When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.

When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.

When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.

Interested in presenting at a CPD activity? We welcome passionate, knowledgeable speakers to present at our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, including conferences, grand rounds, workshops and seminars designed for medical students, residents, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals. If you have expertise in a relevant medical or healthcare field and are interested in contributing to the advancement of clinical education, we invite you to complete our Speaker Interest Form . By filling out the form below, you'll help us better understand your background

This new, targeted award recognizes significant medical education innovations at SIU School of Medicine. The award was established in honor of Debra Klamen, MD, MHPE, Senior Associate Dean for Education and Curriculum, Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Education. Dr. Klamen has been a driving force in advancing medical education through her innovative contributions at both local and global levels. AWARD WINNERS: 2024 - Debra L. Klamen, MD, MHPE 2025 - Nicholas Weshinskey, PhD Nominee Eligibility: Any individuals or groups who worked collectively at SIU SOM on educational

For Annie Kowalis DMSc, PA-C, the path to becoming a physician assistant began in childhood. The daughter of first-generation immigrants, she spent countless hours in medical offices acting as a translator for her family. “It was evident to me at a young age that medical professionals embodied a skillful balance of compassion, confidence, brilliance, and courage,” she recalls. That early experience set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to medicine and patient care. As a 2024 graduate of the SIU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, Dr. Kowalis brings her extensive clinical

For Annie Kowalis DMSc, PA-C, the path to becoming a physician assistant began in childhood. The daughter of first-generation immigrants, she spent countless hours in medical offices acting as a translator for her family. “It was evident to me at a young age that medical professionals embodied a skillful balance of compassion, confidence, brilliance, and courage,” she recalls. That early experience set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to medicine and patient care. As a 2024 graduate of the SIU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program, Dr. Kowalis brings her extensive clinical