Department Chair

Michael Neumeister,M.D.,FRCSC, FACS, is Professor and chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto. He had previously completed a degree in physiology and pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario. plastics@siumed.edu

Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery > webpage

Stephen Hazelrigg, M.D., is Professor and Chairman of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Hazelrigg practices all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery (heart, lung and esophageal) and has a special interest in thoracoscopic surgery. shazelrigg@siumed.edu

Theresa Boley, RN, MSN, FNP-CS, is an Assistant Professor of surgery in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Ms. Boley is listed in multiple Who's Who publications and serves as a reviewer and consulting editor for numerous nursing journals. tboley@siumed.edu

William Stevens, M.D. is an Associate Professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He practices all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. wstevens@siumed.edu

William G. Pyle, M.D. is an Associate Professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He practices all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Dr.Pyle earned his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978 and his medical degree in 1981 from SIU School of Medicine. wpyle@siumed.edu

Carl Arentzen, M.D. is an Associate Professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He practices all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. carentzen@siumed.edu

Christina Vassileva, M.D.is an Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  She received her training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.  While she practices all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, she specializes in minimally invasive valve surgery, including mitral valve repair.  In addition, she has a particular interest in the treatment of women with valvular heart disease. cvassileva@siumed.edu

Anthony L. Grasch, PA-C, has been a clinical instructor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Southern Illinois School of Medicine since 1993. Mr. Grasch received his bachelor's degree in Biology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc. in 1977. agrasch@siumed.edu

Tilitha Shawgo, RN,APN, MS, is a clinical instructor and certified critical care nurse specialist in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery at Southern Illinois School of Medicine. tshawgo@siumed.edu

Wes Zwiefel, PA-C
Physician Assistant
E-mail: wzweifel@siumed.edu

John Mellinger, MD, serves as chair and program director of General Surgery at SIU School of Medicine.  Dr. Mellinger completed his subspecialty fellowship training in gastrointestinal endoscopy.  His clinical and academic interests focus on gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery including ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and surgical education.  jmellinger@siumed.edu

Sajida Ahad,M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, specializes in bariatric and laparoscopic general surgery.  She received both her medical training at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan sahad@siumed.edu

Bulent Cetindag, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Surgery, specializes in trauma and critical care as well as general surgery.  He recently completed his residency in general surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  Prior to that, he served a fellowship in surgical critical care at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. icetindag@siumed.edu

Marc Garfinkel,M.D. is Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  He is fellowship trained in liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation from the University of California at San Diego. mgarfinkel@siumed.edu

David J. Rea, M.D. Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at SIU School of Medicine.

Marsha Ryan, M.D., J.D., F.A.C.S Marsha Ryan has joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of clinical surgery for SIU School of Medicine, practicing general surgery with special interest in breast cancer. Prior to joining SIU, Dr. Ryan was in private practice in Carbondale. She is board certified in general surgery. mryan@siumed.edu

Richard A. Woo, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Molecular Oncology. He will conduct research for both the Department of Surgery and the Cancer Institute. His research is focused on the molecular processes that underlie tumor development, tumor progression and tumor maintenance. rwoo@siumed.edu

Jan Rakinic, M.D., is a colorectal surgeon in the Division of General Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and has research interests in colorectal cancer, sigmoid diverticular disease. jrakinic@siumed.edu

Trauma/Critical Care Surgery > webpage

Division of Neurosurgery > webpage

Dr. Jeffrey W. Cozzens, Professor and Chair of SIU School of Medicine’s Division of Neurosurgery,  has a special interest in surgery for epilepsy, surgery of brain tumors, surgery for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, and microsurgery of the spine. jcozzens@siumed.edu

Devin Amin,M.D.,Ph.D, recently joined the Division of Neurosurgery, having completed a neurosurgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery.  He served his medical scientist training at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. damin@siumed.edu

José Espinosa, M.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. During his career at SIU School of Medicine, Dr.Espinosa has been awarded the J. Kiffin Penry Eagle Award for pioneering new therapies in the treatment of epilepsy. jespinosa@siumed.edu

Patricia Klos, NP-C Adult Nurse Practioner pklos@siumed.edu

Dale Mc,Kinney PA-C Physicians Assistant dmckinney@siumed.edu

Ann Sparks ,APN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Neurosurgery at SIU School of Medicine.  She has a professional objective to provide patient-centered care with a special interest in neuro-psychiatry. 

