At Northwestern Medicine, we are committed to better medicine. That includes training the next generation of physicians to deliver even better care to our patients. Through Northwestern University, we are privileged to host the Northwestern McGaw Family Medicine Residency Program at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

Resident physicians collaborate with faculty members from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. These faculty members are fully licensed, board-certified physicians, often referred to as attending physicians.

Family medicine physicians provide comprehensive health care for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors. In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, family medicine physicians also provide preventive care. Our team can help manage chronic illness and will often coordinate care provided by specialists. From common to complex conditions, family medicine physicians provide ongoing, personalized care.

What is a resident physician?
Residents are physicians who have graduated from medical school, earned the degree of Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), and have met all of the requirements to continue their graduate medical education in order to become board-certified physicians.

What do resident physicians do?
Residents care for patients just like other physicians, performing the same duties.

Who supervises resident physicians?
Residents are supervised by faculty who are fully licensed, board-certified physicians, often referred to as attending physicians.

If I am seen by a resident, will I receive the same level of care as other patients?
Yes. Residents work together with the attending physician who will confirm the diagnosis and ensure the most appropriate course of treatment is recommended for you. The attending physician may ask you additional questions and give you more information. This means, if you are seen by a resident, you are being cared for by a team of physicians.