Rush University is proud to announce that Pete Batra, MD, has been appointed as senior vice president and dean of Rush Medical College. He will start this role on Monday, Dec. 1.
As dean, Batra will oversee the medical school’s educational programs, ensuring the curriculum meets high standards, and support faculty development. He will foster a strong research environment by promoting faculty and student research initiatives and managing funding strategies. Additionally, he will coordinate clinical integration across our medical group to ensure that medical students and residents receive high-quality clinical training aligned with academic goals. This includes fostering an environment that develops top-tier talent, drives innovation and advances knowledge in clinical practice.
“Dr. Batra is a perfect fit as dean for Rush Medical College,” says Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president, Rush University. “His experience and success in the clinical and research spaces at Rush make him a valuable addition to our university leadership. I am excited to work with him to enhance the medical college mission as it continues to provide high-quality education, innovative research and advances in patient care.”
Batra will also partner with leaders and teams across the system to ensure alignment with Rush’s overall mission as a fully integrated academic medical health system. He will collaborate closely with the Rush Medical Group president, department chairs and service line leaders to guide clinical strategy, program development and organizational growth. He will be tasked with implementing new and creative ideas that will enhance the student's experience and education, faculty development, and ensure excellent patient care.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the next dean of Rush Medical College,” Batra said. “I look forward to advancing our proud legacy of academic excellence, innovation and service, while strengthening Rush’s longstanding commitment to our students, our patients and our community.”
With over two decades of experience in academic and administrative leadership, Batra will continue to build upon his experience and proven track record. He has spent 11 years at Rush, where he has overseen growth in clinical services, supported educational excellence and fostered an environment of innovation and collaboration through research and mentorship. He has played a key role in shaping strategies within the cancer and neuroscience programs. Rush will continue to rely on his expertise to drive growth in these areas by guiding clinical innovation, fostering collaborative research initiatives and strengthening partnerships across departments and operations.
“I look forward to advancing our proud legacy of academic excellence, innovation and service, while strengthening Rush’s longstanding commitment to our students, our patients and our community.”
Batra currently serves as the Stanton A. Friedberg, MD, Chair in Otolaryngology, professor and chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Rush University Medical Center. He also chairs the Rush Medical Group Finance Committee and is a past president of the American Rhinologic Society. He is the director of the Rush Sinus, Allergy and Asthma Center. Batra will continue to see patients in a clinical role at Rush.
Batra completed his internship and residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and then pursued fellowship training in rhinology, sinus surgery and endoscopic skull base surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.