Diane Cox, PA-C is a Physician Assistant in the Division of Neurosurgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She obtained her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. dcox@siumed.edu

Khaled J. Saleh, BSc, M.D., MSc, FRCS(C), MHCM, is a Professor and division chair in the Division of orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Dr.Saleh is nationally and internationally renowned for cutting edge surgery related to adult reconstructive orthopaedic surgery and joint replacement.  This includes joint replacement and revision, minimally invasive procedures and hip resurfacing. ksaleh@siumed.edu

Wendy D. Edie, APN, FNP-BC Mrs. Edie obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois, and her Master’s of Science in Nursing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Edwardsville. She is board certified by the ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she was a nurse at SIU School of Medicine for over 8 years. wedie@siumed.edu

Saadiq El-Amin,M.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine sel-amin@siumed.edu

Wendell W. Becton, MD, assistant professor of surgery, specializes in nonsurgical orthopaedics/sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Tamra Ehlts, CPNP Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Division of orthopaedics
She sees pediatric orthopaedic patients and specializes in the treatment of pediatric fractures and common pediatric concerns such as in toeing, bowlegs and knock-knees.

Per Freitag, M.D., Ph.D., is a spine surgery specialist in the Division of orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery. pfreitag@siumed.edu

Keith Gabriel, M.D., is a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and Associate Professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He has clinical interests in the musculoskeletal care of children, especially spinal deformities, neurofibromatosis, and deformity corrections using external fixators.

Nicollette M. Haubrich, MSN, FNP

Nitin Kukkar, M.D. - Division of orthopaedics nkukkar@siumed.edu

Patricia Lacy, MSPA-C,ATC has over twenty years of experience working with athletes at the high school, collegiate and elite levels.  She has traveled internationally with USA Rugby and served as team provider for the Minnesota Valkryies rugby club team for ten years.  Additionally, she has worked with Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Gymnastics and Swimming and Diving teams throughout her career. mlacy@siumed.edu

Mark McAndrew, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon and Professor of orthopaedic surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. His specialty is orthopaedic trauma. Dr.McAndrew is board certified in orthopaedic surgery. He is a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. mmcandrew@siumed.edu

Galina Polevaya,PA-C

Ra’Kerry K. Rahman, M.D. Assistant Professor, Division of orthopaedics rrahman@siumed.edu

John M. Sigle,D.P.M. FACFAS - Podiatrist, Division of orthopaedics

John A. Shouldel,D.P.M Podiatrist - Division of orthopaedics

Joseph Milbrandt, Ph.D

Gayle E. Woodson, M.D.., Is Professor and Chairman of Otolaryngology and residency program director for the Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She is board certified in otolaryngology. Her specialty is treatment of the voice and voice disorders including diseases of the larynx. gwoodson@siumed.edu

Richard M. Bass, M.D. is a Professor of clinical otolaryngology for the Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is board certified in otolaryngology. His specialty is treatment hearing and balance disorders, sinus disorders, and allergies.rbass@siumed.edu

Carol Bauer, M.D., is a Professor in the Division of Otolaryngology who specializes in chronic diseases of the ear including hearing loss, balance problems and tinnitus.
cbauer@siumed.edu

Michael J.Brenner, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Surgery, is a fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon.  He directs the new Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Program in the Division of Otolaryngology at SIU School of Medicine.  His practice focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head and neck.  mbrenner@siumed.edu

K. Thomas Robbins, M.D.., Professor and Director of the Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. His special interest is head and neck cancer. trobbins@siumed.edu

Leonard P. Rybak, M.D.,Ph.D, is a Professor in the Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His practice focuses on sinus disease and obstructive sleep apnea. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. lrybak@siumed.edu

Megan Michael, PA-C

Kathleen C.M. Campbell, Ph.D. Click on name for CV

Division of Otolaryngology - Hearing and Balance Clinic > webpage

Kendra Watts, AuD, is the coordinator of Audiology Services in the Center for Hearing and Balance at the SIU School of Medicine. She is a Doctor of Audiology and is licensed and certified to practice audiology in the state of IL.. kwatts@siumed.edu

Anna L. Bussing, AuD. abussing@siumed.edu

Jennifer Edmonds, AuD., is a licensed and certified audiologist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Hearing and Balance Center. She received both her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in audiology from Illinois State University and her Doctorate degree from the University of Florida. jedmonds@siumed.edu

Kathleen Faloon, M.S, M.A, is a licensed and certified Audiologist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Audiology Clinic. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Audiology from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts degree in Gerontology from Sangamon State University. kfaloon@siumed.edu

Valerie Ray, AuD, is a licensed and certified audiologist at the Hearing and Balance Center at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.She graduated with a Masters of Arts degree from University of Iowa and a doctorate degree from the University of Florida. vray@siumed.edu

