Anthony F. Altimari, MD

4.9 
760 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group

Primary Specialty

General Surgery

Insurance

For specific plans, see the full plan list. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.

Practice Focus Areas

  • Abdominal Surgery
  • Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Gallbladder Surgery
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  • Hernia Surgery
  • Laparoscopic Surgery
  • LINX

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School - 1983
Internship:
Loyola University Medical Center - 1984
Residency:
Loyola University Medical Center - 1988

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery - Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Health System Clinician, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Central DuPage Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

760 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

August 26, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari provides the best care, always up to date on the latest and best treatments. He has a wonderful 'bedside' manner.

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August 26, 2022

5.0

Very personal and confident

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August 26, 2022

3.0

This was a first time visit with Dr. Altimari. He seemed to be a little bit mentally occupied; and maybe rightfully so being a surgeon. I don’t believe a first time encounter with an individual should determine his or her abilities. Maybe my expectations were to high, but I did not feel any genuine concern. It made me question the decision to have surgery. Most healthcare workers are gifted with the ability to feel empathy and they display the persona of concern.

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August 25, 2022

5.0

Knowledgeable, experienced and yet very professional and caring doctor.

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August 23, 2022

5.0

Great bedside manner. Very kind, knowledgeable and explained everything.

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August 22, 2022

5.0

great bedside manners, took time to talk to me about my profession and listen to every detail I had to offer about my health as well

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August 18, 2022

5.0

Good bedside manor and did a good job

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August 18, 2022

1.0

I will give him a 1 because he's probably decent at what he does but truly he was negligent in his aftercare, minimizing of concerns, patronizing and completely rude. He forgot I was an actual person who he took an organ out of.I was one week post operative with a planned surgery when I was diagnosed with gallstones and infection so Dr. Altimari took my gallbladder out.After the trauma of being sent home without pain management from him for 2 days because he forgot to sign my script and also wasn't available to sign it the following day. I also found out he used steri strips on my incisions which I was extremely clear to him and his staff that I have allergies to adhesive and I never know what is going to set it off and when. So I was clear on how the incisions could be bandaged, which he initially agreed to but failed to follow through with. I spoke to patient relations asking to not have to see him for my follow up appointment. I can't trust someone who would leave me without the proper pain management for 2 days after experiencing 2 major abdominal surgeries in one weeks time. Those 2 nights were terrible with how much pain I experienced, I woke up constantly and cried through the night. I was told I had to see doctor Altimari since he was the one who performed my surgery but that he had been talked to and he stated he was sorry for the things that had taken place. Because I am the patient who is vulnerable and needing proper care after surgery I decided to still see him to make sure everything was healing correctly and to check in on what my limitations should be. I didn't have a good feeling about it but I need to take care of myself first and foremost.I went to the follow up appointment hoping we could talk about what happened and move on. Instead he walked in the room with his hand out towards me to shake it and said 'Hello Miss Crabby at me because I made a mistake' and continued on how he made a mistake in forgetting to sign my prescription because 'listen I'm a busy surgeon things get lost'. I told him that was a big problem but why was it also not signed the following day? To which he placed the responsibility on me to take the medication I was given for my first surgery. If he had listened or his staff would have told him when I called, he would have known that the first medication wasn't helping me. What I had received in the hospital under his care and what he had prescribed for me was actually the best option for my body considering it was my second major abdominal surgery in a week.He then asked me to sit on the exam table and began to slightly push my body back to lay down which hurt because of my recent surgeries. As I layed back he just grabbed my shirt to examine my incisions which caused me to push his hand away and I told him to stop. My abdomen was very sensitive so I was feeling rushed and man handled. I also found it unprofessional and inappropriate that he went to lift my shirt and examine me without my consent. I do understand that's what I was there for but allowing the patient to undress themselves is the only appropriate way to approach the situation. I got myself situated and he began examining my abdomen and incision sites. As he examined he said 'see you're fine the steri strips didn't hurt you' and told me that I shouldn't have been concerned with how I was bandaged up 'steri strips are exactly the same as bandaids' he said as he took no responsibility for them being placed on me after I was very clear they weren't supposed to be used. I went on to explain how my allergy can show up randomly and is inconsistent plus is often worse when tension is placed on the bandage like in the case of steri strips. I could have been left with blisters or skin peeling off if I hadn't found the steri strips and my mom hadn't helped me take them off with an adhesive remover. He continued to take no responsibility for what happened and acted like I was the problem. At the end of the appointment he said 'this is the only appointment you need to see me for which I know you are happy about because you didn't want to see me in the first place' he stood up and walked out the door. Leaving me completely stunned that he would talk to me that way and take no responsibility for his actions. I honestly feel like I would have been better off not even talking to patient relations about the whole thing before my appointment, especially since I wasn't allowed to see anyone else. He took his anger out on me which I didn't deserve, he made the mistakes and I paid for all of them. I would never recommend Dr. Altimari to any of my loved ones. He may be decent at operating but once that job is done nothing else matters to him. He takes no responsibility and obviously wasn't sorry for his actions

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August 18, 2022

5.0

He was very nice.

