Dr. Sam Volchenboum and Dr. Doug Nordli looking at a laptop

Sections & Programs

Biomedical Informatics

Section Mission
To pioneer the integration of biomedical informatics into pediatric healthcare, advancing research, innovation, and education to improve health outcomes for children. We are committed to harnessing the power of data and technology to facilitate cutting-edge treatments, enhance patient care, and foster collaborative research that addresses the unique challenges in pediatric medicine.

Section Vision
To be recognized globally as the leading authority in pediatric biomedical informatics, shaping the future of child health by anticipating and addressing emerging healthcare needs and ensuring every child has access to personalized, data-driven medical care.

Sam Volchenboum

Samuel Volchenboum, MD, PhD - Professor of Pediatrics

Section Chief, Biomedical Informatics

Dr. Sam Volchenboum's research is centered on harnessing data science and biomedical informatics to improve pediatric, adolescent, and young adult healthcare outcomes. His work and the work of his group, Data for the Common Good (D4CG), emphasizes the development of innovative data-sharing platforms and informatics tools that facilitate collaborative research and enable the integration of complex data sets from disparate sources. A key area of focus is enhancing access to pediatric clinical data to drive advancements in personalized medicine, uncover new insights into disease mechanisms, and optimize treatments for children and others with rare diseases. Through these efforts, Dr. Volchenboum is committed to tackling the unique challenges of pediatric medicine, leveraging informatics to not only advance scientific understanding but also translate these findings into practical interventions that benefit young patients.

Dr. Larry Hunter's research is centered on the intersection of computational biology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence, aiming to transform the understanding and treatment of complex diseases. As a pioneer in the field, his work focuses on developing sophisticated algorithms and computational models that can analyze vast biological datasets, uncovering hidden patterns and insights that traditional methods might overlook. Dr. Hunter is particularly interested in leveraging machine learning techniques to understand the genetic and molecular underpinnings of diseases, enabling precise diagnostics and personalized medicine approaches. His research also extends to the ethical and societal implications of bioinformatics, advocating for responsible data usage and ensuring equity in the deployment of genomics-driven healthcare solutions. Through his innovative contributions, Dr. Hunter is helping to shape the future of computational biology and its application to real-world health challenges.

Clinical Informatics Fellowship
The UChicago Clinical Informatics Fellowship program is a dynamic and comprehensive training initiative designed to equip physicians with the expertise needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of clinical informatics. This program offers fellows an immersive experience that combines rigorous academic coursework, hands-on clinical practice, and cutting-edge research opportunities. By integrating informatics principles with healthcare delivery systems, fellows develop the skills to enhance patient care and optimize healthcare processes. With access to the University of Chicago's renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse patient populations, participants are encouraged to engage in innovative projects that address real-world challenges. Graduates of the fellowship are well-prepared to lead informatics initiatives, drive technological advancements, and improve health outcomes across a variety of clinical settings.

Biological Sciences Masters Programs
UChicago's biological sciences graduate programs are designed to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential leadership skills. Under the direction of Associate Dean of Masters Education Sam Volchenboum, the following degree programs are offered:

  • Master of Public Health
  • MS in Biomedical Sciences
  • MS in Precision Health
  • MS in Public Health Sciences for Clinical Professionals (MSCP)
  • MBA/MS in Biomedical Sciences

About Our Section