![Cell sensescence](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-09/1400_789_1.png?h=cd90e3e4&itok=aCvTgtO7)
Going on the offensive: The potential link between cell senescence and Alzheimer's
When you catch a cold or cut your finger, the immune system begins the healing process by clearing damaged cells. As we age, that process weakens. Health problems linger as immune systems aren’t quite as robust as they once were, whether it’s fighting bacteria, viruses, or cancer cells. Alzheimer’s researchers are now exploring a process called senescent cell accumulation to see if it could be detrimental.
![White Coat Ceremony 2023](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-09/Pledge-web.jpg?h=b3660f0d&itok=UuMZF7Xv)
New students begin medical training at Southern Illinois University
A White Coat Ceremony at SIU School of Medicine in Carbondale celebrated the new students in the Class of 2027 who have begun pursuing medical degrees to care for the people of central and southern Illinois and beyond.
![PA white coat selfie](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-09/PACeremony-selfie-web.jpg?h=de9922bc&itok=WF4z2_YI)
Ceremonies and celebrations for SIU’s PA graduates, new learners
Students and staff in the Physician Assistant Program experienced a whirlwind of activities and rites of passage during graduation week 2023.
![Think First Group](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-08/Residents%202023%20-%200A4A1461.jpg?h=6f665716&itok=S-H0aXnu)
Keeping Communities Safe
The ThinkFirst chapter at SIU School of Medicine was awarded the ThinkFirst Chapter of the Year Award at the Annual National ThinkFirst Conference this summer.
![Photo of nurse working with family](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-08/Nurse-family%20partnership%20-%200A4A1551.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=uWDqa-gR)
Community Care programs strengthening clients, making homes safer
“Many of our clients are young mothers who don’t have all the resources they need, so we’re able to help.” Nurse Lisa Homeier makes herself available 24/7, so “we can talk like we’re sisters.”
![Enos dad story](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-08/2008%20May%20grad%205.jpg?h=751924ae&itok=VddSaGDw)
Medical student’s family invests time & money in Enos Park renovations
In 2005, Steve and Diane Combs moved to Springfield and bought an older home in Enos Park near the SIU School of Medicine. The Italianate structure was built in 1881, and it needed some work.
![Centrum Building](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-01/JMJ_8596.jpg?h=2db59f34&itok=EAxoPgdz)
As needs grow, Healthy Aging and Wellness responds and expands
For adults over 60, the center’s three primary care physicians are all experienced geriatricians, specially trained to provide care for an aging population.
![Photo of students participating in Day of Service](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-08/SIUMED%20Day%20of%20Service%202023%20-%20%20865A5266.jpg?h=ac59eb59&itok=H5sw0w7S)
Cleaning, bonding, role modeling: Students serving in the community
For more than 10 years, SIU medical students have organized and volunteered for a spring cleaning day in the Enos Park and Pillsbury Mills neighborhoods.
![Photo of community members taking a tour of mobile care-a-van](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-08/Van%20Tour.jpg?h=4521fff0&itok=3LmDSeVV)
Care-A-Van delivers health care along rural routes
I met Jennifer Hammonds, LCSW, when I was in high school in West Frankfort, Ill., through her work on SIU School of Medicine’s Care-A-Van – a school health clinic on wheels that serves high schools in