Chief Residents' Message

Dear Future Physiatry Colleagues,

Welcome! We are thrilled to introduce ourselves as the 2025–2026 Chief Residents for the Northwestern McGaw / Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program.

Choosing a residency program is a big decision, and we want to give you a genuine sense of what makes our program special. At Northwestern, we are proud to offer a training experience that is both rigorous and supportive—one that equips residents with the clinical expertise, professional confidence, and individualized opportunities needed to thrive in any area of physiatry.

Our residents gain comprehensive exposure across the full spectrum of PM&R, from complex inpatient rehabilitation to outpatient musculoskeletal care, pain management, neuromuscular medicine, spasticity management, prosthetics and orthotics, pediatrics, sports medicine, and far beyond. Our program allows you to shape your path and residency experience based on your passions—whether that means pursuing research, academic leadership, medical education, quality improvement, ethics, advocacy, innovation, or something entirely your own. If you can think of it, you can pursue it.

What truly sets our program apart though, is the people. You'll join a residency community that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and genuinely supports one another. The relationships you build—with your co-residents, faculty, alumni, and the entire interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams—are the foundation of a vibrant professional network and lifelong friendships.

As part of our residency family, you'll be challenged to grow into a skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate physiatrist and will be supported every step of the way as you develop into a leader in the field.

We’re excited for you to get to know us better, and we hope you’ll consider making Northwestern / Shirley Ryan AbilityLab your home for the next chapter of your journey.

Warmly,
Edel, Victoria, and Sean
Chief Residents, 2025–2026

What Makes Us Unique

Unmatched Clinical Training

Train at five premier sites, including the #1 ranked rehabilitation hospital - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, plus Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Jesse Brown VA, and Illinois Masonic.
Care for patients across the full rehab spectrum with specialty inpatient services in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer rehab, amputation, pediatrics, medically complex, and more.
Extensive outpatient and procedural exposure in MSK, pain, spasticity, electrodiagnostics, neuromuscular, amputation, prosthetics and orthotics.
Learn from national experts in every rehab subspecialty.
Diverse clinical settings expose you to both cutting-edge academic medicine and real-world rehab systems.

Innovative & Comprehensive Education

Weekly Chair Rounds with Dr. Elliot Roth blend case discussion, mentorship, and career insights.
A standout weekly MSK curriculum that includes anatomy and pathology lectures, cadaver labs, physical exam workshops, and extensive ultrasound training.
Annual ultrasound, spine, and spasticity workshops led by faculty and alumni.
Expanding simulation curriculum with mock codes, rehab emergencies, intrathecal pump management, and more.
Unlimited access to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Academy continuing education courses — a unique, world-class benefit.

Personalized Training & Flexibility

Residents enjoy the maximum (6 months) elective time with full freedom to explore interests
Create custom electives to highly individualize your residency experience
Longitudinal continuity clinics during PGY-3 and PGY-4 years
Individualized mentorship and support to help you build the career you want.

Career Development Tracks & Certificates

Optional SRAlab specialty tracks in:
- Medical Education
- Healthcare Leadership
- Quality Improvement & Patient Safety
Earn a certificate in your area of interest at graduation.
Only PM&R residency in the country offering a fully funded 5-year Physician-Scientist Research Track with 12 months of protected research time.
Access to McGaw-wide Clinical Scholars Programs in Global Health, Health Equity, Bioethics, and more.

World-Class Research & Innovation

Train at the first-ever translational rehab hospital, where research and clinical care are deeply integrated.
Dedicated Resident Research Program with mentorship, curriculum, and statistical support.
Funded opportunities to present at national conferences.
Multiple residents graduate with peer-reviewed publications and robust academic portfolios.

Exceptional Resources & Dual-Degree Options

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits as part of McGaw Medical Center.
Strong emphasis on resident wellness, with a department-led Wellness Committee and institutional support.
Option to pursue a Kellogg MBA during residency via Northwestern’s part-time program — ideal for aspiring physician-leaders.

Vibrant Resident Life & Supportive Culture

Large but close-knit program with 13 residents per class
Resident "family" system connects residents and faculty for mentorship and fun.
Frequent social events, wellness outings, and adventures in downtown Chicago.
Residents volunteer at events like the Chicago Marathon, SkyRise stair climb, performance arts medicine, and adaptive sports
Strong faculty mentorship, approachable senior residents, and a connected alumni network that supports graduates long after residency.

Be part of the future of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation—right here with us at Northwestern.