Welcome to the Department of Medicine
When you come to a hospital, you expect to be treated like a
person, not just a patient. At Rush North Shore, we are uniquely
designed to provide a high level of attention that respects
the individual person you are. We offer the quality care you
might expect from a downtown
teaching hospital in a comfortable, community hospital setting.
Our doctors are some of the most respected names on the North
Shore-experts with national reputations who are dedicated to
serving you within your own community.
These experts specialize in many areas, including:
- Cardiology (Heart)
- Dermatology (Skin)
- Endocrinology (Glands and Hormones)
- Gastroenterology (Digestive System)
- Geriatrics
- Infectious Disease
- Nephrology (Kidney Care)
- Neurology
- Oncology (Cancer)
- Palliative Care (Pain Control and End-of-Life Care)
- Pulmonary (Lung) Diseases
- Rheumatology (Joints and Muscles)
Many of our physicians participate in clinical studies through
Rush University Medical Center and other organizations.
This means you can access the latest breakthrough treatments
before they become available elsewhere.
Our staff also recognizes the varied cultural and religious
backgrounds reflected in Skokie and the surrounding areas.
For example, through the Korean Multispecialty Clinic at Rush
North Shore, our physicians offer personalized care to patients
in their own language. We also strive to accommodate the diverse
needs of all of our inpatients and outpatients, through special
religious services, kosher meals, translation services and
cultural activities.
If you have any questions about our services, please call
the Department of Medicine at 847/933-6018.
Lawrence Layfer, MD
Chairman
Cardiology
Recognized Nationally for Excellence
 Rush
North Shore was named one of the nation's top cardiovascular hospitals according to the Solucient 100 Top Hospitals: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success 2005 study-making us one of only 30 community hospitals nationally to be honored.
Our program offers a full range of services, starting from basic
consultations with expert cardiologists to state-of-the-art
non-invasive procedures including echocardiography and stress
testing with echocardiographic or nuclear imaging. We also perform
electrophysiology testing for patients with abnormal heart rhythms
who may benefit from pacemakers or defibrillators.From diagnosis
to recovery, Rush North Shore is dedicated to caring foryour
heart.
Cardiac Cath Lab
Rush North Shore offers two full-service, 24-hour cardiac catheterization
labs for patients who need diagnostic tests such as angiograms,
or therapeutic treatments for heart disease, includuing angioplasty.
Each year, our cardiologists perform 1,200 diagnostic cardiac
catheterizations and 600 angioplasties of coronary and peripheral
stent placements.
The Okner Electrophysiology (EP) Lab
Rush North Shore has expanded its cardiac care services with the addition of our new EP Lab, which offers the latest in interventional technologies. Our capabilities include EP study, mapping/ablation, non-invasive programmed simulation, and the pharmacological study for a fatal condition known as Brugada syndrome.
Other Cardiovascular
Services
As part of its state-of-the-art facilities for heart patients,
Rush North Shore offers a six-bed Cardiac Surveillance Unit
designed for patients who have had cardiac catheterization,
angioplasty and stent procedures, and who require specialized
supervision or monitoring.
The Echocardiography Laboratory is accreditated
by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography
Laboratories. Tests performed in the Echocardiography Lab
include echocardiograms, stress Echoes and transesophageal
echocardiograms.
The Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory
is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation
of Vascular Laboratories. The Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory
performs a variety of peripheral vascular diagnostic tests
such as, venous ultrasound for the diagnosis of deep vein
thrombosis, arterial testing for the diagnosis of peripheral
vascular disease and carotid duplex exams for the diagnosis
of carotid artery disease.
 Finally,
Rush North Shore's Heart Station performs cardiovascular stress
testing, including pharmacological testing for those who may
not be able to walk the treadmill. Other tests performed in
the Heart Station include 30 day Event Recorders, 24 hour
Holter Monitors and EKG's.
Cardiopulmonary
Rehab
For patients who are recovering from heart attacks, angioplasty
or bypass surgery, Rush North Shore offers a four-phase, inpatient
and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. This 12-week,
post hospitalization, risk-factor modification program helps
participants make all the needed lifestyle modifications-including
diet, exercise and stress management-to assist in their recovery.
