Advocate Good Samaritan president highlights role as DuPage’s sole Level I trauma center, urges action on health equity
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Summary
Eric Rhodes, president of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, told the DuPage County Economic Development Committee that Good Sam is the county’s only Level I trauma center, described broad disparities in Chicago-area life expectancy, and outlined recruitment, mentorship and community-engagement efforts to address inequities.
Eric Rhodes, president of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, told the DuPage County Economic Development Committee on Feb. 17 that Good Sam serves as DuPage County’s only Level I trauma facility and that health care is a major economic driver and recruitment tool for the region.
Rhodes said the hospital’s capabilities extend across acute care needs — “meaning, regardless of what your ailment is, we have the ability to treat it” — and that the designation positions Good Sam as a critical regional resource for major emergencies and complex procedures. He added that Advocate is partnering with Midwestern University to expand graduate medical education and residency programs to strengthen local workforce pipelines.
Why it matters: Committee members pressed Rhodes on workforce and equity, focusing on how hospitals can recruit and retain staff and reach underserved communities. Rhodes said mentorship and early outreach are central to his approach, urging institutional commitments to mentor young people and to “think outside of the box” when recruiting for nonclinical roles such as finance and human resources.
Rhodes described stark disparities in Chicago-area outcomes, saying, “The life expectancy for an African American patient in the South Side Of Chicago compared to, the North Side is 25 years.” He urged comprehensive partnerships — including with the NAACP, churches and schools — and monthly community conversations at the hospital to improve chronic disease management and access to services.
On regional investment, Rhodes said Advocate is directing major capital to South Side facilities. “Advocate is actually investing 1000000000 dollars, into the South Side to rebuild Trinity Hospital,” he said, and described coordinated services among Advocate hospitals to share physicians and certain high-end equipment. Rhodes also listed specialty surgical tools and robotic systems at Good Samaritan that support complex procedures and training.
During questions, members asked about housing and compensation for newly recruited staff and students at Midwestern University. Rhodes said Advocate has adjusted compensation models to reflect local costs of living and offers programs to help students and new associates with living expenses; he said the hospital will continue to collaborate on housing and recruitment efforts.
The committee thanked Rhodes for his presentation during Black History Month. Rhodes closed by reiterating Advocate’s mission to provide care “regardless of what color you are, how much money you got” and to prioritize both patients and staff as economic and community assets.
What’s next: Rhodes’ remarks were delivered as an informational presentation; the committee did not take formal action on hospital policy or funding at the meeting.
