Annual Birthday Celebration Set for September 13 Lexi Kotner is only 5, but she’s already an avid ice skater, gymnast and dancer. Kody Kotner, like his big sister, is active, joining his first soccer league at age 3. But seven years ago, their mom Jeannie underwent six failed inseminations and two failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and believed she might never become a parent. “We were very frustrated and losing hope,” Jeannie said. In 2009, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Fertility and IVF Center helped Jeannie’s “stars align,” as she puts it. She and her husband

New students receive white coats; awards given The Physician Assistant Program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine graduated 34 physician assistants during a ceremony on August 1, 2015, at SIU Carbondale. The class earned a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA). At the ceremony, the graduating class received their long white coats and certificates signifying completion of the 26-month program. The new physician assistants then gave short white coats to the 36 new physician assistant students. A total of 106 students are currently enrolled in the 26-month

New students receive white coats; awards given The Physician Assistant Program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine graduated 34 physician assistants during a ceremony on August 1, 2015, at SIU Carbondale. The class earned a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA). At the ceremony, the graduating class received their long white coats and certificates signifying completion of the 26-month program. The new physician assistants then gave short white coats to the 36 new physician assistant students. A total of 106 students are currently enrolled in the 26-month

“The Spectrum of Cancer Care for Primary Providers,” is the topic of the 14th Annual Simmons Cancer Institute Symposium, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 at Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller Street, Springfield. The conference for physicians and health care professionals interested in the care of cancer patients is sponsored by Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Memorial Medical Center. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. with “Integrating Primary Care in Cancer Survivorship.” The remaining morning

SIU Clinical Trial First to Study Use as Dietary Supplement in Ovarian Cancer Survivors A new clinical trial at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is the first in the United States to examine the effects of flaxseed supplementation in women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Preliminary research suggests flaxseed can slow the growth of ovarian cancer cells. A number of clinical trials are focusing on the dietary benefits of flaxseed, which contains fiber, phytoestrogens (lignans) and omega-3 fatty acids. However, this clinical trial takes a different approach. It aims to

Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is hosting its 15th annual “Denim & Diamonds” fundraiser Saturday, October 3. The funds raised will support innovative research projects and enhance patient comforts. More than 90 percent of the funds raised at the event stay local. Guests at Denim & Diamonds are encouraged to dress in their finest denim or formal attire for the event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. This year’s theme is “It’s a Wonderful Night for a Moondance.” Tickets are $125 per person

Springfield Public School District 186 students who have difficulty accessing medical care have more opportunities to get needed physicals and immunizations this summer, thanks to a coalition of area health care providers. Physicals are required for students entering pre-K, kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade, and students who are new to District 186. New this year, high school seniors also need the meningococcal vaccine. "Last year we had nearly 100 percent of all District 186 students in compliance with the medical needs for their grade. We hope this year will be just as successful. This

The Sangamon County Medical Society has released the seventh video in a series that highlights the innovation and research achievements within the local medical community. Each video profiles a 2013 Medical Innovators Award recipient. The video features Andrew Wilber, Ph.D., assistant professor in medical microbiology, immunology and cell biology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Dr. Wilber was named a Medical Innovator for his gene therapy research for severe hemoglobin disorders, including sickle cell disease. Additionally, he was recognized as a “Young Innovator.” The 5

Dr. Kevin Dorsey steps down as SIU School of Medicine dean and provost after 14 years of service.

Combined Drug Therapies May Prevent Need for Surgery A new clinical trial for bladder cancer has opened exclusively at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. The trial will combine the current use of drug therapy placed inside the bladder with a new, intravenous drug that increases the response of the immune system. The study will determine if the combination of the two drugs is safe and potentially be more effective at eliminating the cancer cells. The new drug, pembrolizumab, may fight the disease and prevent the need for surgery. Dr. Shaheen Alanee, assistant