SPRINGFIELD, IL - Family physicians in several Illinois communities are hosting students from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine throughout July. The students are participating in the school’s Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. The experience provides an opportunity for students to use their medical knowledge in a clinic setting under the supervision of an experienced physician. The students choose from more than 160 family practice physicians in Illinois for their preceptorship experience. They will graduate from medical school in May 2022, then pursue advanced training in a

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

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