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New York City just isn’t for everyone. For the physician who is drawn to the beating, vibrant feel of a big city—but not necessarily the “Big Apple”—Chicago might be the perfect alternative. Take the color and zest of NYC and mix it together with the unique flavor of the Midwest, and you have the cultural and economic mecca known as “The Second City.”
Due to its strategic location connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River via the Illinois and Michigan canal, and also connecting the East Coast to the West coast via air travel and railroads, Chicago, Illinois is a strategic United States city with a rich history dating back to the 17th Century. Remnants of this rich history can bee seen in the many historical districts of the town which showcase brick factories, sprawling century-old homes, and even converted tenement buildings.
Chicago’s charm doesn’t stop there. Also called the “City in a Garden,” Chicago boasts over 552 parks, 9 beaches, and 2 world-class conservatories. So despite the taxis, hot dog stands, and famous skyscrapers, the city offers plenty of natural sanctuaries full of tall trees and shaded picnic spots (assuming, of course, picnicking is your kind of thing). There are also plenty of museums and art galleries speckled throughout Chicago if you’d like to become a more cultured physician. Recently, the city opened the Museum Campus, a 10-acre lakefront park encompassing Chicago’s main museums: the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium.
This Midwestern mecca also has a thriving performing arts community, second only to New York City in the United States. Rather you’re a doctor with a soul for jazz or a love of musicals, you are sure to find Chicago a delightful scene. Some of the most renowned performing art companies in the area include the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre, LaSalle Bank Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Auditorium Building of Roosevelt University, and Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place.
Of course, there are plenty of other sites to see in this diverse city. A great family weekend venture is a trip to Navy Pier, a lakefront strip of restaurants, shops, museums, exhibition halls, and auditoriums. But the crowing glory of the pier is the famous 150-foot (46 m) tall Ferris wheel overlooking Lake Michigan—one of the most visited landmarks in the Midwest. While you’re out on your little weekend excursion, why not swing by Wrigley Field to grab a soft pretzel and watch the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals? You could also watch the Chicago White Sox at nearby U.S. Cellular Field. As far as football goes, the Chicago Bears (“da bears,” SNL anyone?) have won nine NFL Championships and compete at Soldier Field on Chicago's lakefront. And thanks to Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls of the NBA are one of the most recognized basketball teams in the world.
Another perk to Chicago life is the presence of two international airports, the Midway International Airport and the O'Hare International Airport. O’Hare, in particular, is recognized as one or the busiest airports in the world. So, for foreign medical graduates or doctors with family overseas, travel is easy and accommodating in Chicago.
Like one of Chicago’s famous street side hot dogs smothered in pickle relish, tomato wedges, pickled peppers, and celery salt, this old city is filled with a divers array of flavors that add up into something quite delicious.