak Lawn. After abdominal hernia surgery, he spent some time recovering and within a couple hours was able to go home. 

 “I am so appreciative of how Dr. Rajjoub explained everything to me and how the procedure would go. He was very professional and concerned about my well-being. Due to my quick recovery, I felt well and was able to be present when my granddaughter was born.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org. 

“Our continuous recognition would not be achieved if not for the dedication and commitment made each and every day by our physicians, nurses and staff to providing world-class compassionate care to our patients,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Driven by our Patients First mission, we strive to be better by any measure that has a positive impact on our delivery of care and patient outcomes.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2024-25 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be designated No. 1 (tie) in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked in 11 specialties: Cancer (No. 20); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 8); Ear, Nose & Throat (No. 16); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10 tie); Geriatrics (No. 11); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 11); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 9); Orthopaedics (No. 11); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12); and Urology (No. 12 tie). The hospital is the only Illinois hospital and one of nine hospitals in the U.S. to be recognized as “High Performing” in all 20 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is tied at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties and designated as “High Performing” in four specialties: Geriatrics (No. 47); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 34 tie); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 50); Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopaedics; and Urology. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 5 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. Central DuPage is designated as “High Performing” in five specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 13 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 13 (tie) in Illinois and ranked No. 12 in Chicago metropolitan area. The hospitals are designated as “High Performing” in two specialties: Pulmonology & Lung Surgery; and Urology. The hospitals are recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is tied at No. 15 in Illinois and tied at No. 13 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Palos Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a national ranking of No. 45 (tie) for Rehabilitation.
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was as “High Performing” in 4 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 1 procedure and condition.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings (usnews.com)

CHICAGO – June 26, 2024 – Northwestern Medicine today announced a $10 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, to accelerate scientific discovery and improve the lives of patients who suffer from esophageal diseases. The new Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center recognizes Northwestern Medicine’s position as a national leader for the treatment of esophageal diseases and will incorporate an Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics Program, a Clinical Trials Unit, a Translational Science Core Studies Program, and a Treatment Clinic for patients.

“Through cutting-edge research, advanced therapies, and compassionate patient care, Northwestern Medicine makes a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by esophageal conditions,” said Mr. Griffin. “The physicians and scientists at this center exemplify the commitment to excellence and innovation that defines Northwestern Medicine. I am honored to support Northwestern Medicine in its mission to advance the understanding and treatment of esophageal diseases.”

The Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center will be home to ongoing research into swallowing disorders, esophageal cancers, reflux disease, and other disorders of the esophagus. Innovations from the center have led to major paradigm shifts in the management of disorders including achalasia, esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and eosinophilic esophagitis.

“Esophageal disease can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and our multidisciplinary team is deeply connected to the importance of collaboration,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This generous gift from Mr. Griffin will enable medical discoveries that will benefit millions of patients worldwide.”

The Center serves more than 5,000 patients a year, performing over 2,500 endoscopic procedures and 4,000 diagnostic procedures. While providing diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients in Chicagoland and surrounding states, the Center has also become a national and international destination for care.

“Patients from around the world come to our center for evaluation and treatment of complex esophageal conditions, and we are an international destination for physician education,” said Ikuo Hirano, MD, director of the Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center. “We have pioneered many of the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods for both rare and common esophageal diseases and continue to be trailblazers on the leading-edge of research and advanced technologies. We are grateful to Mr. Griffin for his generous gift that creates amazing opportunities for our group to operate at an even higher level.”

“Forecasting suggests that the incidence of esophageal cancer in patients 40-65 years old will nearly double over the next 15 years and the incidence of benign esophageal diseases has increased significantly,” said John Pandolfino, MD, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “Our center trains the next generation of physicians and scientists, so patients have better access to the care they need.”

“We have pioneered many of the minimally invasive techniques that are used to treat esophageal diseases, including tailored per oral endoscopic myotomy, and have also developed most of the technologies used to diagnose and monitor patient outcomes, including the Chicago Classification and FLIP panometry. Our work integrates the latest research to create a personalized care plan for each patient,” Dr. Pandolfino added.

