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Department of Pediatrics

About Us

Dedicated to understanding and promoting child health.

What We Do

Faculty Spotlight

Cynthia K Rigsby

Professor, Radiology (Pediatric Radiology), Pediatrics

My primary clinical interest lies in pediatric CT and MR imaging, with a specialty expertise and research focus in pediatric cardiovascular imaging.

Ben Z Katz

Professor, Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases)

1980; New York University School of Medicine; New York, N.Y.; M.D., Medicine 1980-1983: New York University Medical Center; New York, N.Y.; Resident, Department of Pediatrics 1983-1986: Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT. Postdoctoral Fellow, Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Viral Pathophysiology; George Miller, M.D., Preceptor. 1986-1987: Instructor, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven, CT. 1987-1991: Assistant Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology & Public Health, Yale University School...

Brian E Nolan

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Rheumatology)

Over the course of his trainingDr Nolandeveloped a strong interestin the complex relationship between autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. As a clinician his goal is tomore rapidly and more accurately diagnose autoinflammatory and immune dysregulatory syndromes, and in so doing help identify effective treatments for patients with these exceedingly rare conditions. He hopes to advance translational research in this rapidly developing field as a clinician with a strong background in immunology bench research. His additional interests include general pediatric rheumatology and medical education.

Cynthia J Lerner

Clinical Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Allergy and Immunology)

Initially spent several years after fellowship in an academic role. I went into private practice for many years becoming comfortable with adult allergy patients as well as pediatric patients. Currently have a mix of clinical practice in an academic center as well as maintaining a private practice.

Jennifer Kusma Saper

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care)

I am a primary care pediatrician within the Division of Advanced General Pediatrics, and have a particular academic interest in health care policy and understanding how children access health care. I am passionate about improving access to primary care for disadvantaged youth, and having safety net policies in place so that all children have access to high quality care.

John E Fortunato, Jr.

Professor, Pediatrics (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition)

As a clinician, researcher, and entrepreneur, my primary mission is to improve care through better patient-doctor engagement. My clinical interest is the care of children with complex motility and disorders of gut brain interaction (DGBI) taking a multidisciplinary team approach.  Complex patients require more time to fully understand the interaction and relationship of all their symptoms. In order to “connect the dots” to a diagnosis and treatment, you first need to have all the dots!  Towards that end, my translational research and entrepreneurial goals focus on developing effective digital ...

Ellen M Major

Clinical Instructor, Pediatrics (Hospital-Based Medicine)

My primary clinical interests are pediatric hospital based medicine, currently in the academic setting at Lurie Children's Hospital and previously in the community hospital setting at Northwest Community Hospital and Ingalls Memorial Hospital. I enjoy a varied role with both inpatient and outpatient clinical services including inpatient acute care at Lurie Children's Hospital, Pediatric inpatient/ outpatient procedural and medical imaging sedation at Lurie Children's Hospital, Westchester and Clark Deming outpatient locations, outpatient Immediate Care pediatric services at Clark/Deming locati...

Jill H Samis

Associate Professor, Pediatrics (Endocrinology)

I am a pediatric endocrinologist engaged in clinical care and clinical research. My clinical interests are in the care of children with long-term endocrine sequelae of childhood cancer, thyroid disorders, growth disorders, and disorders of puberty. I participate in the multidisciplinary STAR (Survivors Taking Action and Responsiblity) clinic and participate in theFertility & Hormone Preservation & Restoration Program.

Robert I Liem

Professor, Pediatrics (Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation)

I was appointed Head of the Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology & Stem Cell Transplant in October 2023 after having served in the interim role for almost 2 years. In this capacity, I am excited to lead our division and Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD) through the next critical phase focused on growing our service line and developing a more robust research enterprise. Our long-term vision is to improve the health of children with cancer and blood disorders by 1) delivering data-driven, patient-centered clinical care, 2) contributing to discovery focused on understanding...

Kathleen L Boyne

Assistant Professor, Pediatrics (Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine)

I am an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician in pediatric pulmonology at Lurie Children’s Hospital. I joined Lurie Children’s in 2019 from Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Case Western Reserve University where I completed residency and fellowship training in pediatric pulmonology.  My clinical and research focus is on cystic fibrosis. 

Our Home

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Lurie Children's is the Fein­berg School of Medicine's affiliated hospital dedicated to pediatric care. Lurie Children's is Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for children and offers pa­tients access to world-class care in a modern, kid-friendly environment.

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Faculty Development

Our faculty is one of our greatest resources. To support them on the paths to successful, fulfilling careers, we make faculty development a priority.<

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