Welcome to Cook county health

Chief Residents’ Welcome

Dear Applicants,

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Anesthesiology Residency Program at the historic John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

As Chief Residents, we are honored to represent a program deeply rooted in service, education, and clinical excellence. Cook County has a longstanding tradition of training compassionate, skilled, and adaptable anesthesiologists who are prepared to lead in any clinical setting. Our residents care for a diverse and complex patient population, gaining unmatched hands-on experience in a wide breadth of cases — from high-acuity trauma and obstetrics to advanced cardiac and regional anesthesia.

Beyond the operating room, what sets our program apart is its people. We are a tight-knit group of residents, attendings, nurses, and staff who support and uplift one another. The camaraderie here is real — built through shared challenges, hard-earned victories, and a shared commitment to caring for some of Chicago’s most vulnerable patients.

We’re proud of what we do, and we’re excited to share it with you. As you explore programs, we hope you’ll consider joining the Cook County family and becoming part of something truly meaningful.

Warmly,
Dr. Emil Baftirovski & Dr. Qabbani Hope
Chief Residents, 2025–2026
Anesthesiology Residency Program
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County