Infectious Diseases

Infectious disease doctors diagnose and treat complex infections and unexplained febrile illnesses. At SIU Medicine, infectious disease experts provide exceptional patientcare along with advanced training and education for our residents and fellow.

Welcome

Welcome to the Division of Infectious Diseases at SIU Medicine. Our specialists care for patients infected by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and other germs, in inpatient and outpatient settings. The experts in the Division of Infectious Diseases also see patients with compromised or suppressed immune systems or those who plan on traveling abroad. The team of infectious disease specialists also provide comprehensive training and clinical experience to learners in our residency and fellowship programs. Our division also plays a key role in promoting infection control throughout our organization and community.

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Our faculty

The faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is focused on educating the region's top physicians, researching new models of care, and providing expert clinical services that address the health care needs of central and southern Illinois.

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FEATURE

5 questions for Vidya Sundareshan

Vidya Sundareshan, MD, is chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in SIU’s Department of Internal Medicine. She has been a public health resource, medical educator and spokesperson for the school of medicine throughout the 2020 pandemic response. She also serves as the Medical Director at Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

Splitting Hairs - The Patient Experience at SIU

Teaching learners how to provide compassionate patient care is at the heart of what we do at SIU School of Medicine. But sometimes, building trusting, open relationships with patients can be challenging. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Vidhya Prakash describes how she worked with one patient to develop a meaningful doctor-patient relationship and improve his health.

Latest articles

'COVID Stories' will highlight local impacts & images from global pandemic

July 29, 2025

A series of Springfield-area events will bring moments from the global pandemic back into sharp focus this fall. ‘COVID Stories’ will provide both local and universal reflections on how we as a society adjusted when things went viral, literally.

Senator Durbin, SIU Medicine leaders express concerns about federal budget cuts

July 28, 2025

Health care leaders and Senator Dick Durbin gathered at SIU School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians.

Finishing strong: 2020-25 Strategic Plan Progress Report

July 3, 2025

A new progress report has been published to outline the accomplishments that reflect the resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment of our entire SIU Medicine community.