SIU Medicine

06/17/2026

June is Men's Health Month and Father's Day is Sunday -- a great time to remind the men in your life to take care of themselves and visit a physician regularly, even if they have no complaints.

75-year-old Oreana resident Jerry Blount had been feeling fine, with no major health concerns. Unpacking after a trip to Mexico last October, he suddenly started feeling run down and had a weird sensation, "like there was water in my lungs."

It was in fact the beginning of a heart attack.

Male life expectancy averages roughly 75.6 years, with cardiovascular disease the single largest contributor to male deaths across the country.

Jerry would need a fast-acting, highly skilled team if he was going to beat the odds and make it to 76.

Read the story here: https://aspects.siumed.org/health-wellness/speed-teamwork-prove-essential-in-cardiac-emergency/
-health;
Memorial Health; Springfield Memorial Hospital;

Jerry Blount remembers flashes of light inside the ambulance and pulling up to the emergency entrance at Decatur Memorial Hospital. After that, everything

06/16/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, all SIU Medicine clinics will be closed on Friday, June 19.

We honor this important day of reflection, freedom and celebration. Regular clinic hours will resume on Monday.

06/16/2026

Congratulations to our SIU Medicine Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ENT) residents, along with several medical students, who showcased their research at the annual Horst R. Konrad Resident Research Day. Their work reflects SIU Medicine's commitment to advancing knowledge, improving patient care and training the next generation of leaders in the field.

06/15/2026

Meet Heidi Johnson, MA, CCC-SLP, CLT 💜

Heidi is a speech-language pathologist at SIU Medicine Department of Otolaryngology here in Springfield, providing expert care for adults with voice, speech and swallowing disorders. She works closely with patients experiencing conditions related to vocal cord disorders, head and neck cancer and dysphagia, helping them regain function and confidence.

A certified lymphedema therapist, Heidi also supports patients with head and neck lymphedema. With a compassionate, collaborative approach, she is dedicated to improving communication, swallowing and overall quality of life for those she serves.

siumed.org/heidi-johnson

06/12/2026

On Saturday, June 6, we gathered for the annual SIU Medicine Butterfly Release — a heartfelt tradition honoring the memory of loved ones and celebrating the beauty of life.
Surrounded by nature, community and quiet moments of remembrance, each butterfly released symbolized hope, healing and connection.
Thank you to all who joined us in this meaningful event. 💜

06/11/2026

SIU Medicine was proud to host the 9th Annual AWIMS Conference this month, bringing together physicians, faculty and healthcare leaders for a day of learning, mentorship and meaningful conversation.

Thank you to all of the speakers, organizers and attendees who helped make this year’s conference a success and continue to inspire the next generation of women in medicine and science.

06/09/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ian Martin, MD, MBA, as the next provost and dean of SIU School of Medicine and CEO of SIU Medicine. Dr. Martin starts work in September, bringing extensive experience in medical education, clinical leadership, research and health system strategy. We look forward to his vision and guidance as we continue advancing patient care, innovation, discovery and our mission to improve the health of communities across Illinois.

Read more: https://loom.ly/eSptplU

Southern Illinois University has selected Ian B.K. Martin, M.D., M.B.A., FACEP, FAAEM, to serve as the next provost and dean of SIU School of Medicine. Martin

06/08/2026

Advanced skull base surgery is right here, under your nose.

Using minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques, SIU Medicine’s Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery team treats complex brain and sinus conditions through the nose, often with less pain, less scarring and faster recovery. Learn how collaboration, precision and advanced technology are changing what’s possible.

Click here to learn more: https://aspects.siumed.org/health-wellness/advanced-skull-base-surgery-right-under-your-nose/

06/07/2026

Meet Brieana Kesterson, FNP-C 💜

Brieana Kesterson is a family nurse practitioner with Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine, providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals throughout their cancer journey.

She is dedicated to building strong relationships with her patients and creating a supportive environment where individuals feel heard, informed and empowered every step of the way.

https://www.siumed.org/brieana-kesterson

06/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Monday for the On Par for Pediatrics Golf Outing.

From sponsors and volunteers to golfers and supporters, your generosity helps make a difference for children and families in our community. We’re grateful for another incredible day of fellowship, friendly competition and support for pediatric care at SIU Medicine.

View all event photos at https://bit.ly/4erdKAc