GRAYSLAKE, Ill. –The focus may have been on safety, but there were also countless smiles on children’s faces as the Northwestern Medicine’s Children’s Health and Safety Fair returned to the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center on June 7, 2025.

A community favorite since its inception in 2004, the fair is child-focused, with interactive and educational exhibits located throughout the Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center. In its second year back after a brief pause during the pandemic, the fair saw record turnout with more than 650 attendees.

Children lined up for a chance to learn about bike safety, with Northwestern Medicine Grayslake physicians and staff helping to properly fit bike helmets on each child.

A “Teddy Bear Clinic” eases children’s fears about getting hurt and having to go to the hospital. Teddy bears received “treatment” in a non-threatening environment before going home with the kids.

An obstacle course and fitness challenge encouraged kids to stay active, while also learning about nutrition with a “Food Matching” game nearby.A Superior Air Med helicopter also landed nearby, giving families a fun photo opportunity. Children were also able to explore fire trucks and police as emergency services representatives from the Grayslake fire and police departments and Lake County Sherriff’s Office showed kids how they work to protect the community.

“The Grayslake Children’s Health and Safety Fair is an event we look forward to every year. We are thrilled to collaborate with so many community organizations to bring safety awareness and joy to children,” said Karen Mahnke MSN, RN, NEA-BC RN, NEA-BC executive sponsor of the fair and vice president operations and Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses and staff love sharing these important health and safety lessons with the families we serve and are excited about the impact it can have, protecting kids in the community.”

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

Naples, FL — October 28, 2024 — Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) announced today a strategic collaboration with Northwestern Medicine with a focus on enhancing and expanding cancer care services. Leveraging the expertise of Northwestern Medicine, NCH will establish a comprehensive cancer program to support the growing clinical needs to treat and care for cancer patients in Southwest Florida.

As part of the collaboration, NCH will have access to a variety of clinical resources offered by Northwestern Medicine including the ability to consult with oncology experts, refer patients for second opinions and the opportunity to leverage the latest in clinical trial offerings. Northwestern Medicine is also home to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Lurie Cancer Center is one of only 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation and one of the first centers to receive a Merit Extension Award from NCI.

“This is a unique opportunity to leverage our expertise and share best practices with the goal of enhancing the cancer care offerings in Southwest Florida,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Backed by a nationally ranked cancer program and leading oncology experts, we believe this collaboration has the potential to have a lasting impact on current and future NCH patients.”

For years, NCH has worked diligently to transform itself into an Advanced Community Healthcare System^TM committed to bringing more comprehensive and acute care to Southwest Florida, so residents won’t have to travel far to get it. To that end, this collaboration will advance cancer screening programs aimed at ensuring early detection and introduce patient navigation programs to support cancer patients through their journey.

Dr. Ed Grendys, a gynecologic oncologist, has been named Medical Director to lead the advancement of the NCH Women’s Cancer Program. This effort will include the opening of a women’s cancer center on the NCH North Naples campus, offering comprehensive gynecologic oncology surgery and treatment.

“NCH is proud to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine - one of the premier healthcare organizations in oncology. Through this partnership, our patients will gain access to leading-edge clinical trials, cancer specialists and experts who define the national treatment guidelines for cancer,” said Paul Hiltz, president and chief executive officer, NCH. “We will continue to recruit new physicians and nurses to Southwest Florida to support our growing oncology program. These expanding services allow cancer patients the opportunity to receive the best possible care right here in Southwest Florida with the world’s best cancer specialists.”

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 cancer program is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and provides patients with access to state-of-the art therapies, highly specialized cancer care teams, specialized research and clinical trials.

“Through the continued generosity of our community, NCH will continue to rapidly expand cancer treatment and prevention services,” said Scott Lutgert, board chair, NCH. “NCH’s vision is to open a comprehensive cancer center that incorporates the best practices of leading cancer centers in the U.S., including Northwestern.”