Gastroenterologist Michael Ruchim, MD, senior vice president, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, said philanthropic support advances Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to excellence in patient care.

“Mr. Griffin’s gift will change the future of digestive health for patients by accelerating medical research and supporting physician training,” Dr. Ruchim said. “He has a true understanding of our commitment to patients, and we are tremendously grateful for his support.”

About Northwestern Medicine

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit NM.org.

About Griffin Catalyst

Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.

Four Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital physicians have been named inaugural recipients of the St. George Foundation Distinguished Physician Awards. This is a prestigious and rare honor as only 12 other Northwestern Medicine physicians hold the title of Distinguished Physician.

Franjo Siric, MD, surgical director, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI) at Palos Hospital, received the Cardiac Surgery award. R. Kannan Mutharasan, MD, medical director, BCVI at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, received the Cardiology award. Drew Spencer, MD, medical director of neurosurgery at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, is the inaugural recipient in Neurosurgery. They join Timothy Kuzel, MD, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute, who was honored with the Oncology award last fall.

These awards recognize physicians who achieve the highest personal and professional achievements in their respective fields, as well as individuals who serve as role models for medical students, residents and attending physicians. The St. George Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to promoting the general health of the community in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

“We believe that world-class care should be available close to where people live and that the continuum of disease prevention, early detection and expert treatment are all critical elements for the community,” said Terrence Moisan, MD, president of The St. George Foundation. “Our St. George directors proudly support these extremely talented recipients of the St. George Foundation Distinguished Physician honors.”

Dr. Siric is the newly appointed surgical director of BCVI at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. In this role he will oversee the growth of cardiac surgical programs, including complex and minimally invasive procedures, and work together with Dr. Mutharasan to expand heart care to patients in the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago. 

Following his initial training and practice in his native Croatia, Dr. Siric completed advanced fellowships at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Siric joined Northwestern Medicine in November 2023 from the Christiana Care Health System in Delaware.

“We were fortunate to recruit Dr. Siric. His skillset will be of particular value given the complex cardiac pathology we see in Chicago’s south and southwest suburbs,” said Douglas R. Johnston, MD, chief, cardiac surgery at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “The appointment of Dr. Siric solidifies Northwestern Medicine’s position as the leader in cardiac surgery throughout the Chicagoland area.” 

Dr. Mutharasan was promoted to medical director of BCVI in the south suburbs in 2021. Under his leadership, cardiology and vascular services at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital,  Northwestern Medicine Orland Park, and Northwestern Medicine Mokena have seen significant growth.  Since the merger of Palos Health with Northwestern Medicine in Fiscal Year 2020, new outpatient visits for cardiology, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery and the heart and lung clinic have seen an average annual growth rate of 65%. Total outpatient visits are expected to reach nearly 18,000 in FY24.

“Dr. Siric and Dr. Mutharasan represent the qualities we seek in physicians throughout the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute,” said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, executive director, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Their significant accomplishments in the field of cardiology reflect the groundbreaking heart and vascular services we offer and the excellent results we obtain for our patients.”

A graduate of the Northwestern Medicine residency program, Dr. Spencer joined the Department of Neurosurgery in 2017 and was recruited in 2021 to lead the development of cranial and spinal neurosurgical services at Palos Hospital. His dedication to patient care and ability to partner across multiple teams has advanced neurosurgery and neurosciences services.

“Dr. Spencer upholds the inherent values of Northwestern Medicine’s Department of Neurosurgery. In this short time the program has risen to new heights, and he continues to lead institutional investments to pave the way for the future of neurosurgery in the south suburbs,” said Maciej Lesniak, MD, chair, Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern Medicine.

Dr. Kuzel joined Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in 2023 to lead oncology programs and the newly named Northwestern Medicine St. George Cancer Institute in Orland Park, Ill. He is overseeing the continued expansion of world-class clinical services for multispecialty cancer care while also promoting prevention, education and research. A long-term plan will create additional patient and clinical spaces in the south suburbs to provide residents the convenience of receiving the highest levels of care closer to home.

