About Rush

Welcome to Rush University!

Rush University is dedicated to training in the clinical and basic sciences of health care and medical research. Its four colleges - Rush Medical College, Rush University College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College - together train more than  2,500 students. In addition, Rush University Medical Center trains more than 600 residents and fellows in the graduate programs of clinical education for physicians.

Students have the opportunity to train at Rush University Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. The desire to participate in the education of trainees at all levels has attracted some of the most outstanding scientists, physicians, nurses and allied health professionals in the country to Rush, where our primary interest is to provide the very best in patient care.  Trainees in the clinical disciplines will be prepared for the challenges that they will face by active participation in clinical care at the Medical Center throughout most of their training. Basic scientists will work as part of those teams. The link between basic science and clinical programs often stimulate each side to find creative solutions to the health care challenges of today and the future.

I am pleased you have chosen Rush for your training. We take the responsibility seriously. At any time during your training, please feel free to contact one of your deans or myself for any suggestions or to address any issues. Training is exciting as well as challenging. All of us are here to support you.

Thanks for choosing Rush.

Larry Goodman, MD
President, Rush University;
Chief Executive Officer,
Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

The mission of Rush is to improve the health of the individuals and diverse communities we serve through the integration of outstanding patient care, education, research and community partnerships.

Vision

Rush will be the leading academic health system in the region and nationally recognized for transforming health care.

Core Values

“I CARE”

Innovation

Collaboration

Accountability

Respect

Excellence

These five values, known as our I CARE values, convey the philosophy behind every decision Rush employees make. Rush employees also commit themselves to executing these values with compassion. This translates into a dedication - shared by all members of the Rush community - to providing the highest quality patient care.

History of Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center is one of Chicago’s oldest health care organizations. Its heritage extends back to 1837, when Rush Medical College was established. St. Luke’s Hospital, founded in 1864, and Presbyterian Hospital, founded in 1883, merged in 1956 to form Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. The subsequent incorporation of these pioneer institutions in 1969 created Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, which was renamed Rush University Medical Center in October 2003.

Rush is a not-for-profit academic medical center comprising Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Rush Health.

Renowned Patient Care

Rush University Medical Center encompasses a 664-bed hospital serving adults and children, including the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center, which provides medical and rehabilitative care to older adults and people with short- and long-term disabilities.

It includes Rush’s 376-bed Tower hospital building, which opened in 2012 as part of the Medical Center’s major campus renovation. Rush’s commitment to sustainability innovation earned the Tower LEED Gold certification. It is the largest new construction health care project in the world to be LEED Gold certified. Rush’s renovation also includes Rush’s Orthopedic Building, which opened in 2010, and the ongoing campus-wide implementation of an electronic medical record system, enhancing patient care and safety.

A unique combination of research and patient care has earned Rush national rankings in seven of 16 specialty areas in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015-16 America’s Best Hospitals issue, among other recognitions of our quality of care and accreditations.

Our nurses are at the forefront of our efforts to provide quality care, receiving Magnet status four times for making outstanding nursing care the standard at the Medical Center. Rush was the first hospital in Illinois serving adults and children to receive Magnet status - the highest honor in nursing.

And some of the world’s best athletes trust themselves to the hands of our physicians. Rush is proud to be the preferred hospital for the Chicago Bulls.

Educating Future Health Care Providers

Rush University is home to one of the first medical colleges in the Midwest and one of the nation’s top-ranked nursing colleges, as well as graduate programs in allied health, health systems management and biomedical research. The Medical Center also offers many highly selective residency and fellowship programs in medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. Rush’s unique practitioner-teacher model for health sciences education and research gives students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned instructors who practice what they teach.

Committed to Community

In addition to patient care, education and research, Rush maintains a strong commitment to the community. Many students, faculty and staff at Rush generously donate their time and skills both within and outside of the Medical Center. Their efforts include numerous health outreach projects in which Rush collaborates with neighborhood clinics, churches, schools and other organizations to provide health screenings and vital health information for underserved children and adults.

Our education and research endeavors, community service programs and relationships with other hospitals are dedicated to enhancing excellence in patient care for the diverse communities of the Chicago area - now and in the future.