"As we navigate the complex landscape of healthcare, this collaboration between Tempus and Northwestern Medicine underscores an alliance in revolutionizing patient care through AI-enabled methods,” said Eric Lefkofsky, CEO and Founder of Tempus. “By harnessing the power of data-driven insights, we're not just treating diseases; we're illuminating pathways to better outcomes, faster diagnoses, and more personalized treatment plans.”

Northwestern Medicine is deploying Tempus’ technology across its care teams in cardiology to identify patients at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) or any of seven structural heart diseases (SHD), including diseases of the mitral, aortic and tricuspid valves, abnormal heart function, and abnormal heart thickening. Northwestern Medicine is the first provider to clinically deploy Tempus’ ECG-AF algorithm, its FDA-cleared device that uses AI to help physicians identify patients at increased risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). The Tempus ECG-AF algorithm is intended for use to analyze recordings of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices and detect signs associated with a patient experiencing AF within the next 12 months. These patients can be efficiently routed to a clinician for further diagnostic evaluation. As part of this initial rollout, both organizations will collaborate on a clinical research trial leveraging a variety of Tempus technologies that use ECG data.

“Northwestern Medicine is committed to applying innovative technologies to improve patient care," said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Artificial intelligence has the ability to be transformative in healthcare, and it’s going to take a collaborative effort to help unlock its true potential and ensure it is safely and ethically deployed in research and patient care settings.”

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. 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.

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.

GENEVA, IL — October 21, 2024 —  Northwestern Medicine is teaming up with Lombard-based Valqari to test drone deliveries on the campus of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. The pilot-project is the first step in determining the feasibility of using drone technology for safe and efficient deliveries of specimens and medical supplies. Northwestern Medicine Delnor is among the first hospitals in the United States to trial drones for inter-site deliveries.

Lab testing capabilities vary across Northwestern Medicine’s campuses and often require blood samples to be sent to different lab locations. These deliveries affect turnaround time for results and can delay care.

“Traditionally, this type of delivery has been done through hired courier services or clinicians walking the specimens across the campus on a set schedule,” said Sylvester Dazzo, vice president of administration at Northwestern Medicine. “If proven feasible, drone delivery has the potential to create an on-demand option that doesn’t require staff to walk across campus, keeping our caregivers doing what they do best – providing world-class patient care.”   

The drones currently fly between Delnor Hospital’s south entrance and the cancer center across the street from two drone stations. It flies over the grass lawn and walkways and crosses the street and sidewalks when no people or cars are nearby. While the drone flies entirely on its own, a pilot is nearby to supervise the drone flight.

"We have a significant number of patients who require same-day blood product transfusions who have benefited from the service the drone is providing,” said Megha Shah, RN, oncology infusion charge nurse at the Delnor Cancer Center.  “It allows us to obtain our blood products outside our scheduled courier times - significantly reducing wait times for patients.”

Operations of the drone are overseen by Valqari, a recognized leader in drone deliveries headquartered just down the street from Delnor’s Geneva campus. Every morning before drone flights commence, Valqari’s team secures Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to fly for the day. No patient information is visible to the flight team at any point during the delivery process. The drones are not equipped with cameras.

“When ready for transport, hospital staff makes an on-demand delivery request with Valqari’s app notifying the flight team of an inbound package,” explained Ryan Walsh, CEO and founder of Valqari. “The package is placed in a designated locker on the nearest Valqari DronePort and is then loaded onto an elevator that attaches the package to the drone. The drone ensures the airspace is clear before taking off then flies to the designated landing station to drop it off. An FAA-certified Part 107 pilot is within line of sight that can take over the controls at all times to ensure we are always meeting the current FAA requirements."

Without drones, most deliveries on the Delnor campus are made during four scheduled courier trips each day. For an on-demand delivery, staff walk the items out of the building and across the street something that occurs 40+ times per month.

"Prior to the drones, nursing staff walked back and forth between the cancer center and hospital sometimes several times per day,” said Kristen Goldsmith, RN, oncology infusion nurse at the Delnor Cancer Center. “Having the drones make deliveries helps because it keeps me at the chairside with my patients. In the cancer center, treatment decisions are based on bloodwork, so with this on-demand option, we are able to expedite care, and the quicker turnaround time takes some stress off our patients who are anxiously awaiting their results."

