Lincoln Scholars Program

Launching Illinois's next generation of rural physicians 

Welcome

SIU School of Medicine’s mission is to prepare highly skilled and compassionate community-focused physicians who are committed to addressing the unique health care needs of rural populations. The Lincoln Scholars Program has been specifically designed to train the next generation of hometown healers.

Through innovative education, early hands-on clinical experiences and a strong emphasis on teamwork, we empower our students to make a lasting impact in underserved communities across southern Illinois and beyond.

As part of the Rural MD Program, students spend all four years of their training at our Carbondale campus, gaining the expertise needed to serve rural communities effectively, with the option for electives in Springfield during PEP and fourth year.

Join us in shaping the future of rural medicine.

Lincoln scholars treating patient
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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.

Curriculum

The Lincoln Scholars Program (LSP) medical curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in rural medicine through a blend of innovative learning methods and hands-on clinical experiences.

FAQs

Are LSP students required to go into a Primary Care specialty? 

While Primary Care specialties are emphasized in the LSP, there is no requirement to specialize in Primary Care.

Are LSP students required to practice in a rural area after residency? 

LSP students are encouraged and especially prepared to practice in rural/underserved areas, but there is no specific requirement. There are, however, state and federal incentives to practice in rural/underserved areas.

When will I begin seeing patients? 

LSP students begin seeing patients in the first few months of medical school during weekly mentor clinic. 
 

Photo galleries

Lincoln Scholars celebration
LSP inaugural class celebration
LSP Match Day
LSP Match Day
Lincoln scholars treating patient
LSP in the field

Latest articles

Randy Burnside

Burnside honored with ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Randy Burnside received the 2025 Dr. Wesley G. Robinson-McNeese ADEI Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to advancing antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion across SIU campuses.
Class of 2025 Match Day

Class of 2025 residency matches for next phase of medical training

SIU medical students learned crucial information about their futures on March 21. The graduating Class of 2025, along with 4th-year students nationwide at other U.S. medical schools, received results from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) revealing their postgraduate training destinations.
SIUC student botanist

Southern Illinois University officially among top research schools in U.S.

SIU has officially entered the ranks of the top research universities in the nation: It has been designated Research 1, or R1, in the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education.

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