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August 16, 2022

5.0

Very professional, and very kind

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August 15, 2022

5.0

very good doctor

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August 14, 2022

5.0

So far, it has been great interacting with him and having him operate on me just a few days ago. Quality and professionalism.

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August 12, 2022

5.0

He’s the best

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August 09, 2022

5.0

He has a reputation within the doctor and nurse community as THE BEST THEIR IS - he saved my mother when not all doctors would have or could have.

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August 09, 2022

5.0

Very friendly and very competent. Put you at ease prior to your surgery.

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August 08, 2022

5.0

personable, kind and experienced

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August 06, 2022

5.0

Good explanation of issues

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August 04, 2022

5.0

He is positive, knowledgeable, and very kind.

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August 04, 2022

5.0

I felt completely comfortable and expected a great outcome after I talked with him before my surgery and that's what I got. Before I met him I was super anxious.

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August 03, 2022

5.0

Great guy and great doctor

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August 02, 2022

5.0

Bedside manner, professional attitude and superior surgical skills.

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August 02, 2022

5.0

Great honest professional manner, appreciate his forthright and conscientious approach.

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August 02, 2022

5.0

Great surgeon and wonderful bedside manner

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August 02, 2022

5.0

He was very compassionate and asked me how I was feeling. Didn't seem to br rushing me out of there and asked if I had any concerns. Felt like a patient, not a last minute task, as some doctors make us patients feel.

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July 26, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari was very friendly and kind.

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July 25, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari was perfect for the care that I needed. He explained everything before the surgery and I’m so glad he was the surgeon that operated on me. He did a drop dead (not literally lol) amazing job and I don’t even think I’ll scar because of how perfect he closed the wounds up. It was a very bad injury and I’m just so grateful for his care.

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July 25, 2022

5.0

He is kind and caring and takes time to listen. He’s also a great surgeon!

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July 25, 2022

5.0

Very personable concerned. He makes you feel confident

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July 23, 2022

5.0

Personable

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July 21, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari listens, cares and is a very skilled physician.

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July 21, 2022

1.0

Again, he didn't resolved the patient's health issue.

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July 20, 2022

4.0

He was great about answering all my questions and was super nice and supportive. I only wish he would've came in to talk with me and my parents more pre-op.

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July 18, 2022

5.0

Caring and expedited surgery so I get my results soon.

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July 15, 2022

5.0

He listens to my concerns and my reports. He treats me as a partner in my care plan.

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July 14, 2022

5.0

Very personable. Answered any questions I had. Made me feel comfortable.

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July 12, 2022

5.0

Excellent manner -thorough and kind.He made me feel confident that all would go well and it has.

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July 12, 2022

5.0

He is a very good Dr.

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July 12, 2022

5.0

Upfront guy

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July 11, 2022

5.0

Great bedside manner, thorough explanation.

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July 08, 2022

5.0

Excellent rapport, very patient with questions, great 'bedside manner', explained procedure in detail, which I appreciate.

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July 07, 2022

5.0

Super friendly and approachable, he answered all my questions and got me on the surgery schedule in two weeks. :-)

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July 05, 2022

5.0

Dr Altimari has a phenomenal bedside manor, he’s caring, and knowledgeable.

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July 05, 2022

5.0

Again, On-time no-nonsense qualified and instills confidence!

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July 05, 2022

5.0

He listened to my concerns and told me the process of how my procedure would go and assured me everything would be okay. He definitely eased my worries and I'm confident he's a great doctor!

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July 05, 2022

5.0

Very direct, professional and kind.

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July 05, 2022

5.0

Wonderful doctor and very professional and knows his job.

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July 04, 2022

5.0

Dr Altimari is a caring Dr!!!

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July 01, 2022

5.0

El méjor doctor cirújano gracias dr

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July 01, 2022

5.0

I liked his positive approach in explaining the procedure. He definitely was concerned about my well-being. In addition, he is a pickleball player so understands my desire to heal quickly.

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June 29, 2022

5.0

He was very knowledgeable and had great bedside manner

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June 27, 2022

5.0

Very Impressed with Dr Altimari’s care & thourougness. He was a great listener to my concerns and helped create a good plan moving forward.