For more information, please click on Support Groups
Heart Scan
Prevention of heart disease is also a primary goal of the
doctors and nurses at Rush North Shore Medical Center. That
is why we offer a specialized CT scanner capable of detecting
calcium build-up in the coronary arteries, an early sign of
heart disease. The 5-minute heart scan is ideal for people
with limited risk factors and no symptoms of heart disease.
This painless test can help identify a risk factor that suggests
the need for cholesterol-lowering medication or lifestyle
changes to lower the person's risk for future heart problems.
Click here for more information on Heart Screenings.
For more information on Rush North Shore's Cardiology Services,
please call one of the following numbers:
Cardiac Catheterization Lab 847/933-6160
Cardiovascular Services/Heart Station 847/933-6190
Cardiac Rehabilitation 847/ 933-6175
Heart Scan 847/674-9390
Dermatology
From basic skin care to advanced skin cancer treatments, the
dermatologists on staff at Rush North Shore can provide you
with the comprehensive care you need.
Our specialists offer:
- Skin cancer screening, treatment and prevention (including
Mohs' chemosurgery)
- Spider vein treatments
- Mole removal
- Wart and keloid treatment
- Laser surgery, including hair and tattoo removal
- Ultraviolet light therapy for psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo
- Wound healing
- Botox injections, chemical peels and collagen injections
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
Endocrinology
Glands and Hormones
Answers to Your Healthcare Problems
Glands may be small organs, but they play major roles in our
bodies, regulating our growth, energy, metabolism, fertility
and other body processes.
At Rush North Shore, our endocrinologists not only provide management
of diabetes mellitus and thyroid diseases but assist in the
diagnosis of other hormonal problems. They also provide advanced
diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from:
- Over- or under-active thyroid
- Diabetes
- Growth and development problems
- Infertility
- Other types of hormone imbalance
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
Gastroenterology
Beat Your Heartburn and Other Ailments
The gastroenterologists at Rush North Shore are there to help
diagnose and treat routine and complex digestive problems.
- Acid reflux
- Ulcer diseases
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Colon cancer (including screening)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Diverticulosis
- Colon polyps
- Liver disease
- Hepatitis
- Gallstones
- Fecal incontinence
- Genetic screening for colorectal cancer
With the addition of manometry equipment and 24-hour pH monitoring
to the Endoscopy Center, doctors at Rush North Shore are now
able to determine if some patients with chronic heartburn may
be candidates for surgery to improve their health and quality
of life.
In addition, our doctors are involved in a number of research
studies involving patients with hepatitis C, acid reflux, and
irritable bowel syndrome.
For professionals, our section offers a specialized fellowship
in gastroenterology, in partnership with Rush University
Medical Center.
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
For more information on diagnosis and treatment services related to Endoscopy see Endoscopy Center.
For more information on diagnosis and treatment services related to incontinence, see
Continence Center and Women's Health.
Geriatrics
Living Life to Its Fullest
As we become older, our medical needs become more complex. Rush
North Shore recognizes the special needs of people in their
twilight years and strives to provide them with comprehensive,
affordable medical services.
Our doctors and nurses can help older patients cope with a variety
of chronic ailments, including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes,
and dementia.
For more information about our services, please call 847/933-6000.
Infectious Disease
Specialized Care, Expert Physicians
The infectious disease specialists at Rush North Shore Medical
Center are certified epidemiologists who provide advanced treatment
for common and complex infectious diseases.
Most importantly, these doctors are called in to provide
testing and investigation when there is an infectious disease
process which needs to be identified, treated with the latest
advances in medicine evaluated, and then reported to national
agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control.
Rush North Shore Medical Center is prepared to handle even
the most complex infectious disease issues as needed for our
patients and for our community.
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
Nephrology
Kidney Health: We Take It Seriously
People with kidney problems need special attention and the nephrology
experts at Rush North Shore Medical Center provide special care.
The newly expanded Nephrology Section of Rush North Shore's
Department of Medicine reinforces the medical center's commitment
to providing high quality care and a full range of treatments
and services for people who suffer from various kidney diseases
and disorders. Rush North Shore physicians are not only active
in treating patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage
renal disease, but also those with acute kidney failure, hypertension
and lupus.
