HCMA Centers of excellence

Northwestern Medicine Logo (PRNewsfoto/Northwestern Medicine)

 

675 N. Saint Clair St.
Galter Suite 19-100
Chicago, IL 60611

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers leading-edge diagnostic testing, as well as advanced medical and surgical treatment options.

We have invested in groundbreaking services to deliver comprehensive care for those diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is the goal of our patient-focused, multidisciplinary team to design a
course of therapy individualized for each patient to improve their overall quality of life. By placing an emphasis on listening to our patients, Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is a destination for those requiring highly specialized heart and vascular care, for both initial diagnosis and
second opinions.

Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is consistently recognized as one of the elite heart and vascular programs in the nation according to U.S.
News & World Report—a reflection of the exceptional care we offer and the results we obtain for our patients. In addition, the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been designated as a recognized Center of Excellence by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). And while external recognition is important, it is the care we give our patients every day that makes us most proud.

HCM Specialists

  • Lubna Choudhury, MD, MRCPI, FACC: Director, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program
  • Robert O. Bonow, MD, MS
  • Baljash Cheema, MD, MSCI, MSAI
  • Paul Cremer, MD
  • Dominic Edward Fullenkamp, MD, PhD

HCM Program Coordinator

  • Kayla Mueller, RN

HCM Physician Assistant

  • Jennifer P. DeGuzman, PA-C

Nurse Practitioners Specializing in HCM

  • Brittany French, APRN, CNP
  • Michelle K. Hawksworth, APRN, CNP
  • Mary G. Kaleta, APRN, CNP

Clinic Nurse Specializing in HCM

  • Abigail Garza, RN

Cardiac Surgery

  • Douglas R. Johnston, MD
  • Patrick M. McCarthy, MD
  • Christopher K. Mehta, MD
  • Duc Thinh Pham, MD

Cardiac Electrophysiology

  • Alexandru B. Chicos, MD
  • Susan S. Kim, MD
  • Bradley P. Knight, MD
  • Albert C. Lin, MD
  • Kaustubha D. Patil, MD
  • Nishant Verma, MD, MPH

Interventional Cardiology

  • James D. Flaherty, MD

Cardiovascular Genetics

  • Elizabeth M. McNally, MD
  • Lisa D. Wilsbacher, MD
  • Lisa M. Castillo, CGC
  • Rebecca Vandyke CGC
Patient Travel Planning

Chicago, Illinois, the “Windy CIty,” is located along the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. This third largest city in the U.S. boasts incredible cultural institutions, sports, education, architecture, and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. The Chicago River, which runs through the downtown area, is the world’s only river that runs backwards! In 1900, it was engineered to flow away from Lake Michigan to prevent sewage from entering the freshwater Great Lake. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, nearly one third of Chicago needed to be rebuilt. Much of that development was inspired by the 1893 World’s Fair, through its buildings and innovations. The world’s first skyscraper, at 10 stories high, was built in Chicago, which is also the birthplace of deep dish pizza and the railroad capital of the country. The Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field, the second oldest ballpark in America. In 1893, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a graduate of Northwestern University and one of the first black physicians in the city, performed the very first open heart surgery.

Click here to read about the weather in Chicago, which features four very distinct seasons. Whenever it is warm enough, outdoor activities in the city center around the lake, river, and beaches. Don’t forget to check the weather a few days before you visit.

To learn the basics for Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program patients and visitors, click here. For a deep dive into all of your travel and housing options, expand each of the categories provided on this page. To dig into local lodging, including hotels and short-term rentals, scroll down, and click on the tab of your choice.

Lodging

There are plenty of lodging options in Chicago, IL. The Center of Excellence is located in the Streeterville neighborhood of River North. Click on the tabs above for our specific recommendations.

A few items of note:

  • The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy program at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is located at 675 N Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Their office is on the 19th Floor of the Galter Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Suite 100. Phone: 312-NM-HEART

Hotels

The annual average nightly hotel room rate in Chicago, IL (excluding taxes) in 2024 is: $233 from September 1-November 30; $146 from December 1-March 31; $216 from April 1-June 30; and $213 from July 1-August 31.

