Population Science and Policy

The Department of Population Science and Policy works to understand the challenges of people in central and southern Illinois and provides innovative, sustainable solutions to improve health in rural and underserved communities.

Welcome

Welcome to SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy (PSP). Our work expands SIU Medicine’s reach into the spaces where people live, work, learn and play. PSP focuses on improving a community’s social determinants of health through research, intervention and policy change. PSP is working to move the dial on health in some of Illinois’ unhealthiest communities.

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National recognition. Regional impact. 

“This recognition confirms what we at SIU have always known: that world-class research is happening right here in central and southern Illinois.” – Dr. Jerry Kruse 

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Latest articles

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AFSCME, SIU School of Medicine ink 3-year agreement

SIU School of Medicine and AFSCME Local 370 have finalized and ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. The union represents more than 800 school employees across its campuses.
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Summit to address rural health care workforce crisis

With many Illinois communities struggling to find doctors, nurses and behavioral health providers, leaders in medicine, law and public policy will convene on October 15 in Springfield for the 2025 Illinois Rural and Small-Town Health Summit.
Jerry Kruse

Dr. Jerry Kruse to retire as SIU dean & provost in 2026

Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH, dean and provost of SIU School of Medicine and CEO of SIU Medicine, has announced that he will conclude his service at the end of his current contract, on or around August 31, 2026

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