Prevention tactics are also emphasized at Rush North Shore,
particularly among our patients with diabetes and hypertension,
two of the leading causes of kidney disease. Other problems
can be genetic, such as polycystic kidney disease, and may not
become apparent until people are in their 20s or 30s. Kidney
disease can also be caused by chemicals or a serious injury,
and the earlier it is detected, the better your options for
treatment.
Signs of progressive kidney disease include the following:
- Frequent headaches
- Persistent fatigue
- Itchy skin all over the body
- More frequent or less frequent urination
- Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Swollen limbs
- Trouble concentrating
- Cramps
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
For more information about kidney care at Rush North Shore Medical
Center, please call 847/933-6000.
Neurology
Mending the Brain and Beyond
Rush North Shore Medical Center has 18 neurologists on staff
who provide the full range of neurologic care services. Specialty
evaluations are available at multiple sites throughout the northern
suburbs of Chicago.
Our neurologists are experts in the treatment of:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Stroke and transient ischemic attacks
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Parkinson's disease and tremors
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Back and neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- And a variety of other conditions.
We also offer the latest diagnostic techniques available,
including electroencephalography and electromyography.
In addition, Rush North Shore operates a special multidisciplinary
clinic for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Our friendly
and compassionate staff can help evaluate people with memory
loss or behavior changes and will work closely with the families
and primary care physicians. For more information, please
call 847/933-6593.
For more information about the neurologic services available
at Rush North Shore, please call 847/933-6000.
Oncology
Hope for Cancer Patients and Their Families
We provide the services you need to help you and your family
manage this complicated disease - from prevention to diagnosis
to treatment.
All of these services are provided with a comprehensive and
compassionate approach to the patient.The diagnosis of cancer
can be frightening, but it doesn't have to be as scary if you
have the right team of professionals working on your side. At
Rush North Shore we have a remarkable group of cancer experts
from a variety of disciplines.
Our medical oncologists work together with radiation oncologists,
surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, psychiatrists, plastic
surgeons, advanced practice nurses and other professionals to
provide a comprehensive diagnosis and, if necessary, develop
a customized treatment plan that works for you.We also offer
the support services and palliative care you and your family
may desire.
Prevention and screening is a vital part of what we do. We offer
education lectures, screenings and high risk surveillance programs
for our community. We also offer specialized genetic counseling
for those who may be at risk of certain kinds of inherited cancer,
such as some breast and ovarian cancers.
Our diagnostic capabilities provide our medical staff the ability
to detect cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage. Our
Breast Imaging Center provides mammography and utilizes computer
assisted diagnosis to detect the presence of breast cancer,
our Endoscopy Center provides fexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy
procedures to detect colon cancers, and our advanced Computer
Assisted Tomography (CT) scans detect lung cancer and our Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) scans provide the ability to identify
many types of cancers.
If cancer is diagnosed, we can provide proven chemotherapy,
biological therapy, radiation therapy and surgical treatments,
including reconstructive surgery. These treatments utilize
some of the latest research being done in the field on oncology.
If you would like more information about our cancer care services,
please call 847/933-6000.
Genetic Counseling and
Risk Assessment Program for Familial Cancers
See Cancer Care
Pulmonary Diseases
The staff at Rush North Shore provides comprehensive treatment
plans for patients suffering from a variety of lung conditions,
including:
- Emphysema and COPD
- Lung cancer
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary function tests
- Asthma
- A variety of other conditions.
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
Rheumatology
Joints and Muscles
Free Up Your Body and Enjoy Life Again
Living with sore joints and muscles can be a real pain. That's
why the doctors and nurses at Rush North Shore are committed
to helping you regain your life without pain.
Our rheumatologists (doctors who treat joint and muscle conditions)
can diagnose and treat a variety of rheumatic and autoimmune
conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Scleroderma.
For more information, please call 847/933-6000.
Training Opportunities
Train with the Best
Like other departments at Rush North Shore, the Department of
Medicine is dedicated to training the next generation of medical
professionals. In partnership with Rush University
Medical Center in Chicago, the department helps train tomorrow's
most promising physicians, nurses and other medical professionals.
We are actively pursuing increased numbers of fellows, including
those in gastroenterology, cardiology, critical care and oncology.
For more information, please call the Department of Medicine
at 847/933-6018.
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