May 27, 2004

Two at SIU Med School Receive 2004 Humanism Award

A faculty member and graduating senior from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield have received the 2004 Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Awards. Dr. Elizabeth A. Peralta, associate professor of general surgery, and Dr. Jillian J. Tyler, a 2004 graduate from Monroe Center, were announced as recipients at the medical school's graduation on May 22. Awarded by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the national honor is given at many U.S. medical schools to a faculty member and graduating senior who demonstrate compassion, respect for patients and families, and clinical excellence.

Peralta's nominator said that she, as a surgical oncologist and researcher, "has demonstrated qualities of caring, courage and commitment while treating patients, and who, most importantly, has inspired me to always be a compassionate and dedicated physician myself….She is an inspiring teacher and clinician who treats her students and patients with the utmost respect. She is compassionate, courageous and committed to making the world a better place by working hard to find a cure for each and every patient, either in the operating room or the research lab."

Peralta joined the SIU faculty in 2000 after completing a three-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, Calif. She completed her general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle (1997). Peralta earned her medical degree at the University of California College of Medicine in Irvine (1992) and her bachelor's at the University of California in Berkley (1987).

Tyler's nominators said that "Jill's record of service is unmatched in our class….She brings enthusiasm to her roles as both leader and supporting member and her compassion and concern for those around her is evidenced through both word and action." Tyler was chair of the class of 2004 and involved in numerous volunteer activities. She begins her obstetrics and gynecology residency at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver in July. She is the daughter of Dr. Richard and Marcia Tyler of Monroe Center.

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