![Rural field with barn](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Rural-barn-field-web.jpg?h=c71d0c67&itok=JTni88RK)
Webinar to explore rural health care needs on May 19
The strategies, solutions and policies designed for urban communities are often ineffective for rural communities. Unique rural geography, communities and challenges necessitate a thoughtful approach
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School of Medicine commencement is May 21
SIU School of Medicine will host its 48th Annual Commencement ceremony at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 21. Students will receive diplomas at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield.
![Barra Madden shares her love of dance](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Barra%20-%20Aspects%20of%20a%20Learner%20-%200A4A9426.jpg?h=d5d68e60&itok=17SUnFV-)
Aspects of a Learner | Barra Madden
Medical student Barra Madden had dreams of becoming a professional dancer until personal and familial health challenges forever changed her life – and career path.
![Pharmacology students visit Franklin Middle School](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/PharmBrainAwareGroup-web.jpg?h=f3d7a386&itok=XQnbkSPv)
Pharmacology students building brain awareness in community
Graduate students from the Department of Pharmacology organized a stimulating Brain Awareness Day at Franklin Middle School on April 22.
![Derm-Wilson micro group](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Derm20-Wilson%20micro%20group.jpg?h=eddded4f&itok=fPnNvdsn)
Derm residency in Springfield a 'dream' destination
“Derm is so competitive, most of us were nervous that we could even get into the field. I’d ranked into my dream specialty, and I really wanted to come to SIU.”
![Farmer Mental Health-ag awareness](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/MayMentalHealthAgEvent.jpg?h=2bc1d910&itok=YMJVnGSc)
Farmer mental health initiative highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness month and also coincides with the spring planting season.
![Patient Brenna sits with Dr. Colon to talk about 10 years of care.](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Brenna%20and%20Dr.%20Colon%20-%20%20%20OMCE0498.jpg?h=5ae41256&itok=-Fdpq6n4)
‘Baby Brenna’ is now a growing girl
Brenna Westlake was born in December 2011 with Harlequin Ichthyosis (HI), a very rare and sometimes fatal skin disease. Babies born with HI lack a protein that moves fats to the skin’s surface layer to create a strong barrier.
![A microscope view of a skin diagram](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Skin%20diagram%20FOR%20WEB_0.jpg?h=6e880a29&itok=_qklANfW)
Skin Engineering
Within an operating room, surgeons sometimes notice little things that they wish they could do better. A change that could improve the medical outcome or the patient’s post-op convalescence is not to be ignored.
![Beneky](https://www.siumed.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_1120/public/2022-05/Beneky-min.jpg?h=1cbe97d8&itok=ZCHrUsCX)
Clinical care, Alzheimer's programs provide peace of mind
There were few characters more colorful than Joe “Bobo” Beneky. Just like the affectionate nickname might imply, he would do just about anything to elicit a laugh or a smile from anyone nearby.