Northwestern Medicine

Congratulations to Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute for performing the first-known robotic lung transplant in Illinois — a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional open-chest procedure. “A conventional lung transplant, where we cut through the breastbone and put it back together, is one of the most invasive, complex procedures performed at any hospital,” says Ankit Bharat, MD, chief of Thoracic Surgery and director of Canning Thoracic Institute. “A robotic approach allows us to dramatically reduce the invasiveness of the procedure, and we hope it will cut down on the recovery time for patients.” The successful procedure was performed in August on a 63-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient has been discharged and is recovering well. Samuel Kim, MD, thoracic surgeon and director of Robotic Thoracic Surgery, joined Dr. Bharat in the operating room. “Robotic surgery allows us to perform complex maneuvers in tight spaces that are difficult for human hands to reach,” he says. “The technology is rapidly evolving, and we believe there’s a clear role for lung transplantation in carefully selected patients.” While not every patient is a candidate, this approach opens new possibilities for people with emphysema or lung fibrosis. We’re proud of the Canning Thoracic Institute team for their skill and innovation in achieving this milestone and shaping the future of patient care.

Last month, we hosted the Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Conference at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where leading experts shared how clinicians can use AI in training, research, diagnosis and treatment. Here’s a recap. David M. Liebovitz, MD, co-director of the Center for Medical Education in Data Science and Digital Health in the Institute for AI in Medicine (I.AIM) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, noted that AI should augment, not replace, clinical expertise. It offers unlimited practice, consistent feedback and scalable training. Lee A. Cooper, PhD, director of Center for Computational Imaging and Signal Analytics in Medicine at I.AIM, noted that Northwestern Medicine Pathology is going digital to leverage AI. Digital pathology improves quality, reduces cost and enables collaboration, and AI helps identify biopsies that may need a second look. John Pandolfino, MD, chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said that AI can help improve the diagnosis of medical conditions. Sanjiv J. Shah, MD, director of Center for Deep Phenotyping and Precision Therapeutics at I.AIM and director of research at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, explained that AI shows earlier diagnosis of heart conditions like heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and cardiac amyloidosis. In addition, automated AI analysis of electrocardiograms (EKGs) and echocardiograms are improving detection and outcomes. Thank you to our panelists for inspiring the next steps in healthcare innovation and showing how AI can enhance clinical expertise and improve patient outcomes.

Lu Chen, MD, dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine, and his team made sure participants at the Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K event got more than just steps in — they also received skin cancer screenings and sunscreen samples. The team screened more than 40 people and helped raise awareness about the importance of sun protection. Thank you, Dr. Chen and team, for bringing expertise, care and education to the community while helping keep everyone safe in the sun.

The surprising effects menopause may have on the heart.

Great care starts with a clean and safe environment. At Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, our Environmental Services team works every day to keep our spaces welcoming and cared for, so patients, visitors and staff can focus on what matters most. Thank you to our EVS team for the important role you play in supporting care.

Meryl Swidler is an athletic trainer at Northwestern Medicine — and an athlete herself, having been a competitive kickboxer for the past 15 years. In 2023, just nine weeks before the World Championships, Meryl tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). After undergoing surgery at Northwestern Medicine with Aaron A. Bare, MD, orthopaedic surgeon, and completing rehabilitation with her Northwestern Medicine care team, she has made a remarkable comeback. In March, Meryl returned to competition and won, qualifying for Team USA. “My rehab team kept me on track and adapted to my sport. They helped me regain the confidence to compete in what I love,” says Meryl. In September, Meryl represented Team USA at the North American Championships in Toronto—and won the fight! She now plans to travel to Abu Dhabi in November for the World Championships. We’re proud to support you, Meryl — both in and out of the ring.

We are making outpatient physical therapy more accessible than ever with our Mobile (In-Home) Physical Therapy program. Our team can come to your home, so you don’t have to travel for care. Available throughout the suburbs and in Chicago, this service is designed for patients who prefer the convenience of in-home therapy or have mobility challenges. We provide treatment for orthopaedic conditions, neurological and movement disorders, balance and vestibular conditions, concussions and more. No prescription is needed to schedule an appointment with Mobile Physical Therapy, and same-day and next-day appointments may be available. Learn more at nm.org/mobilept.

Northwestern Medicine’s Information Technology team is honored to participate in the Grace Hopper Celebration in Chicago, taking place November 4 though 7. We look forward to engaging with the talented professionals attending this premier event and sharing how our IT team plays a vital role in advancing health care through technology. If you’re interested in learning more about the innovative work we do to support our healthcare system, visit our booth! We welcome the opportunity to connect. #NMBetter

Shannon had just turned 31 when she received the diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. Hear how her “future self” got her through treatment.

Four exceptional staff members have been named as recipients of the Northwestern Medicine Excellence in Care Award, a Rehabilitation Services recognition program honoring team members who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and support to colleagues every day.   Nominated by their peers, each winner consistently demonstrates our core values and makes a lasting impact on patients, families and teammates. This quarter's honorees are Jaclyn Schon, occupational therapist at Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Warrenville; Shabbir Kapadia, administrative assistant at Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Center Crystal Lake; Katie Wasson, physical therapist at Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital; and Amelia Rodriguez, physical therapist at Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Roscoe Village.   Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication to excellent patient care.