March 21, 2008

SIU Med School Recognizes Franklin Hospital’s Support for

Telehealth Network

Franklin Hospital in Benton is being recognized by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for its participation in internal medicine grand rounds offered through the telehealth program.  The hospital joined SIU’s telehealth program in 2004 and now participates weekly in multiple programs offered by videoconference.

A plaque recognizing the partnership is being presented to the hospital by Dr. David S. Steward, SIU’s professor and chair of internal medicine, and Deborah Seale, executive director of SIU’s telehealth network and programs.  The plaque was presented to Hervey Davis, hospital CEO, and Dr. Saeed Khan, a cardiologist and long-time supporter of the telehealth program.

“We are proud to recognize Franklin Hospital for their diligent participation and support of internal medicine grand rounds” says Steward.  Grand Rounds help physicians and other medical personnel stay abreast of developments in patient care and research.  SIU’s Department of Internal Medicine holds its Grand Rounds Tuesday mornings from September through May and videoconferences them to sites throughout Illinois using its telehealth network.

SIU’s telehealth program has developed an infrastructure and implemented a variety of educational, clinical and research applications in collaboration with community partners.  SIU School of Medicine is a public medical school established in 1970 and focused on the health care needs of downstate Illinois.  An international leader in medical education, the school is based in Carbondale and Springfield and is specifically oriented to educating new physicians prepared to practice in Illinois communities.  Its Web site is www.siumed.edu.

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