![2023 Pharma Award winners](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/Pharm%20Awards%202023%20-%20trio.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=QXe6AIRk)
Pharmacology department honors top lab researchers
On May 23, the Department of Pharmacology presented its annual awards to honor its lab researchers, past and present. Faculty, staff, students and friends attended the awards ceremony and reception in the Pearson Museum to salute those who have excelled in SIU research labs and classes during the most recent school year.
![Kruse & Durbin in Lincoln](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-06/JK%20w%20Durbin-Lincoln%206-30-web.jpg?h=b3660f0d&itok=xZbmwQbr)
Durbin releases plan to address health care workforce shortages in rural Illinois
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin held a news conference with Illinois health care leaders Monday, May 22, to release his “Roadmap to Grow Illinois’ Rural Health Workforce.” The partnership with hospitals, community health centers, medical and nursing schools, community colleges, dentists, physicians, and nurses will organize efforts and provide new funding to address health care workforce shortages and staffing crises in rural Illinois.
Department of Surgery residents present diverse research projects
The Department of Surgery was honored to welcome Ahmed Ghazi, MD as visiting professor for the 20th Annual Resident Research Day on Thursday, April 27. Dr. Ghazi is an Assistant Professor of Urology
![Class of 2023](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/2023%20-%20ClassMD.jpg?h=533b6d40&itok=C-0F7mNC)
SIU School of Medicine grants degrees to Class of 2023
New physicians, research scientists and instructors at SIU School of Medicine received their diplomas at the school’s 49th annual commencement May 20.
![On Par 4 Peds graphic](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/On-Par-23.jpg?h=042dbf4a&itok=n0LSSG-_)
Tee up to help community kids June 5
Children throughout Springfield are receiving extended medical care, and once they return home, their families often need extra help to pay for items or services insurance does not cover. SIU Medicine is inviting all golfers to help these children facing life-altering diseases through the On Par for Pediatrics charity golf outing.
![derm doctor exam](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/SkinCancerScreening-5-23.jpg?h=f6db8076&itok=qX_DlZPX)
Area residents can get skin cancer screenings on May 25 at SCI
Central Illinois residents are invited to a free skin cancer screening from 5 - 7 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU Medicine, 325 W. Carpenter St., Springfield. Dermatologists will be on-site to perform free consultations to screen for the most common types of skin cancer.
![monarch butterflies](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/Butterfly%20Release.jpg?h=39b94f55&itok=dmRrwzDZ)
Butterfly release to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors on June 3
Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine will host its 15th Annual Butterfly Release at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, in the Thomas Garden of Hope, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield.
![rainbow young woman](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2023-05/AWIMS_WebEventGraphic.png?h=44e38f42&itok=DxSKGfoJ)
Nominations sought for new community engagement award
AWIMS is seeking nominations for its first-ever Colors of Health Community Engagement Award. The recipient will be honored during the fashion show June 2 in Springfield.
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Dixon gives presentation at Leadership Summit
Dr. William Dixon spoke to the Herald-Whig about his recent presentation in Kansas City.