Current FAA guidelines require drones to operate within a line of sight, have 20 ft radius of open space around it, and to remain on the Delnor campus. Drones cannot operate within the city of Chicago or within five miles of an airport. However, drone regulations are expected to expand in 2025 opening the opportunity to further the use of drone deliveries to other sites in the Northwestern Medicine Health Network.

“If this project continues to validate drones as a safe and quick delivery option, we’ll explore where else in the health system drones may be beneficial,” said Dazzo. “We are particularly interested in how drones can potentially improve treatment times at our rural locations by providing a fast, efficient delivery option where one doesn’t currently exist.”

For Valqari, partnerships like the one with Northwestern Medicine present an opportunity to develop and refine solutions that drive innovation and efficiency in the field of drone deliveries.

"We are grateful to be able to work towards our company mission, which is to use our technology to improve people's lives,” said Walsh. “Getting the opportunity to do that alongside such an amazing company as Northwestern Medicine to be able to improve patient treatment times is a big step in our mission. Our collective efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of drone delivery, ensuring that this transformative technology evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic landscape.”

Northwestern Medicine is committed to rapidly finding, evaluating and activating internal and external innovative solutions for challenges affecting patients and care teams today and to optimize future care delivery. The Northwestern Medicine Mansueto Innovation Institute connects innovators and collaborators to an extensive network of leaders with expertise in medicine, innovation, data, business and more within Northwestern Medicine and across the healthcare industry. To learn more, visit the Mansueto Innovation Institute website.

GENEVA, IL — September 16, 2024 —  Northwestern Medicine has named Emily Jakacki as President of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, a 159-bed community hospital serving the Kane County area. Jakacki brings more than 16 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as vice president of operations at Advocate Aurora Health.

“With her wealth of operational and strategic leadership experience, Emily is well-suited to lead Delnor Hospital in its continued pursuit to deliver top-decile care and an exceptional patient experience,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Under Emily’s leadership, Delnor will build upon its long legacy of providing world-class care at the highest levels of safety, quality and patient engagement to the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining Northwestern Medicine, Jakacki held a regional leadership role at Advocate, overseeing ambulatory and service lines across three hospitals, managing more than 900 physicians and clinicians and leading key areas such as cancer, neurosciences, and cardiology. She also held leadership positions at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she led service lines in cancer, neurosciences, orthopedics, cardiology, and more.

“I am excited to join Northwestern Medicine and honored to lead a hospital with such a strong connection to the community,” said Jakacki. “Delnor’s dedication to providing exceptional healthcare is inspiring and I look forward to building on this foundation. Together, we will continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care, innovate and grow Delnor’s reputation as a destination for clinical excellence in Kane County.”

Originally from the Detroit area, Jakacki earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She played lacrosse all four years at Penn, a sport near and dear to her heart which she continues to coach today.  She and her husband, Tom, have lived in Chicago for more than 20 years and have three daughters. In her spare time, Jakacki enjoys traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides comprehensive services in cancer care, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurosciences, metabolic health, women’s health and primary care. Delnor is a leader in clinical excellence, boasting a 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a Fifth Magnet® Recognition for nursing excellence, and Blue Distinction® Center + honors for Maternity Care and Bariatric Surgery.

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.

Chicago- If you can’t tell from the heart eyes, Moxi the robot is loving its new job at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. 

Since December, Moxi has helped hospital teams fetch supplies, deliver lab samples and pick up medicines from the pharmacy. Staff can load items—including valentines—into Moxi’s secure compartments, and then the robot is off for delivery.

So far, Moxi has run over 800 errands, saving the hospital’s pharmacy and laboratory teams more than 400,000 steps.

