Students spruce up medical district neighborhoods

SIU medical students got out of the classrooms and clinics and into the community for the annual Student Day of Service on April 14.

Nearly 100 young learners tackled projects in the Springfield neighborhoods around the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Activities included alley clean-up, maintenance and landscaping at Enos Park, Pillsbury Mills, McClernand Elementary School, and the community gardens.

Amid all the dirty work, one shining highlight: Fourth-year medical student Aaron Peach received a 2022 USPHS Public Health award for his outstanding health advocacy efforts while at SIU School of Medicine. Commander Patrick Harper, PharmD, from the United States Public Health Services, presented the award to Aaron at a ceremony during lunch at Enos Park.

Shovels were also raised in honor of volunteer coordinators fourth-year medical student Braidy Megeff, third-year Ashley Gagen, second-year Kanicia Green and SIU instructor Hope Cherry, who executed the chore lists smoothly.

View photos from the day here.