“When I was a resident, stem cell bone marrow transplants didn't exist, nor did liver transplants," says Robert Listernick, MD. "Residents today are caring for children who would not have survived back then." Read more.

Children's Memorial Hospital is one of the major pediatric teaching hospitals in the United States. Affiliated with Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine , the residency program is consistently one of the most sought after in the country. Furthermore, the medical school's Department of Pediatrics tied for 12th place in the 2007 US News and World Report rankings.

Approximately 185 housestaff physicians are trained here annually; almost half – currently 88 – are pediatric residents. The remainder are fellows in various pediatric subspecialties such as neonatology, cardiology, infectious diseases, hematology/oncology and others. More than 200 medical students complete their clinical clerkships here, and many residents in Northwestern's ancillary and surgical residency programs rotate through Children's Memorial as well.

A philosophy of balance

A strength of our program philosophy is exemplified by the term "balance" — not only the balance between primary and tertiary care but a balance of attitudes and emphases. Primary care is a critical component of the experience. Approximately half of our graduates enter primary care fields upon completion of residency training. Others enter fellowship training and are regularly accepted by the best fellowship programs in the nation.

Residents engage in important advocacy projects throughout Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.

Equally important is our balance between service and education. Through our medical education leadership and residency committee, (a group of residents and faculty charged with the oversight function), we have established a firm policy that any changes in the residency program must be predicated on educational value — not service need. Only proposed changes that fulfill this mandate will be approved.

Furthermore, the medical education leadership and the residency committee facilitate the attitude of open communication. There is a prevailing notion of "co-ownership" within our program. The residents are involved in our program's organized system of evaluation and change to ensure continual personal and programmatic improvement. Such a working relationship is highly regarded and exceptionally rewarding.