Internal Medicine – Categorical

The Categorical Track of the Internal Residency Program at Cook County Health has an international reputation as a leader in clinical education with an emphasis on clinical reasoning.
Program Contact
Dixie Dominguez
Residency Program Manager
312-864-7311

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About

We offer our residents a diverse clinical experience with comprehensive didactic and discussion curriculum and career development programs.

Our highly skilled and knowledgeable faculty, along with our university affiliate Rush Medical College, are committed to providing the best possible training for careers in primary carehospital medicine or sub-specialty medicine.  

Our residents are integrated members of our department. Through supervised management of all patients admitted to our inpatient wards, HIV, short stay, medical and cardiac intensive care units, residents diagnose and treat diseases others only read about in textbooks. Additionally, in the general medicine clinic, residents become the primary care physicians practicing preventive medicine and providing continuity care for a variety of complex diseases. In addition to clinical care, house staff are encouraged to conduct research and quality improvement projects, and to participate in the teaching of medical students who rotate on all our services.  

Welcome From the Chief Residents

Welcome to the Internal Medicine Residency Program at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County!

We are proud of our rich legacy of training exceptional residents in a program dedicated to excellence. As a safety net hospital situated in the Illinois Medical District, we serve diverse populations, ensuring that all patients receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our residency program offers a comprehensive graduate medical education experience, featuring our innovative X+Y+Z model. This unique structure allows residents to engage in inpatient, consultations, and ambulatory rotations in a balanced way. You’ll gain valuable experience in various clinical settings, including the Medical Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, inpatient subspecialty services, ambulatory rotations, and community health clinics. We are excited to introduce a new ultrasound training initiative, starting in the first year. This program ensures that residents develop and refine their ultrasound skills with expert guidance, supported by dedicated resources in each teaching team.

Our residency fosters a collegial and supportive atmosphere, prioritizing your well-being and learning. With no 24-hour shifts on the general medicine floor, we promote a balanced approach to training and patient care. This environment cultivates lasting friendships and a strong sense of community. Many of our graduates choose to remain with us as faculty, reflecting the deep connections formed during their training.

Outside of the hospital, our residents enjoy the vibrant culture and activities of the Chicago area. From diverse dining options to recreational opportunities, there’s always something new to explore. The city’s rich history, beautiful parks, and cultural events provide a perfect backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Thank you for considering the Internal Medicine Residency Program at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital. We look forward to welcoming you into our community and are here to answer any questions you may have!

Chief Residents

Application

Welcome to our Internal Medicine Categorical Track Residency Program.

Please take a moment to review the below guidelines to facilitate your application process.

  • We only accept applications via  ERAS, the Electronic Residency Application Service. When in the ERAS website, please look for the Internal Medicine Program under John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital.
  • We start our interview season in October and continue until the end of January.
  • It is preferred that your graduation date from medical school is within the last 5 years.
  • We require at least 3 letters of recommendation
  • Applicants from international medical schools, please make sure to obtain your ECFMG certification before the submission of the NRMP match.
  • We sponsor H-1b & J1 visas.  Successful completion of the USMLE Step III is part of the requirement for the H-1b visa, as well as securing a valid Illinois Temporary license in the State of Illinois.

Our selective Admissions Review Committee reviews each application on an individual basis. We receive over 7,000 applications each year for our program. Due to the vast number of applications, we may not always be able to respond to email and phone status requests. If an interview is to be granted, you will receive an email communication from our program.

Benefits

Vacation Leave
28 days or four weeks of vacation is given to all housestaff, which can be taken in (2) two week increments or (1) four week block rotation.
Parental Leave
Housestaff physicians are offered 12 weeks paid parental leave.
Education Allowance
$1,500 per year for conferences, books and electronics
Housestaff Association Union
The Cook County Hospital Housestaff Association (HSA) is the union representing interns, residents and fellows employed by the Hospital. It has existed as the housestaff physicians’ organization for many years and as a union since the early 1970s.
Dental & Vision Insurance
All housestaff are eligible to participate in the County’s Dental HMO plan. There is no cost for both of these benefits.
Internal Medicine - Categorical
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