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.

The Health Advocacy Scholars Pathway is an elective program offered at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine that provides students with the knowledge and skills to promote an equitable and anti-oppressive learning environment. Completion of this pathway requires both continual learning through approved experiences that address health equity and active contributions to medical education scholarship and innovation. The Medical Education Pathway is an elective program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine that helps students develop skills in curriculum design, educational