Greetings from the program leadership

room inside childrens hospitalThank you for your interest in the Pediatric Residency Program at Advocate Children's Hospital - Park Ridge! For over 40 years, our program has been committed to training well rounded pediatricians whether they enter a career in primary care or a pediatric subspecialty. The key to our success is a rich curriculum which is delivered in a friendly and nurturing environment. We take great pride in our dedication to resident education. Our program is known for being receptive to feedback, for innovation in curriculum development and for mentorship provided by faculty and senior residents. The faculty members at Advocate Children's Hospital are exceptional in their respective areas and have trained at world renowned programs. Our residents, in turn, go on to outstanding fellowships and primary care positions throughout the country.

front desk view from childrens hospitalAdvocate Children's Hospital – Park Ridge is located in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, close to the city, the airport, and many ethnic neighborhoods, all of which contribute to a very diverse patient population. We serve as a regional referral and trauma center for the entire northwest segment of Illinois as well as Southern Wisconsin. The result is a rich tapestry of diverse children with both common as well as rare pediatric illnesses. Our patient diversity provides the foundation for our robust academic program.

room inside childrens hospitalAs a pediatric residency program, we are committed to preparing residents to become outstanding pediatricians who will continually challenge themselves to be critical thinkers, compassionate advocates for children, and skillful healers. We believe in resident ownership of patients with graduated autonomy toward independent practice. We aim to recruit diverse residents and faculty who have varied interests inside and outside of medicine. We strive for a well-rounded program that will promote their ability to lead balanced lives, with an understanding that mindfulness, resilience and wellness are essential components to a fulfilling career.

We look forward to meeting you! Feel free to contact us at the email addresses below if you have any questions. We wish you the best of luck with the recruitment process!

Sincerely,

Dr. Joanna Lewis

Program Director

Johanna Lewis

Joanna Lewis, MD, FAAP
Program Director

Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - The Chicago Medical School
Residency and Chief Residency:
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Clinical Intrests:
Mobile Health, Community Outreach, Outpatient Medicine
Contact:
Joanna.Lewis@aah.org


Svetlana Kravtchenk

Svetlana Kravtchenko, MD, FAAP
Associate Program Director

Medical School: Medical University Varna, Bulgaria
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Residency Program
Clinical Interests: Global Health Delivery and Education, Inpatient Pediatrics
Contact: Svetlana.Kravtchenko@aah.org


Kathryn Weedon

Kathryn Weedon, MD, FAAP
Associate Program Director

Medical School: Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Residency Program
Fellowship: Lurie Children's Hospital - Infectious Diseases
Clinical Interests: Kawasaki, Toxic Shock, Tuberculosis
Contact: Kathryn.Weedon@aah.org


Nekaiya Jacobs

Nekaiya Jacobs, MD, FAAP
Assistant Program Director

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Southern Illinois University
Fellowship: University of Florida, Pediatric Critical Care
Clinical Interests
Contact: nekaiya.jacobs@aah.org


Frank Belmonte

Frank Belmonte, DO, MPH, FAAP
Chief Medical Officer, Chair of Pediatrics

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Residency Program
Fellowship: University of Illinois at Chicago - General Academic Pediatrics
Clinical Interests: Trauma Informed Care, Health Policy
Contact: Frank.Belmonte@aah.org


Michael Cappello

Michael Cappello, DO
Vice Chairman

Medical School:Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Residency Program
Fellowship: Advocate Lutheran General Residency Program - Neonatology
Contact: michael.cappello@aah.org