October is Primary Care Month 

SIU School of Medicine is top-ranked in producing primary care resident physicians. As part of October's Primary Care Month, medical students have organized activities to help classmates and the public better understand the primary care fields -- family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics. The events are in Springfield, and SIU staff, faculty and students are invited to attend or get involved in the outreach activities. For more details, contact Tracey Smith, 545-2200.

■ Oct 2, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Joint Injections with Deaconess Family Medicine Residency, Telehealth Room, 913 N. Rutledge

■ Oct 7, Urban League Head Start Nutrition Training-Food Labels, 1108 E. Cook

■ Oct 8, 8 - 9 am, Internal Medicine Grand Rounds: Chronic Pain Management, Dr. Laura Salazar and Dr. Carrie Vogler, South Auditorium, 801 N. Rutledge

■ Oct 8, 5 - 6 pm, Differences between Practicing Rural vs. Urban Medicine in Primary Care, Dr. Marthe dela Cruz, Dr. Julie Fleischerand Dr. Lawrence Jennings, location TBD

Dr. Craig Batterman, Pediatrics

■ Oct 15, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Health Care System Today -- Overview of Cost, Access, Quality of Care and ACA, Dr. Nathan Moore, Location TBD

■ Oct 16, 5 - 6 pm, Direct Primary Care, Dr. Kristin Newcome and Dr. Timothy Miller of Priority Health Family Medicine, South Auditorium

■ Oct 17, Shoes That Fit at Enos Elementary

■ Oct 21, Urban League Head Start Nutrition Training-Rethink Your Drink, 1108 E. Cook  

■ Oct 22, 10 - 11 am, Contact Ministries Breadline

■ Oct 22, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, High Value Care: Informed Decisions that Reduce Waste and Improve Health Outcomes, Dr. Susan Hingle, South Auditorium

■ Oct 23, 9 am - noon, Health Jam activities with Southern View School, IPE Outreach Event, multiple SIU locations. Morning tour guides and lunchtime delivery volunteers are needed (the latter from 11:30 am - noon). Contact Hope Cherry at 545-3825 to help.

■ Oct 23, Health Literacy Training at Urban League  

■ Oct 24, 9 am - noon, and noon - 3 pm, Health Jam activities with Southern View Elementary, IPE Outreach Event, multiple SIU locations. Morning and afternoon tour guides and lunchtime delivery volunteers are needed (the latter from 11:30 am-noon). Contact Hope to help.

■ Oct 28, Urban League Head Start Nutrition Training-Celebrate Cooking, 1108 E. Cook  

■ Oct 29, 10 am - 1 pm, Sangamon County Health Department Breadline

■ Oct 29, Head Start Urban League Health Fair and Shoes That Fit Activity  

■ Oct 30, Changes in Evidence Based Medicine, Dr. Omar Vargas 

■ Oct 31, 9 - 11:30 am - Enos School Fall Read-in, SIU volunteers welcome; contact Steve Sandstrom, 545-5616. 

Robotic surgery benefits patients 

Dr. Assaad Semaan (right) performs a robotic-assisted hysterectomy with Dr. Richard Glover (left) and Dr. Tatnai Burnett (not pictured).

A new robotic procedure that allows surgeons to make a single incision through the navel for hysterectomy patients is now available at Simmons Cancer Institute. The procedure decreases recovery time and causes little or no scarring.

During a robotic-assisted single-site procedure, the surgeon sits at the robotic console, viewing a 3-D, high-definition camera image of the surgical site. The surgeon uses hand controls to move the camera and the instruments -- controls that translate hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the smaller instruments inside the patient.  (more) 

Learn about a variety of "diverse" topics during the School of Medicine's Diversity Enrichment Week October 27-31. The series of lunchtime lectures run from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and bring together multiple viewpoints for consideration in the health care environments in which we work.

All presentations will be held in SIU's South Auditorium, 801 N. Rutledge in Springfield, and teleconferenced to Carbondale in Lindegren 310, 303 and Wheeler 104. Lunch follows each talk (reservation required) from 12:30 - 1 pm. Springfield lunches will be served in the Pearson Museum, Carbondale's in Lindegren 310. For lunch reservations, contact Debby Kassube in Springfield, 217-545-7334, or Colby Chamnes in Carbondale at 618-453-1465 no later than October 15.