Larry J. Goodman, MD, is CEO of Rush University Medical Center and president of Rush University. He also serves as president of the Rush System for Health, and he is the principal officer of the Rush Board of Trustees.

Rush University Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Rush University provides outstanding health sciences education and conducts impactful research in a culture of inclusion, focused on the promotion and preservation of the health and well-being of our diverse communities.

Vision

The Rush learning community will be the leading health sciences university committed to transforming health care through innovative research and education.

Core Values

As the academic component of Rush University Medical Center, the University shares the Medical Center’s core values: innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. The I CARE values guide the efforts of Rush University students, faculty and researchers.

History of Rush University

Rush University is the academic component of Rush University Medical Center. Founded in 1972, the University has expanded from one college and fewer than 100 students to four colleges and more than 2,500 students. It includes Rush Medical College, Rush University College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College.

Rush Medical College is named for Benjamin Rush, a physician from Pennsylvania, who also signed the Declaration of Independence. Rush Medical College was chartered in 1837 and opened officially on Dec. 4, 1843, with 22 students enrolled in a 16-week course. During the first century of operation, more than 10,000 physicians received their training at Rush Medical College.

Rush Medical College was affiliated with the University of Chicago from 1898 until 1942, when the medical college temporarily suspended its educational program, though it continued its corporate existence. Its faculty continued undergraduate and graduate teaching of medicine and the biological sciences as members of the faculty of the University of Illinois. The charter of the medical college was reactivated in 1969, when it became part of the Medical Center. Rush Medical College reopened in 1971 with a class of 66 first-year students and 33 third-year students. First-year class size reached its projected maximum of 120 in 1976.

Rush University College of Nursing represents a combined heritage dating back to the late nineteenth century when its first antecedent, the St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, opened in 1885 to offer diploma education to nurses. In 1903, the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing accepted its first students. From 1956 to 1968, nurses were taught at the merged Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing. Before the establishment of the College of Nursing in 1972, more than 7,000 nurses had graduated from these three schools.

The College of Health Sciences, established in 1975, traces its origins to the School of Medical Technology sponsored by Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital from 1959 to 1972. This school was the second largest of its kind in the city of Chicago. During its operation, it provided a one-year professional internship program to more than 200 baccalaureate students in medical technology. Today, the College of Health Sciences offers doctoral programs in audiology and health sciences, 10 programs at the master’s level, and bachelor’s programs in health sciences, imaging sciences and vascular ultrasound technology.

The Graduate College was established as a separate academic unit in January 1981, having previously been organized as the Graduate School within the College of Health Sciences. The Graduate College is responsible for educational programs in the basic sciences and offers master’s and doctoral degrees in 12 disciplines.

The Seal of Rush University

The seal of Rush University is a shield, a classic Greek symbol of preservation and protection and also a medieval British emblem used for identification. As such, it recognizes the University’s overarching commitment to educating health professionals who preserve life and protect patients, and it is the distinguishing identification of Rush University. Its two colors, green and gold, merge the tradition of the past with the custom of the present: Gold was the single historical color of Rush Medical College, and green is used for the modern Medical Center.

The motto, ministrare per scientiam, translated from Latin, means to minister (care for or serve) through scientific knowledge. It was adopted by the Board of Trustees in September 1993 to reflect the commitment to educate caring professionals whose practice is based in knowledge. The shadow in the background is the anchor cross, a symbol of hope and steadfastness, which became the emblem of the merged Presbyterian and St. Luke’s hospitals in 1957, and the foundation that created the vision for Rush University. Superimposed on top is the stylized version of the anchor cross that was adopted in 1971 upon the merger of Rush Medical College and Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital. The final elements are Chicago, the city that is home to the University, and the date of the University’s founding, 1972. The Rush University Board of Overseers adopted the seal in 1999.

Student Characteristics

Statistics below are based on Fall 2016 enrollment figures.

