The Pediatric Residency Program at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria is seeking applications for one Pediatric Chief Resident position for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Chief Resident will serve from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, overseeing 36 pediatric residents in partnership with a fellow Pediatric Chief Resident, and collaborating with the Med/Peds Chief Resident who leads 32 Med/Peds residents. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to strengthen your leadership, administrative, teaching, coaching, communication, and clinical skills.
Responsibilities & Benefits: As a Chief Resident, you will:
- Serve as a mentor, advocate, and role model for residents
- Develop essential administrative skills, including schedule creation and coordination of educational activities
- Represent resident interests on hospital and university committees
- Participate in resident recruitment
- Supervise residents in clinical settings to further build your clinical expertise
- Engage in scholarly activities, including research projects and simulation-based initiatives
Clinical responsibilities include serving as a Pediatric and Newborn Hospitalist and as a preceptor in the resident clinic. This position provides a unique opportunity to launch or accelerate a future academic career. Compensation includes a $90,000 salary plus full benefits. Employment is through OSF St. Francis Medical Center, which can sponsor J-1 visas when needed.
More information about our program is available at: https://peoria.medicine.uic.edu/departments/pediatrics/residency/
About Peoria
Peoria, Illinois, is a metropolitan area of more than 350,000 residents, offering a remarkably low cost of living combined with many big-city amenities. The city features professional hockey, baseball, and indoor football teams; a vibrant downtown and riverfront; a diverse array of cultural events; and a welcoming community known for its Midwestern hospitality. Peoria delivers the energy of a larger city without the congestion.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be on track to complete an ACGME-accredited Pediatric or Med/Peds residency by June 30, 2026
- Be in good standing with their current residency program, demonstrating strong mentorship, teaching, and leadership interests
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to leadership
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to the Program Director, Dr. Bhavana Kandikattu, at bthota5@uic.edu. Applications will undergo an initial committee review, and selected applicants will be contacted regarding next steps.
We look forward to meeting you!
Bhavana Kandikattu, MD, FAAP (she/her/hers)
Pediatric Residency Program Director
Pediatric Hospitalist, Children’s Hospital of Illinois
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Co-Associate Department Head for Education
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
530 NE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637
Phone: 309.655.2274 | Fax: 309.655.2565
