When you live in the third largest city in the United States, and the largest city not located on an ocean in the country, you expect a certain range of services to be available. We all use the health care system in our location at one point or another, and many also like the idea of having the less fortunate or even the lost among their neighbors having a place to turn. That's why it is good to know that when it comes to the areas of health and human services, people with a Chicago IL zip code have access to state of the art facilities.

It starts with the education system. There are four different universities in Chicago which offer medical degrees. Don't be fooled by the loud R&B hip hop music they may play off campus; the students who are attending these universities work hard and have earned their spots.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine, with its main campus in the city, is the largest medical school in the entire country. Over 2600 students are enrolled in the school each semester. Some had a range of choices and could have been an architect in Canada or even an actor in LA, but decided to pursue the medical profession instead. Their decision is to the benefit of all the citizens of the city.

Once they have graduated, these students have a range of choices. They could move up to Canada and run a Toronto bed & breakfast, but of course that would render their extensive schooling moot. Many opt to undertake a venture such as that after a career working in the vast Chicago health system. The Illinois Medical District includes several hospitals and trauma centers, and serves a vast area within the state.

Graduates may also choose to enhance their education with a business degree, and from there go to work in any of the major health organizations and companies based in the city. The American Society for Clinical Pathology receives a lot of research and development tax credit each year for their ongoing field work. The American Medical Association is also run out of the city, and is Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Insurance giants.

Also included in the city's health scene are numerous hospices and retirement communities of all types. All try to make the time away from home as unobtrusive as possible, with welcoming words on walls and various other home like touches.

The human services provided in Chicago are often partnered with the health region, and run by the city itself. They include alcohol and drug counseling programs and other counseling programs, resource and education centers, and shelters for those without permanent addresses.