CHICAGO – MAY 6, 2024 – Patient care technicians (PCTs) are essential health care workers who assist and support registered nurses in all aspects of patient care activities such as personal hygiene, transporting, taking vital signs, answering call buttons, and more. In August 2021, with health care workers facing burn out and exhaustion from the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Medicine had a large number of PCT job openings, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals to provide nursing care support. At Northwestern Medicine, PCTs are required to have a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification upon hire. To address the internal vacancies, the organization needed a creative solution. What if they created, offered and taught their own CNA training program accessible to all employees at no cost?

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program was launched in 2022 not only to help fill the PCT vacancies, but to bridge training gaps for employees interested in health care careers. Northwestern Medicine created the program for employees who may be working in nonclinical roles such as food services, EVS/housekeeping, and security – but want a path to nursing. It’s available to all Northwestern Medicine employees with tuition supported by the organization. For the first time, external candidates are also welcome to apply with a payment plan available.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nursing assistants and registered nurses will continue to increase as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. From 2022-2032, employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 4% with 209,400 openings each year, and employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% with 193,100 openings each year. Illinois will face a shortage of nearly 15,000 registered nurses by 2025, according to a 2020 workforce report prepared by the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center.

Tacora Love, a Northwestern Medicine program director and nurse educator who helped create the Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Training Program curriculum, says the program can serve as an introduction to a variety of careers in health care to help address the nursing shortage.

 “What’s really great about this program is that once you get your CNA certification, it can help you become a patient care technician at Northwestern Medicine and even set you up for a nursing education in the long run. On top of that, most students don’t have to worry about the financial or time barriers that might come with programs like this outside of Northwestern Medicine,” said Love. “I’m really proud of the program we’ve built, and I truly believe it can be replicated at health systems across the country to help create a pipeline to nursing that will assist with the impending nursing shortage.” 

The 16-week training program takes place on Fridays at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with instruction in classroom, lab, and clinical settings. The instruction team works with the students’ managers to accommodate student schedules.

For employees like Kiana Smith, the BNA Training Program has been life-changing. Two years ago, she walked into Northwestern Memorial to make sandwiches at Panera Bread, then took a job as a security guard in the emergency department. Being around patients made Smith realize she wanted to work on the clinical side, and she enrolled in the BNA Training Program. After graduating in February, Smith passed the CNA exam and now works as a patient care tech on a general medicine floor at Northwestern Memorial.

“I have a passion for caring for people and my next step is nursing school,” said Smith. “I’ve always had plenty of jobs, but never a career. I’m here today thanks to hard work, determination, and this amazing program through Northwestern Medicine. My career is just getting started and I’m excited for the future.”

The BNA Training Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and is part of the NM Academy & NM Clinical Schools and Programs. Upon program completion, students are then eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Certification Exam and once they pass the exam, they can get hired as a patient care technician and even go on to nursing school. Most nursing programs require students to have a CNA certificate. 

For more information or to register for the program, visit clinicalschools.nm.org.

Recent graduate stories:

Kiana Smith – She started making sandwiches at the Panera Bread inside Northwestern Memorial Hospital, then transitioned to security services and enrolled in the BNA Training Program. After graduating in February, she now works as a patient care technician on a general medicine floor at Northwestern Memorial, and her next step is nursing school. Smith is a single mom who told her 7-year-old son at February’s graduation ceremony, “Allow no one to limit you by putting you in a box. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Austin Garcia – He started his career as a health unit coordinator in the ICU at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and after graduating from the BNA Training Program in February, Garcia’s now working on the same floor – but as a patient care technician. At graduation, Garcia told his classmates, “It’s not about the speed, it’s about the direction. I knew this program was the catalyst to the career I deserved.”