“I’ve definitely noticed that our technicians have had more time to be in the central pharmacy and work on their skills in the cleanrooms,” says Kenneth Konkol, pharmacy technician at Northwestern Memorial. “Moxi is out there doing deliveries instead of them having to walk around the hospital.”

Moxi uses sensors and machine learning technology to map out the hospital floor. Its extendable arm allows it to navigate multiple types of doors and even the elevator. 

Manisha Patel, program director of laboratory services at Northwestern Medicine, says Moxi not only improves her team’s efficiency, it boosts morale: “Moxi brings a sight of refreshment…so that they can see their voice is being heard, their issues are being addressed, and we’re looking at it from a more innovative perspective.”

 While Moxi doesn’t directly interact with patients, the robot still makes a difference in their care.

 “Moxi has done a wonderful job of delivering our chemotherapy and immunotherapy in a speedier route than previously with humans walking it over,” says Kyle Babick, RN, clinical operations coordinator at Northwestern Memorial. “So, it has made a great impact not only for nurses, but also for our patients.” 

Northwestern Memorial currently has a fleet of four Moxi robots, which is part of an initiative from the Northwestern Medicine Mansueto Innovation Institute to bring clinical automation and robotics to the health system.

For more information on the Northwestern Medicine Mansueto Innovation Institute, visit nm.org.

CHICAGO – January 5, 2023 – Northwestern Memorial HealthCare (NMHC) named Howard Chrisman, MD, as the health system’s new chief executive officer, succeeding Dean Harrison as of January 1, 2023.

“Dr. Chrisman has the perfect blend of clinical experience and executive leadership,” said John Canning, lead independent director, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Board of Directors. “We expect that under Dr. Chrisman’s leadership Northwestern Medicine will continue to advance its tripartite mission and remain Chicago’s premier academic health system.”

Since joining the organization in 1997, Dr. Chrisman has served the health system in numerous leadership roles, including executive vice president of clinical operations and president of the Northwestern Medical Group.  Most recently, Dr. Chrisman was the health system’s chief operating officer and president, a role he will continue to hold as CEO.

“I am truly honored to accept this role and have the opportunity to lead a world-class health system. In partnership with the Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and driven by our Patients First mission, Northwestern Medicine will continue to provide world-class care, educate the next generation of physicians, and advance science and new knowledge,” said Dr. Chrisman.

Dr. Chrisman, 57, a native of New York, holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, a Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a Master of Business from the University of Colorado. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Virginia and a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Chrisman has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and has given numerous scientific and invited oral presentations. He remains clinically active with primary expertise in treating fibroid disease using endovascular techniques.

During his tenure, Mr. Harrison was instrumental in the creation, growth and increasing recognition of Northwestern Medicine as a great academic health system. Anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, one of ‘America’s Best Hospitals’ according to U.S. News & World Report, today Northwestern Medicine includes 11 hospitals, over 200 sites of care, and more than 5,500 aligned physicians. Mr. Harrison will remain as executive chair, NMHC Board of Directors, supporting Dr. Chrisman and the health system.

“Northwestern Medicine’s people, many who have been with the health system for 25 years or more, make it a great place to provide and receive care. In this new role, I look forward to supporting Dr. Chrisman to advance Northwestern Medicine’s strategic goals and Patients First mission,” said Harrison.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, please visit NM.org.

A first-of-its-kind trial, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, will test whether a telehealth-based intervention that addresses all three behavioral risk factors at once can modify cancer patients’ lifestyles to improve their outcomes. The trial will recruit 3,000 participants at 11 Northwestern Medicine hospitals.

Northwestern's Program for Scalable TELeheaLth Cancer CARe (STELLAR) is part of a new initiative that is funding four NCI Telehealth Cancer Research Centers of Excellence, and is supported by the Cancer Moonshot, a White House initiative first launched in 2016 and reignited by President Biden in 2022 to accelerate the rate of progress against cancer. Northwestern will receive $5.5 million in funding over five years.

“These risk behaviors are the same for most chronic diseases, which is important because many cancer patients are more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases than from their cancer,” said project leader Bonnie Spring, a professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, program co-lead for cancer prevention at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine  and director of the Center for Behavior and Health at Feinberg.

