Physician pipeline program renamed for Dr. Wesley McNeese

The Physician Pipeline Preparatory Program (P4) provides a select group of Springfield area high school students an invigorating preview of medical school training. Established in 2009 under the guidance of Wesley Robinson-McNeese, MD, it has educated and motivated scores of graduates and has grown to include 80 students a year.

Dr. McNeese is the SIU Systems executive director for diversity initiatives, an SIU School of Medicine alumnus (’86), a former emergency medicine physician, associate professor of internal medicine and associate dean for diversity at SIU School of Medicine. At the April 28 meeting of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, School of Medicine Dean and Provost Jerry Kruse, MD, announced the P4 program has been renamed in Dr. McNeese's honor.

Educators from the School of Medicine and Springfield Public School District 186 collaborated to create the after-school pipeline program to mentor young people who are interested in becoming physicians. Students from groups underrepresented in medicine are especially encouraged to apply.

During the four years of courses, the learners are presented with case studies, laboratory experiences, guest speakers and college-planning seminars. It also provides leadership training and academic support, with sessions in math, science, communications, test-taking and verbal reasoning.

For more information, visit the P4 website.