Class notes
Our class notes have moved to an online format. That means you will only find our most recent updates from 2023 and moving forward.
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FEATURED ALUMNI 1970s
Rebecca Johnson, MD ’78
Dr. Rebecca L. Johnson is named the New Board Chair of The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABSM). Read the article here.
Dr. Johnson served on the ABMS Board of Directors from 2009-2018, was a member of the Executive Committee from 2014-2017, and currently serves on the Advancing Practice Task Force. She has served on ABMS’ Database and Information Technology Advisory Committee (DITAC), Committee on Certification (COCERT), MOC Part III Task Force, International Engagement Planning Committee, Improvement in Medical Practice Task Force, and the Task Force for Focused Expertise/Added Proficiency. She also chaired the Organizational Standards Task Force. Dr. Johnson was the Chief Executive Officer for the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) for nine years and prior to that was a Trustee for 11 years, serving as its President in 2009.
FEATURED ALUMNI 1980s
Mary Dobbins, MD ’84
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Mary Dobbins a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, effective January 1, 2024. Dr. Dobbins joins an elite group of psychiatrists with this honorary distinction who continue to make significant contributions to the field of psychiatry.
Dr. Dobbins has been invited to attend the Convocation of Distinguished Fellows in May 2024, during the APA Annual Meeting in New York, where the group will be officially recognized.
FEATURED ALUMNI 1990s
Gale Brown-Blakley, MD ’91
Dr. Gale Brown-Blakley is the author of the book, Dr. Gale's Page: Facts and Fiction on Girls' Sexual Health.
There's a saying that you don't mix business with pleasure. Dr. Blakley says you shouldn't mix politics with a woman's sexual health and welfare. Continue reading here.
Deidre Flanagan, MD ’94
"After 23 years with Ascension Medical Group in Wisconsin, we moved to Moab, UT in August of 2022. I am the General Surgeon and Trauma Director at Moab Regional Hospital, a 17-bed critical access hospital and Level 4 trauma center. Mike is working as a paramedic for Grand County EMS and in the ED at the hospital. He also volunteers with Search and Rescue. We are loving the West, and enjoying our opportunities to hike, canyoneer and bike!"
FEATURED ALUMNI 2000s
Kimberly Nordstrom, MD ’01
Dr. Nordstrom recently discussed trends and statistics in a Boulder Town Hall as related to youth mental health, also offering recommendations on how parents can start and sustain discussions with their children about their mental health.
“One of the key factors of resiliency is connectivity,” said Dr. Nordstrom, adding that school, church or community activities can help build connectivity. “It takes the whole community to support our youth.” Read more here.
FEATURED ALUMNI 2010s
Mary Sterrett, MD ’11
“Recent work in Bangladesh through an NGO called MedGlobal while I am between academic practice at UW-Seattle and Kaiser San Diego. I focused on point of care ultrasound teaching in refugee camps and in conferences.”
FEATURED ALUMNI 2020s
Ben Hauter, MD '20
Dr. Hauter writes a monthly health article for Adventure Sports Outdoors magazine! You can read through his current article, along with past issues, here.
Dr. Hauter started his own practice, Salt and Light DPC, in Petersburg, IL, after completing his residency at SIU earlier this year. Learn more here
In Memoriam
Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese: Trailblazing physician and leader
Dr. Wesley Robinson-McNeese joined the faculty of his alma mater in 2001 and served in a multitude of roles throughout his tenure at SIU. He was an associate professor of internal medicine and the Department of Humanities, and founded the Office of Diversity, Multicultural and Minority Affairs. Over a 15-year span he created and organized numerous initiatives to promote and expand the culture of diversity and inclusion within the medical school. He was a former SIU Alumni Society Board of Governors member, and chaired or participated in numerous committees.
Paul Allen Salmon, MD '00, passed away on December 19, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Nathaniel Horn, MD '82, passed away on August 18, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Steven Kenneth Reich, MD ’82, passed away on May 24, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Benjamin Mathis, MD ’13, passed away on April 3, 2023. Read the obituary here.
Abner Satterthwaite-Phillips, MD ’12, passed away on March 29, 2023. Read the obituary here
Antonio Barajas, MD '89, passed away on March 17, 2020. Unfortunately, this notice is delayed and we do not have an obituary to share.
Susan L. Redmond, ’83, passed away (date unknown).
David Sizemore, MD '79, passed away on February 4, 2019. Unfortunately, this notice is delayed and we do not have an obituary to share.
*Our in memoriam information has moved to an online format. That means you will only find our most recent updates from 2023 and moving forward.
Contact us
SIU School of Medicine, Office of Development & Alumni Relations
409 W Calhoun | Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: 217-545-7800
Email: alumnirelations@siumed.edu