Thank you for exploring the Pediatrics Residency Program at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital Of Cook County, formerly known as Cook County Hospital. Our program stands as a beacon of medical education, with a distinguished history of nurturing pediatricians who have made significant impacts across the nation and worldwide. Accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) since 1927, we are committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for residents from all corners of the globe. Our residents thrive in an engaging academic atmosphere, benefiting from a comprehensive lecture series and conference schedule. Crucially, their most profound learning stems from direct patient care under the expert guidance of our faculty. As the sole public safety net hospital in Chicago, IL, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics is dedicated to providing comprehensive general and specialized care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
A Legacy of Excellence in Pediatric Education
The Pediatrics Residency Program at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County is deeply rooted in a tradition of producing highly competent pediatricians. For nearly a century, our program has been at the forefront of pediatric medical education, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence. Our continued accreditation by the ACGME underscores our dedication to upholding the highest standards in graduate medical education. This long-standing history provides a robust foundation for residents seeking a comprehensive and reputable training program.
Rich Learning Environment and Faculty Supervision
Residents in our program benefit from a meticulously structured learning environment designed to foster both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A full schedule of lectures and conferences, led by experienced faculty, ensures a strong academic grounding in core pediatric topics. However, we believe that true mastery comes from experience. Therefore, our program emphasizes hands-on learning through direct patient interaction, always under the close supervision of our dedicated faculty. This approach allows residents to apply their knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios, developing critical thinking and decision-making abilities essential for their future practice.
Comprehensive Clinical Experience and Patient Diversity
The curriculum of the Pediatrics Residency Program is carefully designed to meet the rigorous training guidelines established by the Pediatric RRC of the ACGME. Our residents gain diverse clinical experience through rotations in both outpatient and inpatient settings. These rotations provide exposure to a wide spectrum of pediatric conditions, from routine care to complex and critical illnesses. Furthermore, each resident establishes their own panel of patients in our continuity clinic, providing consistent outpatient care one afternoon each week. This longitudinal experience fosters strong doctor-patient relationships and a deeper understanding of the ongoing healthcare needs of children and families within our community. John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital’s unique role as a safety net hospital ensures that our residents encounter a diverse patient population, enriching their training and preparing them to serve any community effectively. Each clinical rotation is structured in 4-week blocks, and residents enjoy 28 days of paid vacation annually, promoting well-being and preventing burnout. The American Board of Pediatrics requires 33 months of training for board certification eligibility, and our program is structured to exceed this requirement, providing a thorough and comprehensive educational experience.
Diverse Subspecialty Training Opportunities
The Department of Pediatrics at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital offers a comprehensive range of subspecialty services, providing residents with exposure to various areas of pediatric medicine. These subspecialties include:
- Adolescent Medicine
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology
- Child Abuse Pediatrics
- Child Behavior and Development
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Intensive Care
This breadth of subspecialties ensures that residents receive well-rounded training and have the opportunity to explore areas of particular interest for future specialization. Beyond the Department of Pediatrics, residents also have access to clinical services through other departments within John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, including Anesthesia, Audiology, Burns, Child Life, Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Palliative Care, Pathology, Pediatric Surgery, Pharmacy, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Social Services, Speech Therapy, Trauma, and Urology. The availability of adult medical and surgical services further supports the comprehensive care of adolescents and young adults within our facilities.
Academic Affiliations and Teaching Opportunities
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics maintains a strong academic and clinical affiliation with the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center (UIC). This partnership enriches our program through shared faculty, resources, and expertise. Many attending physicians are active at both Stroger and UIC, providing residents with diverse perspectives and access to a broader network of medical professionals. Our residents also have the opportunity to participate in clinical rotations at both Stroger and UIC sites, further expanding their learning environment and exposure to different patient populations and healthcare settings. Moreover, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital serves as a valuable teaching site for medical students from Rush University Medical Center, UIC, and Rosalind Franklin University. These students rotate through our department for their core pediatrics rotation, providing our residents with ample opportunities to develop their teaching and mentorship skills. Senior medical students can also participate in sub-specialty electives or sub-internship rotations within our department, further enhancing the teaching environment and collaborative learning atmosphere.
Extensive Learning Resources and Support
Learning extends beyond the clinical setting at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. We offer a structured lecture series covering core pediatric topics, delivered by our experienced faculty. Pediatric Grand Rounds are conducted in collaboration with the Rush Program, providing a broader perspective and exposure to diverse cases and expertise. Case conferences are a regular feature, where residents present interesting cases from the inpatient service, fostering in-depth discussions with attending physicians, fellow residents, and medical students. To ensure preparedness for emergencies, residents are required to obtain certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These courses are provided to all residents free of charge. Further learning opportunities are integrated throughout the program, including attending rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, journal clubs, board review sessions, mock codes, online modules, and both formal and informal presentations during each rotation. Recognizing the importance of mentorship, each resident is paired with a dedicated faculty advisor upon joining the program. Advisors provide guidance, support, and mentorship throughout residency, assisting with career development, research opportunities, and overall well-being. Residents are also encouraged to engage in scholarly activities and participate in quality improvement projects, fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement. Ultimately, the most valuable learning experience is the direct patient care residents provide under the guidance of our faculty, solidifying their skills and confidence as future pediatricians.
In conclusion, the Pediatrics Residency Program at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County offers a rich and comprehensive training experience, preparing residents for successful careers in general and subspecialty pediatrics. With a long-standing tradition of excellence, a commitment to serving a diverse patient population, and a wealth of learning opportunities, our program provides an exceptional foundation for future leaders in pediatric medicine.
