Springfield Teens Complete SIU Physician Prep Program

Seventeen Springfield-area high school students are moving closer to becoming physicians after graduating from the Physician Pipeline Preparatory Program (P4), a four-year program sponsored by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and the Sangamon County Medical Society. The P4 graduation was held in the Pearson Museum at SIU’s main instructional building, 801 N. Rutledge St.

[Editor:  See the list of graduating students below.]

The Pipeline Program, established in 2009, was designed to encourage local students in grades 9-12 who are interested in becoming physicians. Students are presented with case studies, laboratory experiences, guest speakers and research projects. Now in its eighth year, the program also provides leadership training and academic support, which includes sessions in math, science, communication, test-taking and verbal reasoning.

“It has been exciting to watch the concerted interest and effort of these students during their time in the Pipeline Program,” said Wesley McNeese, MD, associate dean for diversity and inclusion and director of the Pipeline Program. “If what they have shown in the past four years is any indication, they have what it takes to become excellent physicians and productive citizens in our society.”

Each year, freshmen from the local area are selected by a committee of members from SIU, the Sangamon County Medical Society and Springfield Public Schools. Students submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a summary of volunteer, school and community activities, all of which need to reflect superior academic performance, high levels of motivation and a sincere interest in pursuing medical careers. The Office of Diversity, Multicultural and Minority Affairs will begin accepting applications for the next class in August. The program will begin in late fall. To apply, visit siumed.edu/diversity/.

GRADUATES

Elsie and Maddie Andres, daughters of Geoff and Ellen Andres, are seniors at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Elsie and Maddie will be attending Saint Louis University.

Andrew Brewer, son of Mike and Cheryl Brewer, is a home-schooled senior in DeLand. He will be attending the University of Illinois in Urbana.

David Bruns, son of Gregg and Maureen Bruns, is a home-schooled senior in Rosamund. He will be attending Millikin University in Decatur.

Madison Dilley, daughter of David and Sonya Dilley, is a senior at Lanphier High School. She will be attending Central College in Pella, Iowa. 

Kyzah Harris, daughter of Gerald Curtis Jr. and Stephanie Harris, is a senior at Southeast High School.

Youssef Hassan, son of Saber Hassan and Soad Soliman, is a senior at Springfield High School. He will be attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Kelvin Hatchett, son of Erica Jones, is a senior at Southeast High School. He will be attending Illinois State University in Normal.

Amaya Henderson, daughter of Arriel Williams and Anita Robinson, is a senior at Southeast High School. She will be attending Tennessee State University in Nashville.

Kien Ho, son of Luc Ho and Quy Vo, is a senior at Southeast High School. He will be attending Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.

Lauren Madonia, daughter of Stephen and Tracy Madonia, is a senior at Lutheran High School. She will be attending Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo.

Arianne Moody, daughter of David and Conny Moody, is a senior at Springfield High School. She will be attending Bradley University in Peoria.

Jalin Newman, daughter of Roy and Jackie Newman, is a senior at Springfield High School. She will be attending the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Jesse Nicoletta, son of Mike and Jane Nicoletta, is a senior at Southeast High School. He will be attending Oxford College of Emory University in Emory, Ga.

Dayshia Rogers-Gordon, daughter of Melissa Rogers, is a senior at Lanphier High School. She will be attending Lincoln Land Community College.

Alina Sinha, daughter of Raj and Ravita Sinha, is a senior at Springfield High School. She will be attending the BA/MD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Emily Thornberry, daughter of Tim and Linda Thornberry, is a senior at Springfield High School. She will be attending Saint Louis University. 

Schedule an interview or request more information by contacting SIU Medicine's Office of Public Relations and Communications at pr@siumed.edu or 217-545-3854.