The sessions are:

Monday, Oct 27 - "Women in Medicine," SIU School of Medicine's version of 'The VIEW'  

Panelists: Dr. Christine Todd, associate professor, Internal Medicine; chair of Medical Humanities;
Dr. Wendy El-Amin, associate professor, FCM & Medical Education;
Dr. Marti Hlafka, assistant professor, Internal Medicine;

Dr. Coral Tieu, third year resident, Otolaryngology;

Karen Bertels, MSIV, Class of 2015;
moderator: Kelly Armstrong, PhD, assistant professor, Medical Humanities 

Dr. Joslyn Fisher

Keynote Address, 4 - 5 pm - "Sex, Bias and Health Outcomes"  

Joslyn Fisher, MD, MPH, FACP, associate professor of medicine and medical ethics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tx.   

A reception follows in the Pearson Museum.

Tuesday, Oct 28 - "How Gender Identity Relates to Health Care Disparities,"  TBA

Wednesday, Oct 29 - "Religious Diversity"  

+ audience participation: "10 Questions on the Five Major World Religions" 

Thursday, Oct 30 - "Improving Professional Behavior: What's a Dean To Do?"

Dr. J. Kevin Dorsey, PhD, dean and provost, SIU School of Medicine

HEALTH & WELFARE  

Flu shots now available   

Flu season looms. Make plans to protect yourself with a vaccination at one of these opportunities.

Friday, Sept. 26, 8 am - 10 am ● St. John's Pavilion, 3rd Fl, Rm. 3A-153

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2 pm - 4 pm ● Memorial MC, 2nd Fl, Rm. D219

Thursday, Oct. 2, noon - 2 pm ● Simmons Cancer Inst., 1st Fl, Rm. 1012

Friday, Oct. 3, 1 pm - 3 pm ● Calhoun Complex (HR), 1st Fl, Rm. 133

The shots are free to employees, faculty, graduate assistants and students. Residents' shots are provided by the hospitals. A $12 fee is charged for a spouse, domestic partner and dependent children over age 18, SOM retirees and their spouses. However, spouses and dependent children of extra-help employees are NOT eligible for shots, and no flu shots are permitted for dependent children under the age of 18. Please bring your ID badges with you at the time of vaccination. For questions, call 545-8970.

FUNDRAISING   

'Picture of Health' art event     

Looking for a fun Saturday night out with a charitable twist? Get colorful, hands-on instruction at 'The Picture of Health' this Saturday, Sept. 27, 6 - 9 pm at the Springfield Art Association, 700 N. 4th St.  Bring a bottle of wine, enjoy desserts and create art themed in children's health while learning more about Generation Healthy Kids. Discover how you can help Gen H'ers become safe, healthy, educated and supported children and families who thrive in active and connected communities! April McNeill, MSIII, is hosting the event with help from classmates and the Springfield Art Association, The Y9 Group and Food Fantasies. Attire is chic casual; please register at genhkids.webconnex.com.

Chili's helping spring mission trip    

The SIU medical students are raising money for the medical mission trip to Nicaragua in April.  Chili's at 2891 S. Veteran's Parkway is partnering with the medical school to help. Bring in this coupon through October 31 and Chili's will donate 10% of all proceeds from your dine-in or carry out meals. Please share this information with your friends and family. All money raised is used directly to purchase medications and supplies for the trip. If you have any questions, would like to donate, or join them for the trip, please contact Dr. Tabatha Wells.

Collective giving through SECA 

The SECA campaign is underway through November 7. The State and University Employees Combined Appeal gives you the opportunity to donate to the charitable cause of your choice to enhance the health and well-being of others with zero overhead -- 100% of each contribution is sent to the charity of your choice.  

Campaign literature was sent in campus mail last week and via email on Sept. 12 from Angie Doolin. Should you have any questions regarding this information please contact your SECA campaign ambassadors Deanne Wise, 545-7927, and Vicky Morrison, 545-8035.

If you are unable to give monetarily this year, please visit the SECA website for opportunities to volunteer for charities.

Goebel Memorial Run raises  

$30K for Camp COCO      

Christine Salzeider, SIU Pediatrics, (left) received a donation for SIU's Camp COCO representing proceeds of the seventh annual Natalie Goebel Memorial Run. Pictured with Christine are members of Natalie's family: Michelle Goebel, Deanna Goebel and her son Kason Christian. Participants at the all-vehicle Memorial Ride on August 9 enjoyed food and beverages at stops in Morrisonville, Taylorville, Harvel, Bulpitt and Nokomis. The day wrapped up with silent and live auctions and live music from Black Water Revival.

The annual event is organized to fulfill Natalie's wish to help send kids growing up with cancer to Camp COCO. This year's gift, $30,384.14, will support 43 kids at next year's camp. Since the first memorial ride in 2008, Natalie's family has covered the costs of sending 135 children to Camp COCO!

