Rush University System for Health and Endeavor Health have announced their intention to join forces “to form a leading, integrated academic health system” in the Chicago region.
The combined system, which would include 12 Magnet-recognized hospitals and more than 400 care sites, would operate under the Rush name. It would employ more than 46,000 employees and clinicians, and serve more than two million patients annually across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. The transaction is targeted to close in early 2027, following regulatory review and approval.
“Together, Rush and Endeavor Health have an opportunity to create a stronger, more connected health system that sets a new standard for how care is delivered and experienced across our communities,” said Endeavor President and CEO Gerald “J.P.” Gallagher. “Patients and communities will benefit from improved access, advanced research and nationally recognized, high-quality care close to home.”
Endeavor stated that it will fund an incremental $1 billion investment in the combined system to “advance community impact, academics and research, and quality and care innovation in communities across the region.” It added that a “significant portion of the investment” will be dedicated to “community partnerships addressing social determinants of health and creating a sustainable infrastructure to support the underserved.”
Stated Omar Lateef, DO, president and CEO of Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center, “The system will embody and expand the foundational values for which both systems are known: excellence, access and health equity, backed by a leading university that drives research and trains our future healthcare leaders. As a unified system, we will expand upon the work Rush has done on the West Side of Chicago to strengthen our impact in communities across the region to ensure more patients benefit from the expertise, innovation and compassion that define us.”
Upon close, Mr. Gallagher would be named president and CEO of the unified system. Dr. Lateef will continue in his role through the close of the transaction, after which he would serve as CEO emeritus and strategic advisor to Mr. Gallagher. A 20-person system Board would be appointed, with equal representation from Rush and Endeavor Health Board members, led by a chair from the Rush system.