Spring’s center has already developed evidence-based, technology-assisted telehealth interventions to separately treat obesity, smoking and lack of physical activity.

“Nothing like this exists,” Spring said. “Over the years, we have developed separate treatments for these risk behaviors. Now we are putting them together. That’s an efficiency. Ordinarily it would be burdensome and expensive to deliver a treatment for even one of these risk behaviors." 

The project reduces the cost of treatment by training bachelor’s-level ‘health promotionists’ to coach patients under the supervision of clinical health psychologists. Physicians and nurses don’t have time to treat these behaviors, Spring said, and even if they did, the cost would be much higher.

Patients who smoke or are obese add $124.3 million per year to the cost of cancer treatment at Northwestern Medicine, Spring said. These costs accumulate because obesity adds $3,216 per person per year to medical expenses for cancer survivors, and Northwestern’s 11 hospitals treat 27,024 patients with cancer and obesity per year. The cost of overcoming first-line treatment failures caused by smoking is $10,678 per patient, and Northwestern treats 3,500 cancer patients who smoke in a single year. 

Participants are coached remotely by telephone and trained to use an app that tracks their behaviors. They self-report their diet and smoking, stand on a Wi-Fi scale and wear a Fitbit. The data are sent to their coach electronically, so when they have a bi-weekly coaching call, the coach “is up to speed” on how the person is doing, Spring said.

“If they are not losing weight, the coach can see what is causing it,” Spring said. “What high-calorie foods are they eating? Are they eating too late at night? Are they inactive? It’s what makes the coaching very efficient and personalized."

The remote telehealth aspect is critical to success, Spring said. “That’s important because we think this may be a way to reach more underserved people who can't access treatment because they live far away, work multiple jobs, don't have reliable transportation, can't get childcare or can't get time off work.”

The data are integrated into the patient’s electronic health record, so the cancer team is kept updated.

“This enables the team of care providers to encourage the patient to make healthy behavior changes,” Spring said. “It’s giving these doctors a service they all think is valuable, but they’ve not had time or reimbursement to offer it.”

The pandemic forced most fields of health care to try telehealth, Spring said. 

“Not surprisingly (to us), telehealth treatments have generally been effective and seem to have enabled underserved patients to access care more easily,” Spring said. “Because it’s always tempting to regress back to old ways, we now need to establish a strong research evidence base about whether telehealth works for cancer care. That’s how to improve the standard of cancer care and to make it more equitable. And that’s what the four NCI Telehealth Cancer Research Centers of Excellence will do, and why they’re so important."  

STELLAR integrates Spring's obesity treatment with smoking and inactivity treatments developed by project co-leads, Brian Hitsman and Siobhan Phillips, both associate professors of preventive medicine at Northwestern. Co-lead Sofia Garcia, associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern, contributed procedures to incorporate a patient’s data into the electronic health record. Hitsman, Phillips and Garcia are all members of the Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern.

CHICAGO - Northwestern Medicine is planning for a new 120,000-square-foot advanced outpatient care center on the 4800 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue. U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), City of Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, and 4^th Ward Alderman Sophia King joined Northwestern Medicine leadership and local community members to announce the planned development at a press conference on June 2. Subject to regulatory approval, construction could begin in summer 2023 with a scheduled opening in summer 2025.

“For more than 20 years, Northwestern Medicine has partnered with Bronzeville community organizations to enhance the health and wellness of residents. Every day more than 1,000 patients from Bronzeville and its surrounding communities receive care from Northwestern Medicine,” said Dean M. Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “This new advanced outpatient care center will provide patients with access to world-class care without having to leave their community.

“We know that improving health and addressing violence starts with engaging our communities,” U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “Northwestern Medicine is doing exactly that with their new site in Bronzeville. As one of the 10 hospitals in the Chicago HEAL Initiative, Northwestern has invested in growing the local health care workforce through career pathway programs like the NM Scholars Program at Westinghouse College Prep. Today’s announcement deepens NM’s commitment under the HEAL Initiative to support our communities and improve health outcomes.”

