Class notes
Our class notes have moved to an online format. That means you will only find our most recent updates from 2023 and moving forward.
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FEATURED ALUMNI 1970s
Larry Newell, MD ’78
“Retired from private practice of Dermatology in Springfield, IL at age 65. Moved to Edwardsville Il in 2017. Have volunteered as a dermatologist for the last 8 years at a free clinic in St. Louis for the homeless, indigents, and immigrants. Had Wash U. and St. Louis U. residents and students. Retired from that last September, 2024, on my 72nd birthday. Joan and I have 6 kids and 13 grandkids who keep us busy and tired! Most are in the St. Louis area. Enjoy gardening, biking, and reading. Became an Illinois Master Gardener last year, so I volunteer at a local heritage garden in Collinsville, IL, once weekly. Give continuing Ed. talks for the Master Gardeners of Illinois on a variety of topics. Have won more blue ribbons for garlic at the Illinois State Fair than anyone alive in the state of Illinois, including Grand Champion Vegetable of Illinois in 2009. Have, in the process, become somewhat of an expert on garlic, which is a fascinating plant. If anyone is ever in Edwardsville, stop in! I'll give you a garden tour and educate you about garlic!!”
FEATURED ALUMNI 1980s
Brian Russell, MD ’80
Dr. Brian Russell is returning to Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, Georgia to practice Neurology/Neurosurgery. Dr. Russell has held positions such as Chairman of Neurosurgery at St. Johns’ Hospital and Memorial Medical Center and Director of Neurosurgery for HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He most recently practiced with Southeast Brain and Spine Associates at Piedmont Columbus. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Congress of Neurosurgery, and American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
FEATURED ALUMNI 1990s
Deedra McLain, MD '99
Dr. McLain was part of a team of medical providers from Southern Illinois University Center for Family Medicine and Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) who accompanied SIU School of Medicine resident physicians and students on a mission trip to Costa Rica this past March.
“It is always an incredible experience to provide care in a resource-limited setting,” Dr. Deedra McLain, medical director of SIU Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program, said. “Relying on history and physical exams rather than advanced imaging and lab tests reminds us of the core principles of medicine.”
Dana Ray, MD, 03
Dr. Ray is the new Chair for the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. She is an Army Reserve veteran and a former member of the Decatur City Council for over ten years; her current position as Campus Pastor at Life Changers Church and her involvement in several community boards demonstrate her commitment to serving her community. Despite her numerous professional and social achievements, Dr. Ray is most proud of her role as wife to Donald Dotson and mother to their children.
"My vision for the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation aligns with a statement that captures its essence: it is a homegrown community foundation: rooted in the community, nurtured by the community, and supported by the community."
Gwen Erkonen, MD '04
Dr. Erkonen is a critical care physician at Nicklaus Children's Health System while she also makes waves in the literary world with her heartfelt memoir and creative non-fiction writing.
"Being a pediatrician and a mother has shaped my understanding of the challenges and triumphs that families face in times of crisis," says Dr. Erkonen. "Through my writing, I aim to share these stories, to shed light on the complexities of childhood illness, and to inspire hope and resilience in both my patients and readers."
FEATURED ALUMNI 2010s
Kimberly Bannon ’11
Dr. Bannon was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Ob-Gyn at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. Dr. Bannon completed her residency from the Ob-Gyn program at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, where she was awarded the Dr. John J. Barton Leadership Award and the Excellence as Chief Resident in 2015.
FEATURED ALUMNI 2010s
Kevin Simon, MD '15
“Falling Behind: The Miseducation of America’s Boys.”
Dr. Simon recently participated in the final part of this podcast series. Part 5: "We're in jail with our emotions" discusses how teenage boys are experiencing increasing rates of loneliness and suicidal thoughts — which is having a direct impact on their achievement in school.
FEATURED ALUMNI 2020s
Matthew Woodbury, MD '24
Dr. Woodbury will soon celebrate his daughter, Sabrina's first birthday!
Blaine Traylor, MD, 24
Dr. Traylor and spouse, Erin, welcomed their first baby boy, Theodore, in November of 2024.
In Memoriam
Robert Mitrione, MD '87, passed away on November 18, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Terence Robert "Terry" Anthoney, MD and founding professor of SIU SOM, passed away on November 5, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Richard A. Norden, MD '80, passed away on March 14, 2021. Unfortunately this notice is delayed. Read the obituary here.
Deborah Lynn Fairchild Harding, MD '83, passed away on October 14, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Linda E. Hungerford, MD '82, passed away on August 22, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Sergio Rabinovich, MD and beloved Professor of Medicine at SIU SOM, passed away on May 26, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Todd Allyn Baxter, MD '90, passed away on April 15, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Mark E. Weaver, MD ’80, passed away on March 1, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Larry Charles Alexander, MD '81, passed away on February 4, 2024. Read the obituary here.
Paul Allen Salmon, MD '00, passed away on December 19, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Wesley Robinson-McNeese, MD '86, passed away on September 18, 2023. Read the SOM tribute here. Read the obituary here.
Nathaniel Horn, MD '82, passed away on August 18, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Steven Kenneth Reich, MD ’82, passed away on May 24, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Benjamin Mathis, MD ’13, passed away on April 3, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Abner Satterthwaite-Phillips, MD ’12, passed away on March 29, 2023. Read the obituary here
Antonio Barajas, MD '89, passed away on March 17, 2020. Unfortunately, this notice is delayed and we do not have an obituary to share.
Susan L. Redmond, ’83, passed away (date unknown).
David Sizemore, MD '79, passed away on February 4, 2019. Unfortunately, this notice is delayed and we do not have an obituary to share.
*Our in memoriam information has moved to an online format. That means you will only find our most recent updates from 2023 and moving forward.
Contact us
SIU School of Medicine, Office of Development & Alumni Relations
409 W Calhoun | Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217-545-7800
Email: alumnirelations@siumed.edu