Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Department of Medicine

Division of Hospital Medicine

headshot of Dr. O'Leary, division chief

Our greatest strength is our people. We know that the best way to ensure the highest quality care for our patients is to make every effort to support our healthcare professionals.”

Kevin J. O’Leary, MD, MS
Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine

About Our Division

The Division of Hospital Medicine within the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine's Department of Medicine instills patient-focus and teamwork into our approach to training, research, quality improvement and clinical care.

Our faculty members are trained in internal medicine and are experts in the management and coordination of care in the hospital setting. Our program is nationally recognized for our research and quality improvement projects — for which we receive over $4 million in annual funding; teaching our four palliative care fellows; and our commitment to provide the highest quality of clinical care for over 23,000 hospitalizations through Feinberg-affiliated hospitals.

Education

Excellence in medical education is one of the core principles of the Division of Hospital Medicine. Members of our division play key roles in the education of medical students, residents, physician assistants, graduate students and fellows. 

Advance your medical career with expert guidance in scholarly activity and clinical care in either of our two training programs:

  • Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship
  • Academic Hospital Medicine Fellowhip

Explore our Fellowships

In 2010, we created a teaching skills class to address the lack of teaching and leadership skills among hospitalists, often recent residency graduates. This course helps junior faculty build supportive learning environments, become learner-centered educators and give effective feedback.

Conducted in small-group discussions led by experienced faculty, the program covers topics like:

  • Teaching on rounds
  • Small-group instruction
  • Feedback
  • Team and time management
  • Conflict negotiation
  • Lecture skills
  • Professionalism
  • Career development

Discussion leaders also offer individual support outside of class, assisting with educational challenges, observing teaching practices, providing peer reviews and connecting junior faculty with teaching opportunities within the medical school.

Hospital Medicine Simulation

The Division of Hospital Medicine operates a simulation laboratory affiliated with Northwestern Simulation. Hospital Medicine Simulation was created to further enhance medical education and patient safety within the Department of Medicine. We use simulation-based mastery learning to train nurses, residents, fellows and attendings to high standards in bedside procedure and communication skills. Hospitalists within our division must meet mastery standards in Hospital Medicine Simulation to obtain hospital privileges in bedside procedures.

  • Central venous catheter insertion
  • Ultrasound guided IV insertion
  • Arterial line insertion
  • Temporary pacemaker insertion
  • Pulmonary catheter insertion
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Thoracentesis
  • Paracentesis
  • Arthrocentesis
  • Breaking bad news

Research

The Division of Hospital Medicine conducts groundbreaking research addressing important questions related to all aspects of healthcare quality: safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency and equitability. Faculty in our division include national experts in patient safety, simulation-based training, inter-professional teamwork, transitions of care and end-of-life care. To learn more read our latest publications.

 

Advance your medical career with expert guidance in scholarly activity and clinical care in either of our two training programs:

  • Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship
  • Academic Hospital Medicine Fellowhip

Explore our Fellowships

In 2010, we created a teaching skills class to address the lack of teaching and leadership skills among hospitalists, often recent residency graduates. This course helps junior faculty build supportive learning environments, become learner-centered educators and give effective feedback.

Conducted in small-group discussions led by experienced faculty, the program covers topics like:

  • Teaching on rounds
  • Small-group instruction
  • Feedback
  • Team and time management
  • Conflict negotiation
  • Lecture skills
  • Professionalism
  • Career development

Discussion leaders also offer individual support outside of class, assisting with educational challenges, observing teaching practices, providing peer reviews and connecting junior faculty with teaching opportunities within the medical school.

Hospital Medicine Simulation

The Division of Hospital Medicine operates a simulation laboratory affiliated with Northwestern Simulation. Hospital Medicine Simulation was created to further enhance medical education and patient safety within the Department of Medicine. We use simulation-based mastery learning to train nurses, residents, fellows and attendings to high standards in bedside procedure and communication skills. Hospitalists within our division must meet mastery standards in Hospital Medicine Simulation to obtain hospital privileges in bedside procedures.

  • Central venous catheter insertion
  • Ultrasound guided IV insertion
  • Arterial line insertion
  • Temporary pacemaker insertion
  • Pulmonary catheter insertion
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Thoracentesis
  • Paracentesis
  • Arthrocentesis
  • Breaking bad news

Contact Us

We welcome your questions and comments at the Division of Hospital Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Please contact our administrative office via the information below.

Division of Hospital Medicine (Academic Office)
211 E. Ontario St., Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-926-5893
Fax: 312-926-4588

Section of Palliative Medicine (Academic Office)
211 E. Ontario St., Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-926-0001
Fax: 312-926-4588

Division Administrator
Emily Wilson
Emily.Wilson@nm.org