
Keeping Communities Safe
The ThinkFirst chapter at SIU School of Medicine was awarded the ThinkFirst Chapter of the Year Award at the Annual National ThinkFirst Conference this summer.

Community Care programs strengthening clients, making homes safer
“Many of our clients are young mothers who don’t have all the resources they need, so we’re able to help.” Nurse Lisa Homeier makes herself available 24/7, so “we can talk like we’re sisters.”

Medical student’s family invests time & money in Enos Park renovations
In 2005, Steve and Diane Combs moved to Springfield and bought an older home in Enos Park near the SIU School of Medicine. The Italianate structure was built in 1881, and it needed some work.

As needs grow, Healthy Aging and Wellness responds and expands
For adults over 60, the center’s three primary care physicians are all experienced geriatricians, specially trained to provide care for an aging population.

Cleaning, bonding, role modeling: Students serving in the community
For more than 10 years, SIU medical students have organized and volunteered for a spring cleaning day in the Enos Park and Pillsbury Mills neighborhoods.

Care-A-Van delivers health care along rural routes
I met Jennifer Hammonds, LCSW, when I was in high school in West Frankfort, Ill., through her work on SIU School of Medicine’s Care-A-Van – a school health clinic on wheels that serves high schools in

Aspects of a Learner - Harshi Perera
New physician assistant Harshi Perera is a native of Sri Lanka -- the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" -- and followed her childhood passions to become a health care professional.

Advocating for Amber
Community health worker Nicol Moore met Amber Hinkle, 41, during a 2021 neighborhood celebration in Comer Cox Park. Amber had chronic leg pain and had become discouraged with her physician. “I’d bring

2023 Commencement: Take the less-traveled road
2023 Commencement: Take the less-traveled road New physicians, research scientists and instructors at SIU School of Medicine received their diplomas on May 20, at the school’s 49th annual commencement