OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DEAN |
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| February 20, 2026
Dear Colleagues:
It is my pleasure to announce that Heather M. Prendergast, MD, MS, MPH, MHA, MBA, FACEP, has been appointed Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, providing strategic leadership and alignment of clinical operations across all University of Illinois College of Medicine campuses and affiliated medical centers. The position was effective Feb. 16, 2026, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
A graduate of UI COM, Dr. Prendergast joined the College of Medicine in 1998 as a clinical instructor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and has served the institution for more than two decades as a physician-scientist, educator, and health system leader.
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In 1999, she became assistant professor of Emergency Medicine before promotion to professor of Emergency Medicine in 2015. Joining the UI COM Clinical Affairs leadership team in 2016, Dr. Prendergast has served as Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs since 2019, prior to her new appointment. She has served as Executive Director of the University of Illinois Physicians Group, a role she maintains.
As a physician-leader, Dr. Prendergast led the establishment of the University of Illinois’ first off-site Multispecialty Ambulatory Clinic in 2020 and spearheaded the successful $17.2 million Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Healthcare Transformation Initiatives Collaborative award. This funding supported the creation of the 55th and Pulaski Health Care Collaborative, the University’s second off-site multispecialty ambulatory clinic, significantly expanding access to coordinated, community-based care.
As a physician-scientist, Dr. Prendergast has built a nationally recognized research program focused on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and health equity, particularly among underserved populations seeking care in emergency settings. Her work has been continuously funded and includes leading the first randomized clinical trial examining the identification and management of uncontrolled hypertension among predominantly underrepresented populations discharged from the emergency department. Her scholarship reflects a sustained commitment to translating research into scalable, community-centered clinical solutions.
Throughout her career, Dr. Prendergast has championed faculty engagement, mentorship, and workforce development, drawing on her experience as a physician–scientist and leader recognized for building high-quality medical programs and strengthening hospital, physician, and community partnerships across UI Health.
Dr. Prendergast completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center and holds master's degrees in Public Health, Clinical and Translational Science, Healthcare Administration, and Business Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Prendergast on this expanded leadership role and continued service to the College of Medicine.
Sincerely,
Enrico Benedetti, MD, FACS
Interim G. Stephen Irwin Executive Dean
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University of Illinois College of Medicine 1853 W. Polk St. | Chicago, IL 60612 US
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