Jennifer Parrish, AuD.
jparrish@siumed.edu

Suzi Pokrzywinski, M.S. is a licensed and certified audiologist at the SIU School of Medicine Center for Hearing and Balance She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Audiology at Rush University. spokrzywinski@siumed.edu

Michael Neumeister,M.D.,FRCSC, FACS, is Professor and chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto. He had previously completed a degree in physiology and pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario. plastics@siumed.edu

Reuben A. Bueno,Jr, M.D,. is an Associate Professor and Program Director in the Division of Plastic Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is fellowship trained in pediatric plastic surgery and hand and upper extremity surgery. plastics@siumed.edu

Nada Berry, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery. SIU HealthCare welcomes Dr. Nada Berry, a new plastic surgeon with special training in hand surgery to the Division of Plastic Surgery.  She recently completed a yearlong fellowship in hand surgery at the Mayo Clinic.  Her specialty is hand and microsurgery and reconstructive surgery.  Her research interests include nerve regeneration and clinical outcomes research.  nberry@siumed.edu

Nicole Zook Sommer, M.D., is an Associate Professor of plastic surgery at The Plastic Surgery Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She is qualified to treat all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. plastics@siumed.edu

Bethany Tschantz, CNP is an Advanced Practice Nurse in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Millikin University in Decatur and her Master’s of Science in Nursing at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL.  She graduated with honors from both Millikin and SIU-Edwardsville.  btschantz@siumed.edu

Norma Arras, MA, OTR/L, CHT, is an occupational therapist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. plastics@siumed.edu

Mary C. Burns, OTR/L, CHT, is an occupational therapist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in occupational therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn. plastics@siumed.edu

Wendy Gerger, OTR/L ,CHT is an occupational therapist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.She received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. plastics@siumed.edu

Donna C. Canavan, OTR/L, CHT, is an occupational therapist at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Illinois-Chicago. plastics@siumed.edu

Kim Hodgson, M.D. is Professor and Chairman of the Division of Vascular Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is active in researching and teaching new minimally invasive therapies for patients with vascular disease. khodgson@siumed.edu

Don Ramsey, M.D. is an Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery at SIU whose original research established many of the non-invasive tests routinely employed in the Vascular Diagnostic Lab today to diagnose vascular disease and guide its effective treatment. dramsey@siumed.edu

Douglas B. Hood,M.D. Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery, specializes in the treatment of arterial occlusive disease and aneurysms.  He has a particular interest in the treatment of abdominal and thoracic aortic conditions. Dr. Hood also serves as the Director of the Vascular Residency and Fellowship Programs.  dhood@siumed.edu

Dr. Kevin T. McVary, MD,FACS graduated with distinction from Northwestern University. He received his medical degree and urology residency training from Northwestern Medical School. This included a one-year urology research fellowship investigating neural influences on sexual reflexes. kmcvary@siumed.edu

Bradley Schwartz, D.O. ., is a Professor of urology at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Director of the Center for Urologic Laparoscopy and Endourology.
He specializes in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy and stone disease. bschwartz@siumed.edu

Ahmed M. El-Zawahry, MD Assistant Professor of Surgery, specializes in urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction and women’s urological issues, He received both his medical degree (1993) and residency training in Urology in Asyut, Egypt (1997) where he also earned a master’s degree in Urology (1997). ael-zawahry@siumed.edu

Charles S. Wilson, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Urology at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.  He specializes in general urology including benign prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, urgent and frequent urination, and frequent urinary tract infections.

Cynthia L. Bednarchik, MSN, APN, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner

Reed G. Williams, Ph.D., returned to the SIU School of Medicine in 2000 as Professor and Director of Surgical Education Research in the Department of Surgery. Prior to his current appointment, he has served as Chairperson of the Medical Education Departments at Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Chicago. rwilliams@siumed.edu

Hilary A. Sanfey, M.B., BCh., FACS

Dr. Hilary A. Sanfey, Professor of Surgery and Vice Chair for Educational Affairs, specializes in kidney/pancreas transplantation.  She received both her undergraduate and medical training from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. hsanfey@siumed.edu 

Margaret L. Boehler, R.N., M.S., has been a Clinical Nurse Instructor in the Department of Surgery at the SIU School of Medicine since July 1998. She graduated in May 2001 from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a master of science degree in medical-surgical nursing.

Susan Kepner, M.Ed. received a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and a M.Ed. degree from the University of Maryland. She has been with the Association for Surgical Education since 1990, serving as its Executive Director since 1994.

Cathy J. Schwind, R.N., M.S., has been a clinical nurse instructor in the Department of Surgery at the SIU School of Medicine since January 1998. She graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with her bachelor of science in nursing in 1988.