"I am delighted to name Dr. Constance to this position, not only because of his excellent teaching and administrative experience but because he is one of our own graduates. In addition to training physicians for Illinois, I am particularly pleased that SIU is graduating good teachers like Erik who can help us train tomorrow's physicians," said Dr. Carl J. Getto, dean and provost, in announcing the appointment.

Constance joined the medical school's faculty in July 1992, after having served one year as chief of residents in internal medicine. His administrative assignments at SIU included serving as assistant clerkship director and associate residency program director. He was honored this spring by graduating seniors in the Class of 1995 with the Golden Apple Award, presented for teaching excellence. He plans to continue parttime teaching and practice duties.

Constance earned his bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (1984) and his medical degree at SIU (1988). He completed his internal medicine residency at SIU (1991).

He is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Physicians, the Society of

General Internal Medicine and Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society.

A native of Belleville, Ill., Constance is the son of Michael Constance and Barbara Constance.

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