Many lodging options that do not include a kitchenette do have refrigerators and/or microwaves available to guests. You may need to request them in advance.

We’ve researched some HCM patient-friendly amenities you may wish to take advantage of, including patient pricing discounts, connecting rooms, kitchenettes, and courtesy shuttles. While you can use the Northwestern Medicine Hotel Guide to see all hospital partner hotels, our list of hotel recommendations is below.


We hope you’ll use the list below to assist in your hotel search:

Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile (312-787-1234)

4-star hotel; This is Northwestern Medicine's "preferred hotel." There is a COE discount available; call for a reservation and use the code "NWHOS." A mini fridge is available in every room. There is a microwave available in the 2nd floor lobby. Sofa beds are available in corner rooms and executive suites. Connecting rooms are available (Double Queen to Double Queen or King to Double Queen) but cannot be guaranteed. Valet parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (312-787-3777)

3-star hotel; There is a COE discount called the "Northwestern Rate," which is typically 10-15% off the nightly rate. Every room has a mini fridge. Executive King suites have microwaves, and there are communal microwaves in the lobby and breakfast room. There are sofas in the Executive King Suites. Connecting rooms are available (Full Double to Full Double) but cannot be guaranteed. Valet service is available at the front entrance. Paid self-parking is available approximately 1/2 block away from the hotel, but there are no in/out privileges.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (312-706-0888)

2-star hotel; There is a COE discount of 10% off the nightly rate; this can be booked by phone or by entering 0560036244 under the Corporate Code online. The Hampton Inn is in the same building as the Homewood Suites. There are sofa beds in the King Study rooms. Valet Parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site
  • Google Top 10 Reviews

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (312-585-9333)  

3-star hotel; There is a COE discount of 10% off the nightly rate; this can be booked by phone or by entering 0560036244 under the Corporate Code online. The Homewood Suites are in the same building as the Hampton Inn. There are kitchenettes and sofa beds in every room. Valet Parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Kitchenette
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Valet Parking Available On Site

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-Magnificent Mile (312-787-6100)

3-star hotel; There is a COE discount of 10% off the nightly rate; this can be booked by phone or by entering Corporate Code 560036244 under "special rate codes" on the Hilton Honors app or online. Connecting rooms are available but cannot be guaranteed; be sure to enter this as a special request on your reservation. All rooms have a mini fridge. Microwaves are available in the suites, studios, and in the lobby. King Deluxe rooms have a sleeper sofa. Paid self parking is available on site.

  • COE Discount Available
  • Connecting Rooms Available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Self-parking Available On Site
  • TripAdvisor Top 10 Reviews

Short-Term (AirBnB/VRBO)

 

Short-term rentals are available in downtown Chicago, IL, and the list below includes sole occupancy/single unit properties, some of which have one or more accessibility features. Review each individual listing for specifics. 


51st Floor MagMile Penthouse Views Balcony Pool

Average Review (1-5): 4.82

  • Apartment/Condo
  • Self check-in
  • On-Site Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On-site parking

MARVELOUS MAG MILE 2BD/2BA (+Rooftop)

Average Review (1-5): 4.88

  • Apartment/Condo
  • Self check-in
  • On-Site Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • On-site parking

MAG MILE/Gold Coast Getaway (+Rooftop/Gym)

Average Review (1-5): 4.89

  • Apartment/Condo
  • Self check-in
  • On-Site Laundry
  • Kitchen
Reasonable Accommodations Logo_Final_no tagline_hires

Travel information is provided through a collaboration between The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association and Reasonable Accommodations LLC.

The HCMA and Reasonable Accommodations will make their best effort to keep the Patient Travel Planning Guide as current as possible. The HCMA cannot give any guarantees with regard to the prices, opening times, and availability of any specified facilities. Additionally, just because facilities are mentioned does not necessarily mean that these will always be available. Changes may also have been made to the specified prices, opening times, and availability.