Did Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, ever imagine his name would grace a medical institution in a city that wouldn’t even exist for several years? Rush University, a pillar of medical education and research in Chicago, stands as a testament to his legacy. Founded in 1837, Rush Medical College predates the city’s incorporation by two days, marking it as the first medical school in Chicago and one of the earliest in the Midwest. Daniel Brainard, the founder, chose to honor Benjamin Rush, recognizing his unique distinction as the only physician with formal medical training to sign the Declaration. Rush University’s history is one of partnerships and mergers. In 1883, Presbyterian Hospital was established to serve as the teaching hospital for Rush Medical College. This partnership led to the merging of Presbyterian Hospital with St. Luke’s Hospital in 1956, and later, the reactivation of Rush Medical College’s charter in 1969. The culmination of these mergers resulted in the creation of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Recognizing the integral role of education and research in its mission, the institution underwent a name change in 2003, officially becoming Rush University Medical Center. Today, Rush University stands as a testament to its rich history, carrying the legacy of Benjamin Rush and embodying the spirit of pioneering medical advancement in Chicago.
Private Florian S. Jacolik Plaque
The Private Florian S. Jacolik Plaque stands in a small park, a quiet oasis in the bustling city of Chicago.