Katie O’Neill – She’s a member of Project SEARCH at NM, which helps young people with disabilities make successful transitions to adult life, and she volunteers with the Special Olympics. While the BNA Training Program was challenging for O’Neill, it reflects the inclusivity of the class. After graduating in February, she passed the CNA exam on her first attempt and is currently working as a nursing support specialist at Central DuPage Hospital. O’Neill hopes to go to nursing school and ultimately work with children and infants. “My advice for future BNA students is to make friends with your classmates and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Fight through the hard days and you’ll be glad you did.”  

Isaac Woodson – He started working in housekeeping at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, but his goal was to eventually work in a clinical position. Isaac wanted to provide a better life for his wife and their new baby, so he enrolled in the BNA Training Program and graduated in February. Isaac recently started working as a patient care technician at Lake Forest.

Kaiya Person – She specifically came to Northwestern Medicine for the BNA Training Program. Person wants to become a nurse but wasn’t sure how to pay for it, so she took a job as a patient service representative with Northwestern Medicine’s immediate care centers. After graduating in February, Kaiya accepted a job as a patient care technician with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and is taking her final prerequisites for nursing school which she plans to enroll in for the fall semester. “To my knowledge, there isn’t another CNA program in Chicago that is free for employees and only meets one day per week. While the class itself can be challenging, enrolling in the program allowed me to continue my education, gain knowledge and build skills in a clinical role while making lasting connections across the Northwestern Medicine system.”

CHICAGO – April 10, 2024 – Black Maternal Health Week is recognized from April 11-17, a time to raise awareness that Black women in the United States are dying from pregnancy-related causes at a higher rate. Northwestern Medicine's Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is hosting an educational session and open house on Wednesday, April 17, at Prentice Women's Hospital to raise awareness for Black maternal health. 

What: Black Maternal Health Week Open House

When: Wednesday, April 17, 5-7:30 pm

Where: Prentice Women's Hospital, third floor atrium, 250 East Superior Street, Chicago

- Labor and Delivery Floor and Postpartum Floor tours

- Physicians and midwives discussing common pregnancy myths

- A meet-and-greet with Obstetrics and Gynecology clinicians 

- Appetizers 

Register for the event here: https://forms.feinberg.northwestern.edu/view.php?id=2994120. 

Donations for Community Baby Shower

Parenthood can be overwhelming for anyone. As the cost of basic needs continues to rise, families across Chicago are struggling to provide vital basics. During Black Maternal Health Week, the Northwestern Medicine OB-GYN Department is also sponsoring EverThrive Illinois' 2nd Annual Community Baby Shower. 

This donation drive is collecting new baby wipes and thermometers. It also accepts monetary donations which will be used to buy gift cards and supplies. 

To make a monetary donation, please click here. 

Donations can be dropped off April 11-17 from 8 am-4 pm (Monday-Friday) to these Northwestern Medicine locations: 

- Obstetrics and Gynecology, 680 North Lake Shore Drive, 8th Floor, Suite 810, Chicago

- Faculty Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galter Pavilion, 675 North St. Clair Street, 14th Floor, Suite 200, Chicago

- Department of OB-GYN Administrative Suite, 250 East Superior Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 03-2303, Chicago

CHICAGO -  In its annual Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized Northwestern Medicine hospitals as leaders in clinical excellence. For the 12^th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is named to the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, a select group of only 22 hospitals recognized for their exceptional performance across specialties, procedures and conditions.

“Our rankings reflect the dedication of our outstanding physicians, nurses and staff to the patients they care for and the communities we serve,” said Howard B. Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “It is this shared commitment and focus that allows us to push the boundaries of medical science and provide groundbreaking care, from discovery to delivery, and shape the future of health care.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be designated No. 1 (tied) in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked in 11 specialties: Cancer (No. 18); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 5); Ear, Nose & Throat (No. 32, tied); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 9); Geriatrics (No. 9); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 10); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 17); Orthopaedics (No.19); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 18); and Urology (No. 11). The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 19 procedures and conditions. 
   
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. Central DuPage is designated as “High Performing” in three specialties: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 14 procedures and conditions. 
   