"Equitable and convenient access to quality healthcare is necessary to creating thriving communities," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "I'm grateful to Northwestern Medicine for expanding their presence to the Bronzeville community, making an incredible difference in the lives of those residents. As they do so, my administration will continue working to improve the health of our communities with a focus on racial equity through initiatives like our signature INVEST South/West neighborhood development initiative."

"Northwestern Medicine is a welcome addition to a cadre of new developments on the Cottage Grove Corridor. From Shops on Lofts on 47^thStreet, 4400 Grove, the Lillian Marcie Theater Project, to the upcoming Brightstar Turn Center, we are not just experiencing a renaissance, we are experiencing a community led boom. The robust march of development on the corridor is a great example of what happens when the public sector and the private sector work together for the common good," said 4^th Ward Alderman Sophia King.

The advanced outpatient care center will reflect the culture of the neighborhood and will offer patients numerous offerings, including:

· An Immediate Care Center to provide urgent care;

· Primary and specialty care by Northwestern Medicine physicians;

· Pharmacy services;

· Diagnostic services, including mammograms and lab tests;

· Cancer Center with chemotherapy services;

· Resources and programming for individual and community health;

· Opportunities for local retailers.
 

The center is expected to serve more than 50,000 patients and family members from Bronzeville and nearby communities every year. Approximately 1,000 construction and 100 healthcare and related jobs will be created. In 2020, Northwestern Medicine hired a new recruitment manager to identify job candidates from Chicago’s South and West Sides. This will help ensure that patients in Bronzeville will be treated by an inclusive workforce, including nurses and physicians, that mirrors the diversity in the community.

The proposed center aligns geographically with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot's $1.4 billion INVEST South/West program. Marshaling over $1.4 billion of investment resources to-date, INVEST South/West is strategically reversing decades of public and private disinvestment on 12 commercial corridors within 10 South and West Side community areas

Northwestern Medicine and Bronzeville: A long-standing partnership

Northwestern Medicine’s mission goes beyond delivering world-class health care. For more than 20 years, the health system has partnered with local organizations in Bronzeville and surrounding areas that have a shared vision of building stronger and healthier neighborhoods.

Near North Komed-Homan Health Center

Northwestern Medicine and the Near North Health Services Corporation have been clinical partners for 55 years. Since the opening of Near North’s Komed-Homan Health Center in 1999, Northwestern Medicine has provided community residents with:

· Access to clinical and medical care, including mammograms, colonoscopies, X-rays, mental health care, heart care, eye care, and much more.

· Culturally responsive, user-friendly patient education and advanced medical care for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Bright Star Community Outreach (BSCO)

Since 2014, Northwestern Medicine has partnered with BSCO on a variety of activities, including:

· NM has supported The Urban Resilience Network (TURN) Center in Bronzeville, which provides counseling and other social services to reduce negative factors that cause violence while increasing opportunities that lead to positive outcomes.

· NM developed the video series, “Clergy & Clinicians,” with BSCO Founder and CEO Pastor Chris Harris. Each episode features Northwestern Medicine experts discussing topics of key interest to Black and Latinx viewers.

· NM has partnered with BSCO to recruit residents of the greater Bronzeville area to work at Northwestern Medicine.

Chicago HEAL

Launched in 2018 by Senator Richard Durbin, Chicago HEAL (Hospital Engagement, Action and Leadership) is a collaborative effort among Chicago’s 10 largest hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, to share best practices to address social risk factors and advance health equity in 18 of Chicago’s neighborhoods with the highest rates of violence, poverty, and inequality. The HEAL initiative focuses on three pillars:

· Increasing local workforce commitment to reduce economic hardship;

· Supporting community partnerships to improve the health and safety of public environments;

· Prioritizing key in-hospital clinical practices to address unmet needs.

For more information about Northwestern Medicine, visit NM.org.