The SIU PA Program values diversity. We intend to be proactive in demonstrating cultural humility and ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for all persons regardless of race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, educational background, military experiences, geographic location, language, and work experience. To fulfill our mission, we give preference to applicants from rural and medically underserved areas in Illinois. Students who complete the Pre-Physician Assistant Program requirements through the SIU MEDPREP

Vidhya Prakash, MD, has been appointed to the dual position of chief medical officer and associate dean of clinical affairs and population health at SIU Medicine. Prakash will begin her duties on March 1. She joined SIU School of Medicine in 2014 as an assistant professor of internal medicine. She was subsequently promoted to a full professor position. Most recently, she was the Department of Internal Medicine’s vice chair of clinical affairs and chair of the Clinical Competency Committee. Prakash has served the organization in many other positions, including president of the Faculty Council

Southern Illinois University (SIU) Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy has been awarded $250,000 by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for work to improve health outcomes in central and southern Illinois. “This gift showcases the incredible investment Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is making to improve health in Illinois,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy. “We’re thankful for this generous grant and look forward to using these funds to address health challenges in the Illinois communities that need it the most.”

The Division of Vascular surgery proudly supports medical student education. SIU School of Medicine students in their third year begin core clerkship rotations. During the first eight months of the third year, students rotate through all core clerkships. Each clerkship is 4-weeks in duration. During the 4-week surgery core clerkship, each student is assigned one faculty preceptor from one of ten surgical specialties. Preceptors determine daily schedules, including clinic, surgery, and attending educational conferences. Students are allowed to work up to 80 hours per week. Students are immersed

Sunny Nakae, PhD, offered lessons in empowerment and building skills to “become an ally” at the 2022 Dr. Alonzo Kenniebrew Lecture on February 8. Nakae is senior associate dean for equity, inclusion, diversity and partnership at California University of Science and Medicine. Her virtual talk focused on the importance of allies in combating and correcting injustice and mistreatment in the workplace, institutions and the public sphere. She drew inspiration from her family history. Nakae’s Asian-American grandparents ran a California orchard and were sent to the U.S. internment camps during World

Alumni Affairs and the Alumni Society provide events and outreach for former and current SIU students. The groups encourage connections with their alma mater and with each other to foster lasting relationships and advance the school’s mission.

Alumni Affairs and the Alumni Society provide events and outreach for former and current SIU students. The groups encourage connections with their alma mater and with each other to foster lasting relationships and advance the school’s mission.