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is tied at No. 10 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties and designated as “High Performing” in three specialties: Geriatrics (No. 43, tie); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 34); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 49); Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; and Orthopaedics. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 4 procedures and conditions. 
   
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 12 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospitals are designated as “High Performing” in three specialties: Geriatrics; Pulmonology & Lung Surgery; and Urology. The hospitals are recognized as “High Performing” in 10 procedures and conditions. 
   
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is tied at No. 14 in Illinois and tied at No. 13 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Palos Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions. 
   
• Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized by U.S. News and World Report for the first time with a national ranking of No. 35 for Rehabilitation.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was designated as “High Performing” in one specialty: Orthopaedics. Delnor Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 6 procedures and conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 3 procedures and conditions.

For the first time, U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll hospitals will not receive a national numerical ranking. Instead, all hospitals selected for the Honor Roll will be designated as No. 1 in both their state and regional rankings. In states and regions with more than one Honor Roll hospital, such as Illinois, the No. 1 designation will be shared. Hospitals that are not on the Honor Roll will continue to be ranked within their state and metropolitan area.

CHICAGO – Northwestern Memorial Hospital retained its position as the No. 1 hospital in Illinois and Chicago and is again recognized among the top hospitals in the country ranking No. 9 on the prestigious “America’s Best Hospitals” Honor Roll by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022-2023 "America's Best Hospitals" rankings.

In addition to Northwestern Memorial’s No. 1 ranking, several Northwestern Medicine hospitals were recognized as Best Hospitals in Chicago Metro and Illinois, including:

• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals ranked No. 9 in Chicago Metro and No. 9 in Illinois.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital tied with both ranked as No. 12 in Chicago Metro and No. 12 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital ranked No. 14 in Chicago and No. 14 in Illinois
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is ranked No. 18 in Chicago Metro and No. 20 in Illinois

“This recognition is a direct reflection of our Patients First mission and our relentless quest to improve, innovate and deliver world class outcomes to the patients we are privileged to serve,” said Dean M. Harrison, chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “These rankings amplify the expertise, dedication and compassion of more than 33,000 physicians, nurses and staff who come together to provide exceptional care, train future generations of clinicians, advance medicine through cutting edge research all in the pursuit of health for individuals and the communities they call home.”

Northwestern Memorial is nationally ranked in 10 out of 15 specialties ranked by U.S. News. Of the 10 nationally ranked specialties, six clinical programs at Northwestern Memorial are ranked among the top 10 in the country:

• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 7 in the country for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. “The recognition of our program as one of the nation’s best reflects our commitment to innovation and precision medicine in Gastroenterology,” said John E. Pandolfino, MD, chief of the gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial. “Patients with complex diseases trust the expertise of our physicians and team members, and we are proud to provide them life-changing and lifesaving care. We continue to research new ways to provide leading-edge, personalized care for patients in Chicagoland and beyond.”
  
  “This is an exceptional honor for our gastrointestinal surgery team, made more meaningful by the close relationships we have with colleagues in other specialties at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center,” said Scott A. Strong, MD, chief of the gastrointestinal surgery at Northwestern Memorial. “Our integrated patient-centered care model combines advanced research and innovation as we strive to improve patient outcomes, develop new devices, and establish leading quality-assurance protocols.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Cardiology & Heart Surgery. “At Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, we strive to improve heart care by pioneering advanced treatments, performing groundbreaking clinical research, and incorporating innovative technology and artificial intelligence into clinical practice. We are humbled that the best and the brightest aspire to join our outstanding team,” said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, chief of cardiac surgery at Northwestern Memorial and executive director of Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Since day one, the goal of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute has been to bring world-class cardiovascular care to Chicago. We have achieved this and more. We are rapidly growing across northern Illinois as we bring advanced care and this exceptional team close to where our patients live and work. Patients now seek cardiovascular care from across the US, and around the world. The greatest honor is knowing that countless lives have been saved and improved by this relentless pursuit of our Patients First mission.”
  
