Chief Residents' Message

To those interested in the Northwestern PM&R program,

Hello! We are thrilled to introduce ourselves as the 2026–2027 Chief Residents for the Northwestern McGaw / Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program.

At Northwestern, we train at a truly special institution, one defined by rigorous training and tremendous support. Our program is designed to help you personalize your residency experience around your passions and future career goals, whatever they may be. We aim to equip you with clinical expertise, professional confidence, and the breadth of experience necessary to thrive in any area of physiatry. Our residents receive comprehensive exposure across the full spectrum of PM&R: complex adult and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation, musculoskeletal and sports medicine, pain management, neuromuscular medicine, spasticity management, prosthetics and orthotics, and more. These experiences unfold not only within the remarkable resources of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, but across the vast network of the Northwestern system.

When you join the Northwestern PM&R residency, you join a family. Our residents are challenged, and those challenges shape us into skilled, compassionate physicians poised to become future leaders in physiatry.

We look forward to you getting to know us, and we hope you'll consider making Northwestern / Shirley Ryan AbilityLab your home for the next chapter of your journey.

Jackie, Alan, and Kosta

Chief Residents 2026-2027

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 12 residents per class plus 1 Combined Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pediatrics resident
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.