Lincoln Scholars Program

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.

Image
Lincoln scholars treating patient

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.

Remote video URL

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

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

Latest articles

Iris Wesley

A heart for the mission, a mind for the work: Iris Wesley’s vision broadens care in Illinois

Over more than 40 years at SIU Medicine, Iris Wesley played a key role in expanding access to care across Illinois. Her collaborative leadership helped guide the growth of SIU’s Federally Qualified Health Center network, now one of the largest university-affiliated systems in the country.
SIU Medicine

Finishing strong: 2020-25 Strategic Plan Progress Report

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.
Physician Assistant Challenge Bowl team

SIU PAs win Illinois Challenge Bowl

The SIU Physician Assistant Program’s Challenge Bowl team has won the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants 2025 State Medical Challenge Bowl--their sixth in a row.

More from the department

Image

 

We're on social