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June 23, 2022

5.0

He listens

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June 21, 2022

5.0

He was personable and shared all the details of my future surgery. He is also a pickleball player so understands my desire to be back playing as quickly as possible.

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June 20, 2022

5.0

Professional, caring, treats me as a partner in my care plan

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June 20, 2022

5.0

Very professional, very pleasant, very experienced

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June 16, 2022

5.0

The doctor was very informative and knowledgeable. He is very good interacting with patients.

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June 16, 2022

5.0

Took time and listened

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June 14, 2022

4.0

I just met him once. He was professional, listened well.

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June 14, 2022

5.0

He took time explain surgery process and answer questions clearly.

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June 10, 2022

5.0

He is approachable and answers your questions. Also has a good reputation in the community and among his peers.

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June 09, 2022

5.0

Dr Altimari is very knowledgeable about my health conditions and a sincerely caring Doctor! 10 plus

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June 08, 2022

5.0

He is a good listener, very friendly. It was my very first time meeting with him and I felt totally relaxed.

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June 06, 2022

5.0

Doctor explained the procedure well and did a great job making me feel comfortable with the process.

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June 03, 2022

5.0

During my initial visit the doctor shared with me how he would perform the surgery. The surgery was performed exactly the way he said it would be. The recovery has been the exact same as he is shared as well. I am healing well and I am so thankful

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June 01, 2022

5.0

Engages very well, listens attentively to concerns/ questions

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May 31, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari takes the time to explain things and is very kind

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May 31, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari is kind, a good listener and explains everything very thoughrouly

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May 31, 2022

5.0

Skilled surgeon, friendly and open demeanor

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May 28, 2022

5.0

He was very respectful and answered all of questions.

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May 26, 2022

5.0

Caring, easy time understand, informative, treats me as a partner in my care.

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May 16, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari is a very caring and compassionate person who really makes his patients feel at ease and well cared for. I would highly recommend him. He also has a very caring staff as well.

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May 16, 2022

4.0

He mixes professionalism with a hint of a casual nature that put me more at ease before my surgery.

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May 13, 2022

5.0

Caring and professional

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May 12, 2022

5.0

very organize team

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May 10, 2022

5.0

Very thorough

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May 09, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari listens to our concerns and treats us as partners in our care.

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May 06, 2022

5.0

Explained everything to me and my worried family-A very warm and caring doctor

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May 05, 2022

5.0

Very personal and professional. Took time to explain

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May 03, 2022

5.0

Expertise and direct answers to questions

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May 02, 2022

5.0

Pleasant and competent.

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April 29, 2022

5.0

The BEST!

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April 28, 2022

5.0

Answered all questions

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April 27, 2022

5.0

Excellent surgeon. On time

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April 27, 2022

5.0

Very helpful in answering all my questions and caring man.

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Compassionate and takes time to answer all your questions

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Muy atento y explicó a detalle a ser a de la operación

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Surgery was 2 weeks ago. I am recovering as expected. Follow up visit last week went well. Doctor Altimari is personable and capable. I am pleased.

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April 25, 2022

5.0

First time seeing him. He sat down to talk to me and didn’t rush me. Really got to know my issues. He seems to take a conservative approach which I like.

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April 25, 2022

5.0

Because hopefully I’m all fixed! :)

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April 23, 2022

5.0

Dr Altimari is an excellent surgeon. He is compassionate and very thorough.

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April 14, 2022

5.0

Dr Altimari is a very caring and compassionate Dr that made me feel comfortable from the moment I met him. Great office staff as well, that helped me with some questions I had after my surgery. I would highly recommend him.

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April 14, 2022

5.0

Me explico bien el procedimiento de la cirugía

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April 13, 2022

5.0

I had hernia repair surgery 48 hours ago. All bodily functions working. Some pain but I think Dr Altimari did nice work.

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April 12, 2022

5.0

He is a caring person, very pleasant, gives you all the information you need and explains all questions. Also a great surgeon.

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April 07, 2022

5.0

Personable, straightforward, open, willing to answer any questions i had.

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April 04, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari was friendly, approachable, supportive, honest, and knowledgeable.

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March 31, 2022

5.0

He is the best, kind and caring. Top of the class.

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March 30, 2022

5.0

Dr. Altimari is very upbeat about the care a patient receives. He explains everything about the upcoming surgery and is ready to help if there are any problems. My wife has had several surgeries with Dr. Altimari and has always been treated well. He cares about the post surgery stage as well as he tries to make the process as comfortable and pain manageable as possible.

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March 30, 2022

4.0

Wish he would explain things more. Very brief.

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March 28, 2022

5.0

He kind listens, does great work.

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Disclosures

Anthony F. Altimari, MD reported no external professional relationships for calendar year 2021.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.