  “We are grateful for nearly a decade of top tier ranking as one of the very best Cardiology and Heart Surgery Programs in the country. This top tier recognition from U.S. News & World Report doesn’t happen without exceptional team work, breakthrough research, outstanding patient care and a dedication to training the next generation of extraordinary cardiovascular physicians and care providers” said Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, chief of cardiology at Northwestern Memorial and associate director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “Our mission to provide world-class care to all patients remains steadfast and fuels our success. No accomplishment or accolade eclipses the satisfaction of relieving the burden of disease and restoring health in our patients. That is our everyday celebration. I am especially enthused that as we continue our quest for excellence, we do so with an eye on equity and an unyielding commitment to bring excellent and empathetic cardiovascular care to more patients around Chicagoland. We are driven to discover solutions improving heart health in our varied communities, our state, and our nation.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 8 in the country for Geriatrics. “I’m extremely proud of our strong all-female faculty team of geriatricians who deservedly garner national recognition year-over-year for our innovative and robust research program, top notch medical training and outstanding clinical care for senior patients,” said Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, MBA, chief of geriatrics at Northwestern Memorial. “To be named a top hospital in the country for geriatrics is a testament to the strong teamwork, expertise, compassion and drive that makes our division unique. Our physicians, nurses, social workers and staff are passionate and dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for our older adults who we are privileged to care for every day.
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 9 in the country for Cancer. “At Lurie Cancer Center, we are driven by our mission to translate scientific discovery into the highest level of care for our patients, while also seeking to innovate and find the treatments of the future through a world-class clinical research program,” said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This continued recognition as a top cancer program is a testament to our extraordinary team of physicians, nurses and staff who combine talent and expertise with compassion and dedication to bring the very best in cancer care to Chicago.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Diabetes & Endocrinology. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading programs for Diabetes and Endocrinology,” said Joseph T. Bass, MD, PhD, chief of the endocrinology, metabolism and molecular medicine at Northwestern Memorial. “Our multidisciplinary team keeps patients at the center of our research as we continue to seek innovative ways to support individuals with endocrine diseases and obesity. This recognition is the result of close collaboration between our physicians, certified diabetes educators, nurse practitioners, psychologists and other colleagues.”
   
• Northwestern Memorial is ranked No. 10 in the country for Neurology & Neurosurgery. “We’re honored for this recognition as one of the top neurosurgery programs in the country, especially during another year of unprecedented difficulty and uncertainty. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our department continued to provide outstanding clinical care and collaborative research, solving big problems in new ways,” said Maciej S. Lesniak, MD, chair of neurological surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “This ranking reflects the reputation of our physicians and highlights our ability to advance the science and care of neurological patients. We’re grateful to our colleagues and patients for their unwavering trust and support.”
  
  “We are honored to again rank in the top 10 U.S. programs for neurology. Our skilled clinicians and innovative scientists continue to raise the bar for treating patients with diverse and complex neurological conditions,” said Dimitri Krainc, MD, PhD, chair of neurology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “As we move into these later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, our physician-scientists continue to expand the knowledge of its neurological impact and are especially dedicated to understanding and treating long-haul symptoms."

In addition to its top 10 programs, Northwestern Memorial was also nationally ranked in the following specialties: Urology (No. 12); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 13); Orthopaedics (No. 15); and Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 18). Northwestern Memorial was also recognized as High Performing in Rheumatology, as well as High Performing in 19 procedures and conditions rated by U.S. News.

Northwestern Medicine hospitals were also recognized for the following:

• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked No. 28 for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and No. 49 for Neurology & Neurosurgery; the hospital is also recognized as High Performing in Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Orthopaedics, and Urology as well as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley, Woodstock Hospitals are recognized as High Performing in Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology, as well as High Performing in 10 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital is recognized as High Performing in Orthopaedics and High Performing in seven Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 15 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is recognized as High Performing in 11 Procedures and Conditions.
   
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as High Performing in five Procedures and Conditions.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit www.nm.org/about-us.