In the summer months, many pool and beach-goers thirst to have sun-kissed, glowing skin. However, sunbathing can result in serious and life-threatening consequences. SIU Medicine dermatologist, Sacharitha Bowers, MD, answers reveal that proper steps can help you protect your skin this season. Q & A: Is there such a thing as a healthy tan? No, unfortunately, there is no such thing as a healthy tan! Any amount of ulraviolet (UV) exposure that leads to tanning can contribute to harmful effects in the skin, such as increased aging of the skin and skin cancer. Additionally, a tan cannot block

The SIU SOM Oustanding Scholar award was presented to Laurent Brard, MD, PhD, a professor in the Department of OB/GYN. Dr. Brard is currently the PI on an NIH/NCI grant addressing rural cancer health disparities, a partnership grant with Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University in St. Louis. In addition, he has more than 80 publications in peer reviewed journals; almost half of those since joining SIU in 2010.

Asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe. But asthma doesn’t always cause symptoms. SIU Center for Family Medicine resident physician Dr. Alicia Altheimer shares what families should look for, what to expect at the doctor’s office, how asthma is treated and ways to prevent flare ups. Q: What are the symptoms of asthma? A: Asthma symptoms can include: Trouble breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing Coughing, often at nighttime or early in the morning, or when you exercise A tight feeling in the chest These symptoms can occur every day or a few times a month. Q: Is there a test

Asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe. But asthma doesn’t always cause symptoms. SIU Center for Family Medicine resident physician Dr. Alicia Altheimer shares what families should look for, what to expect at the doctor’s office, how asthma is treated and ways to prevent flare ups. Q: What are the symptoms of asthma? A: Asthma symptoms can include: Trouble breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing Coughing, often at nighttime or early in the morning, or when you exercise A tight feeling in the chest These symptoms can occur every day or a few times a month. Q: Is there a test

Asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe. But asthma doesn’t always cause symptoms. SIU Center for Family Medicine resident physician Dr. Alicia Altheimer shares what families should look for, what to expect at the doctor’s office, how asthma is treated and ways to prevent flare ups. Q: What are the symptoms of asthma? A: Asthma symptoms can include: Trouble breathing, wheezing, or noisy breathing Coughing, often at nighttime or early in the morning, or when you exercise A tight feeling in the chest These symptoms can occur every day or a few times a month. Q: Is there a test

Erin Mauzy Residency Coordinator (217) 545- 3518 Eric Woods Clerkship Coordinator (217) 545-9790 Education: MA in Communication from University of Illinois Springfield Sara Shaw Office Manager (217) 545-7409

A new program that encourages collaborations among police officers, community social workers and local officials is showing promise at addressing problems within Springfield’s homeless population. Area officials hope to expand upon this success by broadening the circle of local participants. A free forum will be held 1 - 4 pm on Thursday, May 3, at the Dove Center, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, 800 East Carpenter in Springfield. It is open to health care professionals, government officials and social service providers and will be hosted jointly by SIU School of Medicine, the Springfield Police

A new program that encourages collaborations among police officers, community social workers and local officials is showing promise at addressing problems within Springfield’s homeless population. Area officials hope to expand upon this success by broadening the circle of local participants. A free forum will be held 1 - 4 pm on Thursday, May 3, at the Dove Center, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, 800 East Carpenter in Springfield. It is open to health care professionals, government officials and social service providers and will be hosted jointly by SIU School of Medicine, the Springfield Police

The Southern Illinois University Family and Community Medicine program in Quincy has achieved recognition as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. This represents Quincy’s third NCQA recognition as a PCMH. Their ongoing efforts are magnified by the achievement of Level 3 status which is the highest PCMH ranking. "We appreciate all of the hard work that is being done in Quincy to provide patient-centered care that is efficient, effective, equitable