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

Dale Buck Hales, Ph.D., finds a new home at SIU School of Medicine Written by Karen Carlson | Photographs by Jim Hawker Published in Aspects. Autumn 2008 (32-4) Dale Buck Hales, Ph.D., stood amid the towering grandeur of Giant City State Park and was in awe. The park was the first stop during his visit to Carbondale to interview for the position of chair of physiology at SIU School of Medicine. Dr. Hales was ready to hit the SIU campus, but former chairman Rick Steger, Ph,D., first took him to Giant City, a captivating introduction to the region and a profound change from Dr. Hales’ home in