SIU School of Medicine extends our deepest gratitude to the Goebel family for their hard work and dedication, and to the area businesses and friends who have given so generously to support Natalie's cause.

Simmons Cancer Institute is hosting its 14th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 25. The funds raised will support innovative research projects and enhance patient comforts. More than 90 percent of the money raised at the event stays local.

Guests at Denim & Diamonds are encouraged to dress in their finest denim or formal attire for the event, which will begin at 6 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. This year's theme is "Bling-'n'-Swing." Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10 and are available by calling 217-545-2955.  

The evening features both live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner and music by Miss Jubilee & The Humdingers of St. Louis. Visit the auction website at www.siumed/edu/cancer and click on Denim & Diamonds. (more) 

HONORS & AWARDS  

RESEARCH  

Are you a tobacco user?  

The Center for Clinical Research is conducting a survey on the use of electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products and cigarettes. The goal is to gain insight into the recent popularity of e-cigarettes as well as the relative perceived risks and benefits of the products from the people who use them. The survey is open to SIUSOM employees who currently use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products.  

The surveys can be completed from 7 am to 5 pm during the weeks of Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. The process takes 15-20 minutes. Participants should schedule the survey during their break time or before/after work and bring a photo ID that contains your address. A $10 Walmart gift card will be given as a "thank you" for completing the survey. Surveys will be administered at the CCR offices on the first floor of the 801 N. Rutledge building. Please contact Amanda Fogleman or David Crumly to schedule an appointment.

Presentations   

Dr. Gary Rull, Internal Medicine, gave a presentation, "Professionalism in Medical Education" at the 2014 Clerkship Directors of Internal Medicine Annual Meeting in Washington, DC on September 13.

New faculty    

Krati Chauhan, MD, MPH, has joined the faculty as an assistant professor of rheumatology. She is also a member of SIU HealthCare.

Chauhan completed a postdoctoral certificate program at the Center for Translational Science Activity and a fellowship in rheumatology, both at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. (2014, 2013). She completed a residency in internal medicine at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. (2011). She earned a master's degree in public health - epidemiology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (2007). She received her medical degree at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, India (2005).

Anna Hickey, PhD, has joined the faculty as an assistant professor of pediatrics. She is also a member of SIU HealthCare.

Before joining SIU, Hickey served as a lead clinician and psychologist for the Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois (2012-14) and as a school psychologist for the Livingston County Special Services Unit (2011-12). She also taught as an adjunct instructor at Illinois State University in Normal (2011) and Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield (2014).

Hickey earned a doctor of philosophy degree in school psychology at ISU (2011). She also earned a master's degree in psychology at ISU (2008) and a bachelor's degree in psychology at SIU Edwardsville (2006).

Sharon Onguti, MD, MPH, has joined the faculty as a hospitalist and assistant professor of internal medicine. A member of SIU HealthCare, she will provide medical care at the SIU-affiliated hospitals in Springfield.

Onguti completed a residency in internal medicine at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas (2014). She completed a fellowship in outcomes research at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC (2011). She received a master's degree in public health, majoring in epidemiologic and biostatistical methods, and certification in vaccine science and policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Md. (2010). She received her medical degree at Nairobi University School of Medicine in Kenya (2006). She was also certified as a public accountant at Strathmore University in Kenya (2002).

Erica Rotondo DO, has joined the faculty as an assistant professor in family and community medicine. She will see patients at the Center for Family Medicine in Springfield.

Prior to coming to SIU School of Medicine, Rotondo worked at Springfield Clinic as a Prompt Care physician (2012-14) and at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb (2010-12).  

Rotondo completed a fellowship in health policy studies at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY (2009) and a residency in family medicine at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz (2009). She completed an osteopathic internship at St. John's Hospital in Detroit (2007). She earned her medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale (2005) and a bachelor's degree in women's studies and African languages and literature from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1998).

Amber Stanton, PharmD, has joined the faculty as a research assistant professor of neurology at the Center for Clinical Research.

Before joining SIU, Stanton served as a clinical pharmacist working in support of clinical investigational drug trials at St. John's Hospital in Springfield (2009-14). Prior to her work as a clinical pharmacist, Stanton worked as St. John's interim pharmacy clinical coordinator (2011-12) and as a clinical pharmacist for the Nutrition Support Team (2002-06). She also worked as a pharmacist at CVS RX Services (2000-01); at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Pharmacy (1997-2000); at Corum Healthcare Services, Inc. (1999-2000); and at Keller Apothecary (1996-2000), all in St. Louis.

Stanton earned both her doctor of pharmacy and bachelor's degree at St. Louis College of Pharmacy (1997, 1996).

Media coverage 9.12.14 - 9.24.14