Accreditation, Authorization and Licenses

Rush University

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 S. LaSalle St, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
(800) 621-7440
http://www.ncahlc.org

Rush Medical College

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)
515 N. State St, Suite 1801
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 527-9200
http://www.accme.org

Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
515 N. State St, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 755-5000
http://www.acgme.org

American Medical Association (AMA)
330 N. Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 621-8335
http://www.ama-assn.org

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
2450 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 828-0400
http://www.aamc.org

Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
2450 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 828-0596
http://www.lcme.org

College of Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
One DuPont Circle NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-6930
http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
222 Prospect Ave, Suite 304
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 692-7050
http://www.aana.com

College of Health Sciences

Department of Clinical Nutrition

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
(312) 899-0040 ext. 5400
http://www.eatright.org

Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, Mail Stop 310
Rockville, MD 20850-3289
(800) 498-2071
http://www.asha.org/academic/accreditation/CAA_overview.htm

Department of Health Systems Management

Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
1700 Rockville Pike
Suite 400
Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 998-6101
http://www.cahme.org

Department of Medical Laboratory Science

BS and MS programs: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880
(773) 714-8886 (Fax)
http://www.naacls.org

Specialist in Blood Bank certificate program:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
1361 Park St
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 210-2350
(727) 210-2354 (Fax)
http://www.caahep.org

Department of Medical Physics

Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc. (CAMPEP)
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 209-3346
Fax 301-209-0862
http://www.campep.org

Department of Occupational Therapy

ACOTE c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814-3449
(301) 652-2682
(301) 652-1417 (Fax)
http://www.acoteonline.org

Perfusion Technology

Accreditation Committee - Perfusion Education (A committee on accreditation for CAAHEP)
6663 South Sycamore Street
Littleton, Colorado 80120
(303) 794-6283
(303) 738-3223 (Fax)
http://www.ac-pe.org

Physician Assistant Studies

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA)
12000 Findley Road, Suite 150
Johns Creek, GA, 30097
(770) 476-1224
Fax: (770) 476-1738
http://www.arc-pa.org

Department of Religion, Health and Human Values

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE)
1549 Clairmont Rd, Suite 103
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 320-1472
(404) 320-0849 (Fax)
http://www.acpe.edu

Department of Respiratory Care

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
FAX: (817) 354-8519
http://www.coarc.com

Department of Vascular Ultrasound and Technology

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) (A committee on accreditation for CAAHEP)
6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(443) 973-3251
(866) 738-3444 (Fax)
www.jrcdms.org

Authorization

The Illinois Board of Higher Education has authorized all degree programs offered through Rush University.

Illinois Board of Higher Education
431 East Adams, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-1404
(317) 782-2551
Fax: (217) 782-8548
http://www.ibhe.state.il.us

Licenses

State of Illinois

Department of Public Health

Cook County Board of Health

Rush University Medical Center Memberships

Rush University Medical Center belongs to the following organizations:

Association of American Medical Colleges

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities

Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions

Association of University Programs in Health Administration

National League for Nursing

Association for Health Services Research

American Hospital Association

Illinois Hospital Association

Voluntary Hospitals of America

Metropolitan Chicago Health Care Council

Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Care Service Corp.

Council of Graduate Schools

Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools

Illinois Association of Graduate Schools

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education

Association of Bioethics Program Directors

Council of Academic Programs in Communication Disorders and Sciences

Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Science

Physician Assistant Education Association

Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants

American Academy of Physician Assistants

Rush University Affiliated Colleges and Universities

The following 22 colleges and universities in four states have programs that are affiliated with one or more academic program at Rush University:

Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

Benedictine University, Springfield, IL

Carleton College, Northfield, MN

Carthage College, Kenosha, WI

Concordia University, River Forest, IL

Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA

DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Dominican University, River Forest, IL

Hebrew Theological College, Skokie, IL

Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL

Knox College, Galesburg, IL

Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

Macalester College, St. Paul, MN

Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL

North Central College, Naperville, IL

Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL

Ripon College, Ripon, WI

Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

Spelman College, Atlanta, GA

Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL

Alumni Relations

The Office of Alumni Relations is located in the Triangle Office Building, Suite 250, at 1700 W. Van Buren St. Alumni Relations provides a planned, coordinated program of service and activities of mutual interest and benefit to Rush University, the Medical Center and all alumni. Although the legacy of a Rush education dates back to 1837, Rush University is a relatively young institution. Since the University’s inception in 1972, it has conferred more than 18,000 degrees in the health professions. The objective of the Office of Alumni Relations is to provide channels for Rush Medical College, the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, The Graduate College and our predecessor school alumni as well as former Medical Center house staff to stay connected to Rush as follows:

•  Remain informed of current developments at the Medical Center
•  Develop an active interest in and involvement with their alma mater
•  Maintain contact with fellow alumni and faculty
•  Take advantage of continuing education opportunities offered through Rush University
•  Respond positively through both financial and philosophical support
•  Promote and perpetuate the high standards of excellence in patient care, education and scientific advancement consistent with the objectives of Rush University Medical Center

At this time, the following formally organized active alumni associations exist for Rush University graduates:

• The Rush Medical College Alumni Association
• The Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Nurses Alumni Association
•  Rush University Health Systems Management Alumni Association (HSMAA)

For more information concerning Rush University alumni associations, programs and events, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (312) 942-2569 or alumni@rush.edu or visit the alumni websites at www.rushu.rush.edu/alumni.

Drug Free Campus and Workplace

Rush University Medical Center is committed to achieving and maintaining a drug-free campus and workplace. The Medical Center has established a drug-free policy consistent with its commitment and goals. The policy states in part:

The illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, sale and/ or possession of controlled substances on Medical Center property or while performing Medical Center business is strictly prohibited. An employee or student engaged in any such conduct will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion or termination. In addition, students and employees are subject to all applicable criminal penalties under local, state or federal law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Within five days of the conviction, employees and students must report to the Medical Center any conviction for violation of a criminal drug statute occurring within the Medical Center. The health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are many and varied. Some drugs may cause psychological and physical dependence or addiction. Others attack the central nervous system, making the user dangerous to himself and others. In the extreme, they can result in convulsions, psychosis, coma and possible death.

Tobacco-Free Work Environment

Rush University Medical Center supports the surgeon general’s report on use of tobacco products as a major cause of preventable death. Tobacco use has been documented to contribute significantly to health problems of those who engage in the practice, and those who are subjected to an environment where smoke is present.

Rush University Medical Center to be consistent with its mission, seeks to promote the health, safety and quality of life of all people who come to the Rush Campus.

Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

For over three decades, the Rush approach to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion has not wavered. Our approach is that these are essential components of the best employment, educational and health care practices and must be furthered. This is a continuation of a policy that emanated from the hospital charters of 1865 and 1883 and the documents governing the establishment of Rush University in 1972.

In certain instances, the implementation of this policy and our goals in this area require the use of affirmative initiatives. At Rush, these initiatives are focused on strong recruitment, development and retention efforts, not on quotas - and these recruitment and programming efforts will be continued, consistent with federal, state and municipal guidelines.

Rush University is committed to attracting students who will enable the student body to achieve the educational benefits of diversity and to providing services to all students, faculty and other employees on a nondiscriminatory, equitable basis.

Discrimination or harassment against any member of the Rush University Medical Center community because of age, ancestry, color, disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, gender, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other category protected by federal or state law is prohibited and will not be tolerated, nor will any person for those reasons be excluded from the participation in or denied the benefits of any program or activity within Rush University.

Shanon Shumpert, Associate Vice President for Insitutional Equity, has been designated to oversee the implementation of this policy for Rush University. Ms. Shumpert can be contacted by telephone at (312) 942-5239 or via email at Shanon_Shumpert@rush.edu.

Additional resources may be found in Human Resources along with the following university individuals/offices:

Paula J. Brown, MBA
Manager, Diversity and Inclusion
Rush University Medical Center
128 Professional Office Building
(312) 942-7094
Paula_J_Brown@rush.edu

Office of Student Disability Services

In keeping with its goal to promote diversity among its student population, Rush University is committed to attracting and educating students who will help to make the population of health care professionals reflective of the national population, including individuals with disabilities. In addition, Rush University is committed to ensuring equal access to its facilities, programs and services are available to students with disabilities.

