As the tick population steadily rises, so does the opportunity to become bitten by one of these creepy crawlers. It's important to take precautions to avoid the diseases a tick can carry while outdoors enjoying nature more frequently during warm weather months. Lyme disease is especially one to be aware of and is the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the United States. The American dog tick, or hard tick, is the most common type of tick in central Illinois. A bite from this little arachnid (that’s right, ticks fall into the same category as spiders!) can lead to Rocky Mountain spotted

Even if traditional “back to school” rituals present new questions for parents, public health officials and providers are reminding families that required physicals and immunizations should still be scheduled. Making those appointments now avoids the high demand period in August. “This year’s trip to the doctor’s office or clinic may look a little different, but we want our patients to know that we have taken the precautions necessary to make sure our environments are ready and safe for their families.” said Rebecca Howard, certified nurse practitioner at SIU Center for Family Medicine in

Even if traditional “back to school” rituals present new questions for parents, public health officials and providers are reminding families that required physicals and immunizations should still be scheduled. Making those appointments now avoids the high demand period in August. “This year’s trip to the doctor’s office or clinic may look a little different, but we want our patients to know that we have taken the precautions necessary to make sure our environments are ready and safe for their families.” said Rebecca Howard, certified nurse practitioner at SIU Center for Family Medicine in

July 7, 2020, ALTON, IL ─ The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine has added a new residency program to begin serving patients within SIU Alton Family Medicine next summer. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education approved the program in May. Physicians in the program will provide care through partnerships with Alton Memorial Hospital (a BJC HealthCare facility), Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University in

July 7, 2020, ALTON, IL ─ The Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine has added a new residency program to begin serving patients within SIU Alton Family Medicine next summer. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education approved the program in May. Physicians in the program will provide care through partnerships with Alton Memorial Hospital (a BJC HealthCare facility), Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University in

by Steve Sandstrom On an early Monday morning in March 2018, James Waymack, MD, was on his way to work at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Waymack is the director of the emergency medicine residency program within SIU’s Department of Emergency Medicine, and on Mondays he accompanies a team of residents on a rural service rotation to a hospital 30 minutes east of Springfield. Nearing his exit, he was suddenly passed by three ambulances. Approaching the hospital, he found the parking lot teeming with police vehicles. Inside, emergency medicine director Rich Jeisy, MD, Waymack’s former SIU School

CARBONDALE, IL ─ Even if traditional “back to school” rituals present new questions for parents, public health officials and providers are reminding families that required physicials and immunizations should still be scheduled. Making those appointments now avoids the high demand period in August. “Due to the coronavirus, this year’s physicals will be handled differently. Since patients and their families will have fewer options for free clinical services, we are urging parents and our patients to schedule appointments now before the new school year begins,” said Dr. Max Crouse, chief resident

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine