Central Illinois patients with difficult to control high blood pressure may benefit from a new hypertension clinic at SIU Medicine, 751 N. Rutledge, Springfield. Patients who must take multiple medications, find it difficult to control their high blood pressure or are concerned they may have a secondary cause for their hypertension are urged to contact the new clinic, which will take appointments on Wednesday and Thursdays. The clinic will provide comprehensive hypertension services, including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring studies, non-invasive measures of heart and vascular

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Annual Birthday Celebration Set for September 13 Lexi Kotner is only 5, but she’s already an avid ice skater, gymnast and dancer. Kody Kotner, like his big sister, is active, joining his first soccer league at age 3. But seven years ago, their mom Jeannie underwent six failed inseminations and two failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and believed she might never become a parent. “We were very frustrated and losing hope,” Jeannie said. In 2009, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Fertility and IVF Center helped Jeannie’s “stars align,” as she puts it. She and her husband

“The Spectrum of Cancer Care for Primary Providers,” is the topic of the 14th Annual Simmons Cancer Institute Symposium, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 at Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller Street, Springfield. The conference for physicians and health care professionals interested in the care of cancer patients is sponsored by Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Memorial Medical Center. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. with “Integrating Primary Care in Cancer Survivorship.” The remaining morning

Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is hosting its 15th annual “Denim & Diamonds” fundraiser Saturday, October 3. The funds raised will support innovative research projects and enhance patient comforts. More than 90 percent of the funds raised at the event stay local. Guests at Denim & Diamonds are encouraged to dress in their finest denim or formal attire for the event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. This year’s theme is “It’s a Wonderful Night for a Moondance.” Tickets are $125 per person

The Sangamon County Medical Society has released the seventh video in a series that highlights the innovation and research achievements within the local medical community. Each video profiles a 2013 Medical Innovators Award recipient. The video features Andrew Wilber, Ph.D., assistant professor in medical microbiology, immunology and cell biology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Dr. Wilber was named a Medical Innovator for his gene therapy research for severe hemoglobin disorders, including sickle cell disease. Additionally, he was recognized as a “Young Innovator.” The 5

Dr. Kevin Dorsey steps down as SIU School of Medicine dean and provost after 14 years of service.

Combined Drug Therapies May Prevent Need for Surgery A new clinical trial for bladder cancer has opened exclusively at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The trial will combine the current use of drug therapy placed inside the bladder with a new, intravenous drug that increases the response of the immune system. The study will determine if the combination of the two drugs is safe and potentially be more effective at eliminating the cancer cells. The new drug, pembrolizumab, may fight the disease and prevent the need for surgery. Dr. Shaheen Alanee, assistant

Deep Brain Stimulation brings new life to patients with movement disorders Written by Rebecca Budde | Photographs by James Hawker Published in Aspects, Winter 2012 | Vol 35-1 Diagnosed with essential tremor at age 10, Don Klinker of Decatur has always had a hard time with daily tasks that most people do without thinking. “I love to play golf,” says the 73-year-old father of four and grandfather of five. “But by the time I could take my hand off the ball, I’d knock it off the tee.” So his friends would tee up for him. And drinking coffee or signing checks? Forget it. He gave up coffee and had a