Warm weather, barbeques and celebrating our independence is all a part of summer. One of the best parts of the 4 th of July is watching the sky light up with a beautiful array of colors, sparkles and shapes. Even though the firework displays are stunning, they can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. "Fireworks are dangerous,” warns Dr. Jason Kegg, emergency medicine physician at SIU School of Medicine. While burns can be serious, they’re not the only reason to fear fireworks. “We see blast injuries in children as well as adults, and sometimes, it ends up with the loss of

District 186 parents, remember to schedule your kids' back-to-school physicals!

Two new board members have been named to the Alumni Society Board of Governors at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. The new board members are Stephen Raben, MD, a family physician and a member of the Class of 1990; and Mark Schmelzel, MD, a retired vascular and general surgeon and a member of the Class of 1979. Their three-year terms began in May. Raben is board certified in family medicine, geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine and is medical director of Family Hospice in Belleville. He is president of Rural Family Medicine Associates and practices in Mascoutah and

Written by Susan Hingle, MD, FRCP Associate Dean, Center for Human and Organizational Potential Take home message #1: Practice gratitude. You are entering a very privileged profession, but one that will challenge you. Our healthcare system is struggling. Much will be asked of you. You will have many times when you feel over-worked and under-appreciated, even questioning why you became a physician. But if you intentionally make practicing gratitude a part of your every day practice, you will recognize that it is truly a privilege, not afforded to many, to be able to care for our fellow human

The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., better known as the Triological Society, has named SIU Medicine surgeon Sandra Ettema, MD, PhD, CCC/SLP, a fellow of its 124-year-old organization. Ettema is the co-chair and an assistant professor of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at SIU Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. Ettema specializes in treating disorders of the larynx and voice. As the director of the Voice, Airway and Swallowing Clinic at SIU Medicine, she enjoys treating children with difficulty swallowing as well as head and neck cancer

The Jun e 2019 Employee of the Month is Melissa Nicol , registered detitian in the Department of Clinical Affairs (Maternal Fetal Medicine). Her nominator said: “Melissa is a tremendous asset to our department; she is well versed and extremely knowledgeable in her field of expertise. She is well organized and her work ethic is phenomenal. Most importantly, she is always kind, pleasant and professional with both patients and colleagues. Melissa primarily works with our diabetic mothers, which can be challenging. She spends countless hours obtaining authorizations for diabetic supplies, as well

As part of our continuing mission to provide exceptional patient experience at SIU and in tandem with Dr. Lausen’s colleague recognition program we are back with another month of positive patient experience highlights. Our May 2019 celebrated patient experience highlight comes from the Division of General/Trauma Surgery and goes to Maretta Sullivan. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, speed of care is key and an efficient, well-run clinic is vital in getting our patients on the road to recovery. Ensuring that their needs are met during times like these takes an enormous amount of work

5.25.19. Herald News . Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission, SIU Medicine partner to provide behavioral health program for veterans. 5.25.19. News Channel 20 . Allison Frey , Class of 2020. SIU, Springfield pools team up to promote sun safety. 5.30.19. WAND . Memorial Medical Center Foundation awards 11 grants to SIU School of Medicine. 6.1.19. Journal Gazette & Times Courier . Dr. Mehul Trivedi , NSI. Tips from the latest research on Alzheimer’s and dementia. 6.3.19. River Bender . SIU Medicine receives grant to develop a data-driven strategic plan to reduce opioid overdoses, morbidity

Congratulations to Dr. Rory Mills (bottom), Class of 2019, and Shelby Markel (top), MS3, student recipients of the Infection Prevention Award presented by Dr. Subbash Chaudhary, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at SIU Medicine. Dr. Chaudhary and his family endowed the new annual award to recognize role modeling and leadership for pediatric infection control. The award is given to two students and a resident each year. The winners received a plaque and $500 toward medical education activities or materials. The resident's award winner will be announed at the pediatric