Residents and fellows at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University train in highly ranked, world-class hospitals. For the 13th consecutive year, Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been named to the U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 ranking of America’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll, a select group of only 20 hospitals recognized for their exceptional performance across specialties, procedures and conditions. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab continues to be recognized as the national leader in Rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News list for 34 consecutive years. And, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is recognized by U.S. News as the top children’s hospital in Illinois, and is the only children's hospital in Illinois ranked in all 11 specialties.
McGaw offers a competitive stipend and long list of benefits and resources to meet your needs, including generous time off, reduced childcare rates and professional development programs.
The third largest city in the country, Chicago is the cultural, commercial and entertainment center of the Midwest. Northwestern's Chicago campus is located along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan in the Streeterville neighborhood, easily accessible by public transit.
Training to become a physician is a meaningful journey, but it can be a stressful one. Browse some of the services and resources provided by McGaw for your physical and mental health.
The culture at Northwestern is what sets it apart from all other training institutions. Matching a world class clinical experience in an environment focused on collegiality and support has not only made me a better physician but a better person. Both personally and professionally, I feel truly prepared to succeed in my future career.
Matthew M. Snyder, MD; General Surgery Residency Program '23; Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship '26
I chose Northwestern after having the opportunity to rotate here as a fourth-year medical student. I felt that their strong tradition of surgical excellence, high quality facilities, commitment to research and high expectations from their trainees would arm me moving forward with the best surgical training available. I was welcomed by the faculty and housestaff to their family and have really come to enjoy living in Chicago as well!
Courtney Furlough, MD, ’22 GME, Vascular Surgery Residency Program
I chose Northwestern because I experienced a sense of community during my interview day that I wanted to be a part of – and I have not been disappointed! Not only have I received phenomenal medical training, I also have had the privilege to work alongside nice, hardworking, and smart coresidents as well as fellows and attendings!
Claire Harrington, MD, '22 GME; Internal Medicine Residency Program/Chief Medical Resident; Gastroenterology/Hepatology Fellowship Program
I chose Northwestern because of their beautiful facilities, research opportunities and their commitment to diversity through the Northwestern McGaw Underrepresented Residents and Fellows Forum. My radiology training was excellent and has allowed me to succeed in a very competitive market. Chicago is a great city with plenty of entertainment to enjoy on your days off.
Joseph Graves, MD, ’16 GME; Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
Resident and fellow engagement is highly valued at McGaw, and opportunities for involvement across the medical center are abundant. McGaw is a great fit for those seeking clinical training and leadership opportunities at an urban, academic medical center. Additionally, Chicago offers the amenities of a major metropolis while remaining more affordable than many comparable cities, resulting in a higher standard of living.
Adnan Hussain, MD, '17 GME; Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Northwestern is a place that sets up residents to succeed in all aspects of professional development including research with world renowned faculty, medical and surgical education with a constantly innovating administration, and physician wellness with truly caring and respectful leadership. Residents can prepare to be excellent physicians while enjoying all that the world class city of Chicago has to offer. I would rank McGaw #1 again without hesitation.
Jeremy Lai, MD MBA ‘23 GME; Urologic Surgery Residency Program
Chicago has a plethora of experiences that you can participate in. There is always an opportunity to try something new. There is no other city better than Chicago in the summer. The music, food and dance festivals are unmatched. I chose to train at Northwestern because of the well-known reputation for cancer care, the commitment to diversity, the people and the location.
Jennifer Parker, MD, PhD, '18 GME; Radiation Oncology Residency Program
From the opportunity to live in Chicago to receiving world-class training and mentorship, McGaw was an easy choice. From day one, you join an environment focused on education, wellness and giving you the tools to succeed. Residency is an incredible time where you grow both clinically and professionally – I’m thankful to McGaw for the opportunity to take advantage of it all.
Sarah Sanders, MD, ’19 GME; Emergency Medicine Program
The culture at Northwestern is what sets it apart from all other training institutions. Matching a world class clinical experience in an environment focused on collegiality and support has not only made me a better physician but a better person. Both personally and professionally, I feel truly prepared to succeed in my future career.
Matthew M. Snyder, MD; General Surgery Residency Program '23; Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship '26
I chose Northwestern after having the opportunity to rotate here as a fourth-year medical student. I felt that their strong tradition of surgical excellence, high quality facilities, commitment to research and high expectations from their trainees would arm me moving forward with the best surgical training available. I was welcomed by the faculty and housestaff to their family and have really come to enjoy living in Chicago as well!
Courtney Furlough, MD, ’22 GME, Vascular Surgery Residency Program
I chose Northwestern because I experienced a sense of community during my interview day that I wanted to be a part of – and I have not been disappointed! Not only have I received phenomenal medical training, I also have had the privilege to work alongside nice, hardworking, and smart coresidents as well as fellows and attendings!
Claire Harrington, MD, '22 GME; Internal Medicine Residency Program/Chief Medical Resident; Gastroenterology/Hepatology Fellowship Program
I chose Northwestern because of their beautiful facilities, research opportunities and their commitment to diversity through the Northwestern McGaw Underrepresented Residents and Fellows Forum. My radiology training was excellent and has allowed me to succeed in a very competitive market. Chicago is a great city with plenty of entertainment to enjoy on your days off.
Joseph Graves, MD, ’16 GME; Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program
Resident and fellow engagement is highly valued at McGaw, and opportunities for involvement across the medical center are abundant. McGaw is a great fit for those seeking clinical training and leadership opportunities at an urban, academic medical center. Additionally, Chicago offers the amenities of a major metropolis while remaining more affordable than many comparable cities, resulting in a higher standard of living.
Adnan Hussain, MD, '17 GME; Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Northwestern is a place that sets up residents to succeed in all aspects of professional development including research with world renowned faculty, medical and surgical education with a constantly innovating administration, and physician wellness with truly caring and respectful leadership. Residents can prepare to be excellent physicians while enjoying all that the world class city of Chicago has to offer. I would rank McGaw #1 again without hesitation.
Jeremy Lai, MD MBA ‘23 GME; Urologic Surgery Residency Program
Chicago has a plethora of experiences that you can participate in. There is always an opportunity to try something new. There is no other city better than Chicago in the summer. The music, food and dance festivals are unmatched. I chose to train at Northwestern because of the well-known reputation for cancer care, the commitment to diversity, the people and the location.
Jennifer Parker, MD, PhD, '18 GME; Radiation Oncology Residency Program
From the opportunity to live in Chicago to receiving world-class training and mentorship, McGaw was an easy choice. From day one, you join an environment focused on education, wellness and giving you the tools to succeed. Residency is an incredible time where you grow both clinically and professionally – I’m thankful to McGaw for the opportunity to take advantage of it all.
Sarah Sanders, MD, ’19 GME; Emergency Medicine Program
The culture at Northwestern is what sets it apart from all other training institutions. Matching a world class clinical experience in an environment focused on collegiality and support has not only made me a better physician but a better person. Both personally and professionally, I feel truly prepared to succeed in my future career.
Matthew M. Snyder, MD; General Surgery Residency Program '23; Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship '26
