Resources and Benefits

Residency and fellowship training is an exciting and challenging phase of the education of physicians. Rush University Medical Center is committed to maintaining excellence in our graduate medical education programs and to creating an environment for our housestaff that is conducive to outstanding clinical experience, expert teaching and personal well-being. At Rush, we are very proud of our house officers and consider them a vital part of our health care community.

Rush Residency Benefits

• A competitive salary, in 2005, the entry PGY-1 salary was $41,977.
• Health and dental insurance, with a minimal co-payment for the resident and his or her dependents. Voluntary participation in the Medical Center’s Vision Plan. At no expense to the house officer, life insurance is provided by the Medical Center in the form of $50,000 group term insurance (additional amounts are also available). Other benefits include short- and long-term disability insurance and free travel accident insurance for approved travel outside of the Medical Center.
• Four weeks vacation, including one week for special educational leave.
• Free garage parking at the Medical Center.
• Reimbursement for Educational Materials. In 2005, Housestaff were given a $300 credit (tax free) at the Rush University Bookstore for educational materials (books, PDAs, medical equipment/software).
• Reimbursement for registration fees at educational conferences and programs via Rush’s LEAP program (up to $1000/year).

For additional details on housestaff benefits, the entire 2005-2006 Rush House Officer's Agreement and the Quick Benefits Reference can be viewed on-line at www.rush.edu/gme.

Rush Residency Resources

• Complete library resources. Rush University carries a comprehensive collection of medical journals, books, government documents and audiovisual materials. In addition, our library provides access to computerized information retrieval systems.
• Computer access, including Rush e-mail and Internet linkage. The McCormick Educational Technology Center is accessible to housestaff, 24/7.
• Discounts on products and services. A number of local vendors offer discounts and/or services to Rush University Medical Center employees. Benefits include reduced price theatre tickets, special rates for local health and fitness centers, discounted admission for certain local and national attractions, employee rates at local hotels, and discounts for products and services, including mobile phones, car rentals and computer equipment.
• Free and confidential counseling and psychiatric support services. An employee assistance program is available to house officers and their immediate family members who experience personal problems with issues such as anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, financial and legal matters, career, marital or family, and adjustment to illness.
• International services. Our office of international services helps residents and fellows from foreign countries make a successful transition to Chicago. The international office assists housestaff who hold nonimmigrant visa status. This office is the liaison with ECFMG for J-1 Exchange Visitors and for H-1B workers. For additional information, email Helen_Lavelle@rush.edu.
• An active Rush Housestaff Association, which meets monthly and addresses the needs of the housestaff. It provides opportunities for open communication and involvement in Medical Center affairs.

Ophthalmology Residency Benefits

• The Department of Ophthalmology has established a series of additional benefits that enhance the residency experience.
• The American Academy of Ophthalmology Basic and Clinical Science Course, a 13-volume set, is given to first-year residents.
• A yearly travel allowance of $1200 is provided to each resident for attendance at a national ophthalmology meeting.
• An additional travel allowance of $1200 per year is available to any resident presenting a paper at a national meeting, e.g. ARVO.
• Each year, two senior residents may attend the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting at the department’s expense.
• The department will also cover fees for each resident to attend the weekly Chicago Curriculum in Ophthalmology lecture series and the monthly meetings of the Chicago Ophthalmological Society.

Rush is a great place to be an ophthalmologist. It is an even better place to train!