To be eligible for accommodations, a student must have a documented disability as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students are encouraged to apply to the Office of Student Disability services as soon as possible to discuss reasonable accommodations for their specific academic program.

To learn more about accommodations at Rush University, please visit: https://www.rushu.rush.edu/office-student-disability-services  or contact:

Prohibition Against Harassment, Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct 

Rush University Medical Center (Rush) strictly prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment of and by any member of the community, including but not limited to students, faculty, employees, volunteers, guests and vendors. Rush complies with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities, admission and employment. Sexual misconduct (and its various forms, as defined below) constitutes sexual discrimination and is also covered under this policy. This policy does not only prohibit discrimination and harassment of employees by employers, but prohibits discrimination and harassment between any members of the Rush community, including between a member of the faculty and a student, between two students, between an employee and a campus guest or between a student and an applicant. This policy applies to all Rush programs and activities including, instruction, grading, housing and employment. It is central to the values of Rush that any member of the community who believes that they have witnessed or been the target of unlawful discrimination or harassment, feel free to report their concerns for an appropriate response and investigation, without fear of retaliation or retribution.

All complaints and concerns about conduct that may violate this policy (including retaliation for reports made pursuant to this policy) should be filed with Rush’s equal opportunity officer. Confidential reports can also be made through the Rush Hotline at (877) 787-4009 or via the Rush web reporting tool at rush.ethicspoint.com. Anonymous reporters do not need to identify themselves, but are asked to provide enough information to enable an investigation. Upon receipt of a complaint, the equal opportunity officer will evaluate the information received and determine what further actions should be taken consistent with the procedures outlined. The complete policy can be found on the Rush website listed under Anti-Harassment.

Resources

For more information on the Rush University Medical Center policy against harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct contact: Shanon Shumpert, Equal Opportunity Officer & Title IX Coordinator, Rush University Medical Center, Armour Academic Center, Suite 403, 600 S. Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 942-5239 Shanon_Shumpert@rush.edu.

Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation

The Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation (OIRAA) serves Rush University by providing leadership and support in the area of institutional research, accreditation, assessment and regulatory mandates. The OIRAA fulfills its mission by:

•  Providing comprehensive information to support institutional planning, policy formation, decision-making and evaluation of effectiveness
•  Coordinating responses to external accountability mandates and a wide range of internal and external requests for information about the university
•  Providing guidance and coordination support for campus-wide and unit-level assessment of academic programs and administrative processes to support the university’s quality improvement efforts
•  Providing evidence of institutional effectiveness

The office provides services in three major areas:

External Reporting

The OIRAA has primary responsibility for preparing and submitting official reports and data files to ensure the University’s compliance with state and federal reporting mandates. In addition, the office coordinates the University’s response to a variety of other external requests for information that are received from internal and external stakeholders. Mandatory external reports and updates:

• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
• Illinois Longitudinal Data System (ILDS)
• Higher Learning Commission Annual Institutional Data Update (HLC/AIDU)
• Illinois Virtual Campus (IVC)
• Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)

Planning Support and Internal Reports

The OIRAA is charged with compiling, analyzing and interpreting statistical data used in strategic planning efforts by University administrators, trustees and committees. These data include:

• Student and faculty characteristics
• Enrollment
• Admissions
• Retention and graduation rates
• Degrees awarded
• Credit hour production
• Alumni performance
• Scholarship/research productivity
• Strategic planning and institutional performance metrics

The information is disseminated to the University community through annual reports, websites and responses to ad hoc requests.

Institutional Effectiveness

The OIRAA is responsible for coordinating campus-wide and unit-level assessment of academic programs and administrative processes to support the University’s quality improvement efforts. These activities include:

• Gathering and presenting institutional performance data
• Administering Rush University and other surveys
• Providing technical support and consultation to assist units in assessing student learning outcomes and administrative objectives
• Conducting special studies to evaluate the University’s progress in achieving strategic goals
• Coordinating accreditation activities
• Supporting the University Assessment Committee in its assessment activities and program reviews
• Supporting and monitoring the HLC mandated quality improvement project

Contact the OIRAA staff at OIRAA_@rush.edu.