Chicago City Wire

Pete Batra, MD, has been named senior vice president and dean of Rush Medical College. He will begin his new position on December 1.

In his role as dean, Batra will oversee the medical school's educational programs and ensure that the curriculum meets established standards. He will also support faculty development and promote research among both faculty and students. Managing funding strategies for research and coordinating clinical integration across the medical group are also part of his responsibilities. This is intended to provide high-quality clinical training for medical students and residents, aligning with academic objectives.

“Dr. Batra is a perfect fit as dean for Rush Medical College,” said Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president of Rush University. “His experience and success in the clinical and research spaces at Rush make him a valuable addition to our university leadership. I am excited to work with him to enhance the medical college mission as it continues to provide high-quality education, innovative research and advances in patient care.”

Batra will work with leaders throughout the system to ensure that efforts align with Rush’s mission as an integrated academic health system. He will collaborate closely with the president of Rush Medical Group, department chairs, and service line leaders on clinical strategy, program development, and organizational growth. His tasks include implementing new ideas aimed at improving student experience, faculty development, and patient care.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next Dean of Rush Medical College,” Batra said. “I look forward to advancing our proud legacy of academic excellence, innovation and service, while strengthening Rush’s longstanding commitment to our students, our patients and our community.”

Batra brings more than twenty years of experience in academic and administrative leadership. During his eleven years at Rush University Medical Center—a teaching hospital located in Chicago—he has overseen expansion in clinical services, supported educational initiatives, fostered innovation through research mentorship, and contributed to strategic planning within cancer and neuroscience programs. He is expected to continue guiding growth in these areas by encouraging collaboration between departments.

“I look forward to advancing our proud legacy of academic excellence, innovation and service, while strengthening Rush’s longstanding commitment to our students, our patients and our community.”

Currently serving as Stanton A. Friedberg Chair in Otolaryngology as well as professor and chairman of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Rush University Medical Center, Batra also chairs the finance committee for Rush Medical Group. He is a past president of the American Rhinologic Society and directs the Rush Sinus, Allergy and Asthma Center. Batra will maintain his clinical practice at Rush.

He completed his internship and residency at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine before pursuing fellowship training in rhinology at Cleveland Clinic.

Rush University Medical Center was founded in 1837 in Chicago; its current president is Dr. Omar Lateef. The institution includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital.