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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT PEORIA

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UIC Pathways Winter09_10:Layout 1 12/14/09 8:23 AM Page 2

UICOMP Turns 402010 marks four decades of distinction in education, research, and patient care.By Jim Burwitz

Giving Thanks The First Annual Celebration of Excellence paid tribute to UICOMP’svalued educators and supporters. By Jim Burwitz

From The Dean

Alumni News

College Notes

Giving Matters

Student Life

Announcements & Events

Looking Back

Pathways is published quarterly by the University of Illinois College of

Medicine at Peoria to provide alumni, faculty, staff, and friends with an

overview of our academic, financial, and scientific endeavors.

Regional DeanDr. Sara L. Rusch

Editor & Advancement CoordinatorJim Burwitz

Art DirectorPaige Harrmann

Development DirectorSusan Dunnan

Circulation ManagerCindy Adams

Advisors & ContributorsShellee Abraham, Debbie Bigger,

Peg Burnette, Kristy Bushart, Cindy Butenhoff, Lisa Collins,

John Crowley, Shannon Doerr, Jo Dorsch,Mary Durdel, Mary Jean Dzurisin,

Gracita Edwards, Roberta Egan, Amanda Erwin, Chris Finson,

Deb Granger, Linnet Graze, Penny Halverson, Wally Hammond,

Judy Heffernan, Lois Hill, Bob Hunt, Chris Johnson, Lorene King, Cindy Kirwan, Bobbi Lyons,

Peggy Mankin, Kevin May, Sandy McGee, Diana Meister, Michelle Michael,

Laureen Perkins, Mindy Reeter, Randy Robbins, Tom Ryan,

Kathy Sciortino, Linda Simkins, Kathy Tate, Heidi Vermillion,

Sue Weiss, Bonnie Willis, Suzy Witt

One Illini Drive • Box 1649Peoria, IL • 61656-1649Phone: 309-671-8404Fax: 309-680-8645peoria.medicine.uic.edu

Pathways is a publication of UICOMP’s Office of Advancement and Community Relations.

Copyright© 2009. All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper.

Features

Departments

contents

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4 Pathways Winter 2009-2010

“It is clear that the medical

school owes its existence to

the long-term commitment of

many local physicians and

community leaders.”

from the dean

This issue of Pathways marks the start of the medical school’s celebration of the 40thanniversary of its creation. Now called the University of Illinois College of Medicineat Peoria (UICOMP), the original name for our campus was the Peoria School of

Medicine (PSM), which was founded in the summer of 1970. During the upcoming yearwe will remember our roots, highlight our many accomplishments, and share plans for thefuture. As part of this effort, I have been reviewing old records and sharing the memoriesof individuals involved in the founding of UICOMP.

It is clear that the medical school owes its existence to the long-term commitment ofmany local physicians and community leaders. Establishing the school wasn’t easy. Likeany new venture, there were battles, including those over the school’s location, themanagement of existing residencies, and the concern that UICOMP faculty wouldcompete with local physicians. However, community leaders like David Connor and DickCarver joined with physician leaders to create and nurture the medical school.

This commitment to the medical school has been sustained over the 40 years of ourhistory. Many of the physician members of the original PSM Executive Committee arelegends in our community. Six of them still serve as faculty. Two of the original members(Drs. Bill Albers and Don Rager) have served UICOMP as Dean.

Dr. Bill Albers (PSM Executive Committee, Pediatric Coordinator in 1972) developeda strong regional pediatric cardiology program, served as Chair of Pediatrics, and was theInterim Regional Dean from 1990 to 1991. Dr. Albers is still in clinical practice. Hiscontributions were recognized when he was selected as a recipient of UICOMP’s 2009Community Health Award (please see the story on page 14).

Dr. Don Rager’s (PSM Executive Committee 1972) unwavering support for medicaleducation led to his returning from retirement to serve as UICOMP’s Regional Dean from1999 to 2005. Under his leadership, UICOMP recruited Dr. Jasti Rao and began itsdevelopment of a cutting-edge cancer biology research program. This year we plan to breakground on our new 24,000-square-foot cancer research facility.

Many other members of the original Executive Committee made (and in some casesare still making) major contributions to UICOMP. The 1972 PSM Executive Committeemembers were:

Dr. William Albers, Dr. Emmy Andri, Dr. Charles Asbury, Dr. Dean Bordeaux, Dr. Joseph Dean, Dr. Paul Dirkse, Dr. Ward Eastman, Dr. Patrick Elwood, Dr. CharlesFarnum Jr., Dr. N.K. Furlong, Dr. Robert Hart, Dr. C.J. Heiberger, Dr. Ernest Herrmann Jr., Dr. William Marshall, Dr. J.P. McGowan, Dr. Rex McMorris, R.W. Myers, Dr. C.F. Neuhoff,Dr. Donald Rager, Dr. H.H. Rohrer, Dr. Karl Sohlberg, Dr. Joseph Solovy, Dr. James Ward,and Dr. Fred White

We further acknowledge the long-term commitment of these “founding fathers” onpage 18 of this issue. What we are today is a direct result of their commitment as well asthe commitment of our partner hospitals, our community, and our teaching faculty. Weappreciate the support they have given and that they continue to provide. THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

Dr. Sara L. RuschRegional Dean


Winter 2009-2010 Pathways 5

The Office of Advancement and Community Relations is here tohelp share your success stories with fellow Peoria graduates. Pleasesend announcements, award information, career updates, recentphotos, and more to:

Jim Burwitz • Editor, PathwaysOne Illini Drive • Box 1649 • Peoria, IL [email protected] As UICOMP celebrates its 40th anniversary, be sure to stay

connected by visiting peoria.medicine.uic.edu or calling 309-691-8404.Your classmates are waiting to hear from you!

From YOUWe Want To Hear

alumni news

In 1994, UICOMP formed the Peoria Medical Alumni Council (PMAC) to supporteducational and humanitarian endeavors for students, residents, faculty, and alumni. Dr. Robert A. Flinn was among the first to join an organization committed to buildinglasting relationships. More than 15 years later, he still serves the Council with dedicationand enthusiasm.

Dr. Flinn’s service to UICOMP began when the doors first opened in 1970. Known asthe Peoria School of Medicine in those days, he was one of the institution’s first facultymembers. His love for education and medicine has impacted countless lives along the way.

On October 27, 2009, Drs. Robert Sparrow, Al Maurer, and Sara Rusch (picturedbottom right) presented a token of appreciation to Dr. Flinn for his contributions andleadership to PMAC. The black Boston Rocker that proudly displays the University ofIllinois seal has found a home in the Flinn’s living room. The Council members hope theirgift will be a daily reminder of how much Dr. Flinn means to UICOMP.

“Dr. Flinn consistently encourages and supports many people and projects,” says Dr. Maurer. “As a member of PMAC, he has initiated and supported multiple programs toenhance collaboration among alumni and students. We appreciate his sincere interest andinfectious smile.”

Dr. Flinn and his wife Eleanor (pictured top right) are tireless supporters of UICOMP’seducational and healthcare missions. On behalf of the Council and the College ofMedicine, we thank them for their generosity.

Always Willing To Serve

Class NotesCongratulations to Dr. Hung N. Winn, Class of 1982, who was recently

named Chairman of University Physicians for the University of Missouri Schoolof Medicine.

UICOMP is pleased to announce Dr. John H. Pula, Class of 2003, as AssistantProfessor for the Department of Neurology.



college notes

UICOMP Names OB/GYN ChairThe College of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Salvatore J.

LoCoco as Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Dr. LoCoco comes to UICOMP from the University of North Texas Health Science

Center, where he served as Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. He receivedhis medical degree from Texas Tech University School of Medicine and completedpostdoctoral training at John Peter Smith Hospital and the University of Toronto.

Dr. LoCoco is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Heis a member of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society and a fellow in the AmericanCollege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In 1994, he was honored with TorontoGeneral Hospital’s Teaching Excellence Award.

Department Of Surgery Hosts

Breast Cancer SymposiumUICOMP’s Department of Surgery and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Peoria

Memorial Affiliate, presented the Second Annual Breast Cancer Symposium tophysicians and healthcare professionals on October 2-3, 2009. The two-day educationalevent took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Riverfront Conference Center in EastPeoria, Illinois.

The symposium educated participants about breast cancer from a multidisciplinaryapproach in an effort to better understand the anatomy of the breast, its development,theories and facts related to the development of breast cancer, current imaging anddiagnostic modalities, surgical treatment, adjuvant theories of chemotherapy andradiation, breast reconstruction, and optimizing the health and treatment of patientswith breast cancer.

This year’s event was chaired by Dr. John Murray (pictured left), Assistant Professorof Surgery. Keynote speakers included Dr. Laszlo Tabar, Dr. David Winchester, Dr. JonnaFrasor, Dr. Michael Neumeister, Sarah Jackson, and Molly K. Nettles. To learn moreabout the symposium, please call 309-655-6454.



Faculty NewsThe following is a summary of recent faculty additions and promotions:

Dr. Kristen Chambers-Damm has accepted the position of Associate Professor with the Department of Medicine.Dr. Kelly Cox has accepted the position of Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Surgery.Dr. Corey Daniels has accepted the position of Associate Professor with the Department of Radiology.Dr. Teresa Lynch has accepted the position of Clinical Instructor with the Department of Medicine.Dr. Daniel Ostler has accepted the position of Clinical Assistant Professor with the Department of Pathology. Dr. Pablo Perez has accepted the position of Clinical Instructor with the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Dr. Wynn Honored By Academy Of Family Physicians

UICOMP is pleased to announce that Dr. Kelvin Wynn, Clinical Assistant Professor ofFamily and Community Medicine, has been honored with the Teacher of the Year Awardfor Family Medicine by the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP).

IAFP is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, whichrepresents more than 94,000 physicians, residents, and medical students. The Teacher ofthe Year Award recognizes a family physician for outstanding service to students, residents,and colleagues as a teacher who best personifies excellence in education.

Dr. Wynn came to UICOMP in 2007 from Henderson, North Carolina, where he hada private practice in family medicine for 16 years. He received his medical degree fromHoward University College of Medicine and completed a residency program in FamilyMedicine from Saint Elizabeth Medical Center.

Dr. Wynn serves as a faculty member for UICOMP’s Family Medicine ResidencyProgram and maintains a practice at Methodist Family Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Finkenbine Receives Psychiatry Certification

Dr. Ryan Finkenbine, Professor and Chair for the Department of Psychiatry andBehavioral Medicine, has been named a Diplomate in Forensic Psychiatry by the AmericanBoard of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

Dr. Finkenbine successfully passed the Maintenance of Certification Examination inForensic Psychiatry in August of 2009. The certification process is designed to identifyqualified specialists through rigorous credential and training requirements and successfulcompletion of its board examinations for psychiatry, neurology, and several subspecialties.

Dr. Finkenbine came to the College of Medicine in January of 2009. He received hismedical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed a residencyprogram in General Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina and a ForensicPsychiatry fellowship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.



giving matters

Susan Dunnan is the Director of Development for UICOMP’s Office of

Advancement and Community Relations. She can be reached

at 309-671-8481 or [email protected].

One Step At A Time

Part of my job as Director of Development is to educate donors about the many ways they cangive to UICOMP. While larger, one-time donations are still common, many individuals andorganizations are embracing the concept of smaller, consistent gifts. This “one-step-at-a-time”

approach is especially useful in the current economic environment.Recently, I spent some time with a generous donor who has been utilizing this much-

appreciated giving method since 1993. After losing her spouse to cancer, this Central Illinoisresident has made quarterly contributions to UICOMP’s research program for the past 16years. Her commitment to finding a cure, while at the same time honoring the memory ofher late husband, is truly inspiring. The College of Medicine cannot thank her enough for herdedication and generosity.

Smaller gifts over time may not seem as impactful, but they are critically important toUICOMP’s ongoing education, healthcare, and research missions. Please consider thisprocess today by visiting our secure website (peoria.medicine.uic.edu/giving) or by using thereturn envelope in Pathways. A long-term commitment is a powerful story to share withpotential donors. It is an example that motivates others to make a difference.

New Year, New NumbersAs 2010 rolls in, I wanted to review and update the University of Illinois’ ongoing

Brilliant Futures Campaign. As many Pathways readers already know, Brilliant Futures is themost ambitious fundraising campaign in U of I history. Formally launched on June 1, 2007,Brilliant Futures aims to raise $2.25 billion dollars to support students, faculty, facilities,programs, and more.

I am pleased to announce that the current campaign total is $1.7 billion, or 77 percentof goal. Your generous gifts to UICOMP count toward our participation in Brilliant Futuresand help medical students and residents in countless ways. We simply don’t have enoughspace in this column to thank everyone who has contributed so far.

A new year means new opportunities for collaboration. To learn more about the Collegeof Medicine’s many worthwhile projects and programs, please call 309-671-8481. I lookforward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Susan DunnanDirector of Development



student life

Student AffairsFor more information

about UICOMP’s student programs and services, please contact:

Dr. Linda P. Rowe Assistant Dean for Student Affairs 309-671-8411 [email protected]

Third-Year Students Named To Medical Honor Society

Three members of UICOMP’s Class of 2011 have been named to theAlpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Alpha Chapter of Illinois:

Christopher Bohac • Sachin Jain • Joshua NovakFounded in 1902, Alpha Omega Alpha is the only national medical honor society in the world. The organization is

dedicated to the promotion of scholarship and research in medical schools, the encouragement of a high standard of characteramong medical students, and the recognition of high attainment in medical science, practice, and related fields.

The Illinois Chapter includes members from the College of Medicine’s four regional sites in Peoria, Chicago, Rockford, andUrbana. Only four percent of the members can be inducted during the third year of medical school.

Student Project Submitted To U.S. Department Of TransportationThe results of a student service-learning project designed to study the driving habits of area teens have been submitted to

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in an effort to promote highway safety in Central Illinois.Entitled “Teen Driving in Rural Illinois,” the project originated as part of UICOMP’s annual service-learning program for

second-year medical students. During the study 636 teen drivers were surveyed, with more than 69 percent admitting cell phoneusage and other distracting behaviors while driving. Results and conclusions were presented as part of a comprehensive reportfrom the American Red Cross, Central Illinois Chapter.

“The students conducted outstanding research about distracted driving among rural teens and prepared a poster illustratingthe results,” explains Anne Fox, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross, Central Illinois Chapter. “The students weretruly helpful to us…and we are very grateful that UICOMP shares their talents with the community.”

The medical students who contributed to the project are Jennifer Baek, Gregg Ebersole, Violette Hong, Nikhl Martis, RebaOmman, Vabhave Pal, and Bryce Young. To learn more about UICOMP’s service-learning programs, please call 309-671-3447.

Christopher Bohac Sachin Jain Joshua Novak

UICOMP Hosts Halloween Party For Diabetic Children

The College of Medicine’s Pediatric Student Interest Group and the American MedicalAssociation hosted the annual Sugar-Free Halloween Party for children with diabetes onOctober 18, 2009.

More than 75 area children and their families were treated to healthy snacks, games,crafts, costume contests, and a haunted house. The annual event is designed to provide a safe,seasonal alternative for diabetic children.



1970 was a year of change. IBM introduced its first floppy disk. President Nixon lowered the votingage to 18. ABC launched a sports-television program entitled Monday Night Football. John, Paul,George, and Ringo went their separate ways.

Change was on the horizon in the state of Illinois as well. To address physician shortagesand increase medical education opportunities, the state legislature mandated that the Universityof Illinois College of Medicine expand to create regional sites in Urbana, Rockford, and Peoria.

On July 1, 1970, the Peoria School of Medicine (PSM) officially opened its doors with theappointment of Dr. Nicholas J. Cotsonas Jr. as Dean.

Yesterday And TodayDr. Cotsonas agreed to house PSM in downtown Peoria’s First National Bank building.

It was there that a skeleton crew of faculty and staff was assembled, including Dr. Joseph S. Solovy.“The beginning was a little shaky, with local physicians and a handful of basic science

professionals trying to put the School of Medicine together,” remembers Dr. Solovy, who servedas Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology for more than threedecades. “Everybody rose to the task of getting PSM off the ground by teaching in the lecture hallsand at the bedside. I’m grateful to have been part of that early history.”

As PSM’s departments and programs grew, so did the need for larger facilities. In 1972, Dr. Cotsonas moved operations to Bradley University’s Burgess Hall. One year later, 18 medicalstudents represented the School of Medicine as its first class of graduating physicians.

By Jim Burwitz

“Everybody rose to the task of getting PSM off the ground by teaching

in the lecture halls and at the bedside. I’m grateful

to have been part of that early history.”

— Dr. Joseph S. Solovy, retired faculty

2010 marks four decades of distinction in education,research, and patient care.


“It was an interesting time,” says Dr. J. Kevin Paulsen, Class of 1973. “We were a veryclose group. We definitely worked hard to make that first class a success.”

The early success stories included the support of community leaders such as RichardCarver, who served as Mayor of Peoria from 1973 to 1985. With Mayor Carver’s help, PSMmoved to its permanent home at One Illini Drive on November 22, 1976. The 116,000-square-foot facility housed the new Library of the Health Sciences, classrooms and studyareas, research laboratories, an outpatient clinic, and a student lounge. In 1982, the Schoolof Medicine would become the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria(UICOMP).

The next 25 years represented a time of significant achievement for UICOMP. Largerclass sizes, expanded residency programs, new education and healthcare facilities,innovative research programs, community outreach initiatives, and partnerships with like-minded organizations became part of an updated mission to “lead collaboration toimprove health.”

Today, more than 40 percent of area physicians have graduated from the College ofMedicine or one of its co-sponsored residency programs, further enhancing CentralIllinois’ first-rate healthcare network.

The Future Is BrightUICOMP’s impact on the region has never been greater. More than 1,100 full-time and

part-time faculty members contribute to the education of future physicians. Each year theCollege of Medicine graduates approximately 50 medical students, with many new doctorsstaying in Central Illinois to continue their training. The Department of Graduate MedicalEducation partners with Methodist Medical Center of Illinois, OSF Saint Francis MedicalCenter, and Children’s Hospital of Illinois to sponsor 10 residency programs and sixfellowships in Peoria. A proposed Psychiatry program is scheduled to begin in 2011.

The College of Medicine’s clinics concentrate on issues ranging from neurologicaldisorders to infectious disease to child abuse. Skilled clinicians and staff members providespecialized care and services for more than 22,000 area patients and clients. UICOMP’srobust research enterprise continues to thrive with groundbreaking studies in cancer,stroke, healthcare delivery, bacterial resistance, and other fields. Community educationprograms include the ongoing Living Healthy series, the Peoria Manual High SchoolEnrichment Program, the annual Minorities in Medicine Dinner, the Rural StudentPhysician Program, the Department of Surgery’s Breast Cancer Symposium, and thestudent-run Health Education Awareness Resource Teams.

UICOMP’s Donald E. Rager, M.D., Clinical Simulation Laboratory uses computermannequin technology to provide a risk-free training environment. Peoria’s Library of theHealth Sciences is a comprehensive resource for the College and the community. Therecently established Illinois Medical Center provides vital healthcare services and createsnew medical education opportunities for students and residents. The proposed CancerResearch Expansion Project will bring new methods of discovery and numerous economicbenefits to the region.

It’s been an impressive 40-year run for the College of Medicine. Thanks to the effortsof faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners, Peoria’s future has never beenbrighter. �


Leading The WayPathways is pleased to recognizethe dedicated leaders who haveserved the College of Medicineand the community:

Dr. Nicholas J. Cotsonas Jr.Dean1970-1979

Dr. Jerry I. NewmanDirector1979-1990

Dr. William H. AlbersDirector1990-1991

Dr. Michael D. BailieDirector and Regional Dean1991-1999

Dr. Donald E. RagerRegional Dean1999-2005

Dr. Rodney A. LorenzInterim Regional Dean2005-2008

Dr. Sara L. RuschRegional Dean 2008-present

Dr. Jerry I. NewmanDr. Nicholas J. Cotsonas Jr.

Dr. William H. Albers Dr. Michael D. Bailie Dr. Donald E. Rager Dr. Rodney A. Lorenz Dr. Sara L. Rusch



1970 Dr. Nicholas J. Cotsonas Jr. is announced as the first Dean of the Peoria School of Medicine. The originalcampus is housed within the First National Bank building in downtown Peoria.

1971 Through an affiliation agreement with OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, the School of Medicine officiallylaunches its Graduate Medical Education Program.

1972 The Peoria School of Medicine relocates to Bradley University’s Burgess Hall.

1973 Eighteen fourth-year medical students graduate as the first physicians from the Peoria School of Medicine.Later that year, the School of Medicine partners with Methodist Medical Center of Illinois to develop aresidency program in Family and Community Medicine.

1974 A formal groundbreaking for the new Peoria School of Medicine is held at 1400 West Main Street (today it’sknown as One Illini Drive). Guests include Mayor Richard Carver and Governor Daniel Walker.

1976 More than 500 guests and visitors attend the dedication ceremony for the new Peoria School of Medicine.

1982 The Peoria School of Medicine is renamed the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP).

1993 In conjunction with Children’s Hospital of Illinois, UICOMP establishes the Pediatric Resource Center toprotect Central Illinois children from abuse and neglect.

1994 UICOMP opens the Heart of Illinois HIV/AIDS Center to provide state-of-the-art care and support services forarea patients and clients. The College of Medicine establishes the Peoria Medical Alumni Council to enhanceand support educational and humanitarian endeavors for students, residents, faculty, and alumni.

1999 UICOMP and Methodist Medical Center of Illinois officially dedicate the new Family Medical Center on theCollege of Medicine’s downtown campus.

2001 UICOMP recruits renowned researcher Dr. Jasti Rao to establish a cutting-edge cancer research program in Peoria.

2005 A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for UICOMP’s Donald E. Rager, M.D., Clinical Simulation Laboratory. Thestate-of-the-art facility uses computerized mannequin technology to enhance medical educationopportunities for students, residents, and the community.

2007 UICOMP announces its intention to build a world-class cancer research facility on its downtown Peoriacampus. Community partners include Congressman Ray LaHood, Mayor Jim Ardis, and retired CaterpillarCEO Glen Barton.

2008 Dr. Sara L. Rusch is introduced as Regional Dean at a ceremony to announce UICOMP’s participation inBrilliant Futures, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of the University of Illinois. Incollaboration with various community partners and physician’s groups, UICOMP opens the new IllinoisMedical Center on its downtown campus.

2009 The Board of Trustees officially approves UICOMP’s proposal to build a 24,000-square-foot cancer researchfacility. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated in 2010.

A 40-Year Snapshot



Over the last 40 years, UICOMP has endured its share of challenges, including the state’s recenteconomic hardships. Despite the various obstacles, the College of Medicine has advancedits mission with the help of faculty, alumni, and community partners.

On October 7, 2009, UICOMP said “thank you” to these dedicated contributors at theFirst Annual Celebration of Excellence.

Excellence In Education And ServiceHeld in the main campus building, the special event was hosted by Dr. Sara Rusch,

UICOMP’s Regional Dean, Dr. John Halvorsen, Thomas and Ellen Foster Professor andChair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Dr. Carol Packard,Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

“The Celebration of Excellence is one of many ways UICOMP recognizes the time,effort, and care our faculty give to the mission of teaching, service, and research,” says Dr.Packard, who collaborated with student presenters to honor 43 members of UICOMP’sfaculty. “The majority of our teaching faculty are local physicians who volunteer their timeto teach students and residents. Ours is a true community effort to provide excellenthealthcare, now and in the future.”

Dr. Rusch dedicated a portion of the program to recognizing the Peoria Medical AlumniCouncil and the Dean’s Community Associates Council. The volunteer members of eachgroup collaborate with UICOMP’s leadership team to enhance the educational experiencefor students and residents and raise the quality of healthcare throughout the region.

In addition, Dr. Rusch gave special thanks to the Swain family, who supported theCollege of Medicine’s Living Healthy series through the Swain Endowed Lectureship.Established in 1999 through a gift from the Timothy W. and Katherine Altorfer SwainCharitable Trust, the Swain Lectureship supports community education in preventivehealthcare, autoimmune diseases, and the afflictions of older adults.

Excellence In Community HealthThe Celebration of Excellence concluded with the presentation of UICOMP’s

Community Health Awards. Established in 1996, separate awards are presented each year toan individual and an organization.

“This program began in 1996 when former Regional Dean Michael Bailie decided tofocus special attention on relevant local, regional, and national healthcare issues,” says Dr.Halvorsen, who chaired the Community Health Awards committee. “The first award waspresented to Dr. Joseph Solovy, who spent his entire career serving the people of CentralIllinois. Since then, the College of Medicine has honored more than 20 individuals andorganizations for their ongoing commitment to improving community health.”

By Jim Burwitz

Giving

Coming Soon!The 2010 Celebration of Excellencewill be a combined event tocommemorate UICOMP’s 40thanniversary. For more informationplease visit peoria.medicine.uic.edu or call 309-671-8404.

ThanksThe First Annual Celebration of Excellence paid tribute

to UICOMP’s valued educators and supporters.

Photography by Dr. Allan C. Campbell.



Dr. Halvorsen presented the 2009 organizational award to Susan G. Komen for theCure®, Peoria Memorial Affiliate. Established by Nancy Brinker in 1982, the organization isa global leader in the fight against breast cancer. To date, Komen for the Cure has awardedalmost $7 million to local groups to support breast cancer screening, education, andawareness. The ongoing Race for the Cure has become Komen’s signature event and thelargest fundraising endeavor of its kind in the history of Peoria.

The 2009 individual award was given to Dr. William H. Albers. Dr. Albers has been afixture in Peoria’s medical community since 1967. During his distinguished career he hasserved as Director of Medical Education for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, MedicalDirector for Children’s Hospital of Illinois, and Acting Director and Senior Associate Deanfor UICOMP. In 1994, he received the Miracle Maker Award from the Children’s MiracleNetwork.

The Good Work ContinuesMore than 150 guests joined Drs. Rusch, Halvorsen, and Packard at the First Annual

Celebration of Excellence. It was a unique opportunity to give back to those who give somuch to UICOMP and the community.

“We thank our honorees for the work they have done and continue to do,” says Dr. Halvorsen. �

Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer Dr. Peter Alahi Dr. Maqbool Ali Dr. Saad Alvi Dr. Richard Anderson Dr. Rida Boulos Dr. Timothy Bruce Dr. Michael Cashman Dr. Jason Chamberlin Dr. Subramanyam Chittivelu Dr. Thomas Cusack

Dr. James DeBord Dr. Lourdes Delgado-Serrano Dr. Roger Geiss Dr. Mark Getz Dr. Thomas Golemon Dr. Ramayya Gowda Dr. James Graumlich Dr. Meena Gujrati Dr. Frederick Horvath Jr. Dr. Pushpa Joseph Dr. Jorge Kattah

Dr. Jalayne Lapke Dr. Stephen Lasley Dr. Thomas Lee Dr. J. Stephen Marshall Dr. Heather McLauchlan Dr. Glenn Miller Dr. Sanjeeva Mohanam Dr. Ronald Rabjohns Dr. Sara Rusch Dr. Remigijus Satkauskas Dr. L. William Scheibel

Dr. Hady Sfeir Dr. Vijaya Somaraju Dr. Amy Stanfill Dr. Gregory Tudor Dr. Thaw Tun Dr. Michael Veeder Dr. David Wang Dr. Lorin D. Whittaker Jr. Dr. Ben Williams Dr. Muhammad Yunus

Individual Recipients1996 Dr. Joseph S. Solovy 1997 Dr. David L. Gorenz 1998 Sister M. Canisia Gerlach, OSF, and Dr. Fred Z. White 1999 Patti Bash 2000 Barbara Walvoord 2001 Dr. Susan Bishop 2002 Dr. David Z. Wang 2003 Andrew Rand 2004 Ken Hinton 2005 Dr. David Springer 2006 Joan Krupa 2007 Representative David R. Leitch (R-Peoria) 2008 Steve Thompson2009 Dr. William H. Albers

Organization/Program Recipients 1997 OSF Saint Francis Medical Center 1998 Healthy Balance Program of Caterpillar, Inc. 1999 In-School Healthcare Program 2000 Hult Health Education Center 2001 Senior World 2002 Central IL Chapter of the American Red Cross 2003 Center for Prevention of Abuse 2004 Peoria Area Labor Management Council 2005 Alzheimer’s Association, Central IL Chapter 2006 Joining Forces for Children 2007 Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley, Inc.2008 Pediatric Resource Center2009 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,

Peoria Memorial Affiliate

Committed To Central IllinoisUICOMP is proud to honor the past and current recipients of the Community Health Award:

Recognizing Our FacultyCongratulations to UICOMP’s 2009 Faculty Award Winners:

“The Celebration of Excellence is one of

many ways UICOMPrecognizes the time, effort, and care our faculty give

to the mission of teaching,service, and research.”

— Dr. Carol Packard, Associate Dean ofAcademic Affairs



announcements & events

UICOMP Hosts Film Screening,Panel Discussion

Library Of The Health Sciences Names Featured AuthorsPeoria’s Library of the Health Sciences recognizes the following Featured Authors for 2009:

• August: Drs. Meenakshy Aiyer, Sandeep Kukreja, Waleed Ali-Ibrahim, and Jean Aldag

• September: Drs. Christopher S. Gondi and Jasti S. Rao

• October: Drs. Jorge C. Kattah, Arun V. Talkad, David Z. Wang, Yu-Hsiang Hsieh, and David E. Newman-Toker

The August authors were honored for the article “Discharge Planning Curricula in Internal Medicine ResidencyPrograms: A National Survey,” which was published in the July 2009 edition of The Southern Medical Journal.

Drs. Gondi and Rao were recognized for the article “Concepts in In Vivo siRNA Delivery for Cancer Therapy,” whichwas published in the August 2009 edition of The Journal of Cellular Physiology.

The October authors were honored for the article “HINTS to Diagnose Stroke in the Acute Vestibular Syndrome:Three-Step Bedside Oculomotor Examination More Sensitive Than Early MRI Diffusion-Weighted Imaging,” which waspublished in the September 2009 edition of Stroke.

Each article is displayed in the Library of the Health Sciences. To learn more about the Featured Authors program,please call 309-671-8489.

On October 6, 2009, students, residents, faculty, and staffmembers were among the 40 individuals who gathered at UICOMPfor a special presentation of the documentary Storming the Gates: TheStruggle for Access to Higher Education in Illinois.

Produced by the African American and Latino Higher EducationAlliance, Storming the Gates explores the history of how minoritiesgained admission into major academic institutions through the hardwork of students and community leaders. The screening wasfollowed by a panel discussion on diversity in education led byUICOMP’s Dr. Thembi Conner-Garcia (pictured bottom right) andD.J. Wells (pictured top right with Dean Rusch), Director of PublicRelations and Marketing at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“This project was an inspirational experience,” says Wells, whoconducted many of the film’s interviews. “Now we need to continuethis story and this important conversation.”

Storming the Gates was presented free of charge by UICOMP andIllinois Central College. For more information about thedocumentary, please call 312-996-4990.


Dr. Issam Halabi, Visiting Professor of Pediatrics andDivision Head for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, has been named one of the “Top 100Gastroenterologists for 2009” by the Consumers’ ResearchCouncil of America.

The listing is published in the annual Guide to America’s TopGastroenterologists. Honorees were selected based on years ofservice, education and continuing training, membership toprofessional medical associations, and completion of programsand specialty examinations.

Dr. Halabi came to UICOMP from the University ofOklahoma and Saint Francis Hospital in January of 2009. He received his medical degree from the University of Jordan. He completed Pediatric residency programs at the University of Jordan and the University of Iowa and a PediatricGastroenterology fellowship at the University of Oklahoma.


upcoming UICOMP eventsFebruary 10, 2010Robert D. Hart, M.D., Endowed LectureshipThis year’s Robert Hart Lecturer is Dr. Sharon L Hostler from theUniversity of Virginia. Presented by UICOMP’s Department ofPediatrics and Children’s Hospital of Illinois, the Robert D. Hart,M.D., Endowed Lectureship honors the contributions of Dr. RobertHart, who served Central Illinois as “Peoria’s Pediatrician” formore than 50 years. Embassy Suites Hotel and Riverfront Conference CenterEast Peoria, IL • 6 p.m.309-655-4242

March 2-23, 2010 (Tuesdays only)

Living HealthyDon’t miss this interactive weekly series promoting wellness,safety, and preventive healthcare in the Heart of Illinois. The fourTuesday sessions will include health screenings, informationconsults, and trusted medical websites. Presented as part of theSwain Endowed Lectureship, Living Healthy is free and open tothe public. UICOMP, Main Lecture Hall • Peoria, IL • 6 p.m. (Tuesdays only)

309-671-8490

March 6, 2010Snow BallStudents, residents, faculty, and staff are invited to an evening ofdinner, dancing, auction items, and more. The annual event isheld as a fundraiser for UICOMP’s Student Graduation andAwards Banquet and various student programs.Packard Plaza • Peoria, IL • 6 p.m.-midnight309-671-8459

Dr. HalabiHonored ByConsumers’

Research Council

LongtimeEmployee Wins

INSPIRE Award

UICOMP is pleased to announce Diana Meister, AssistantDirector for the Program of Cancer Biology, as a recipient of the2009 UIC INSPIRE Award.

Nominated by her peers, Meister was selected “becauseshe embodies the institution’s core values,” for which the awardis named:

Integrity • Nurture • Service • Pride • Intellect • Respect •Excellence

Meister was recognized on November 4, 2009, during aspecial awards ceremony at the UIC Forum in Chicago, Illinois.She has worked for UICOMP’s Department of Cancer Biologyand Pharmacology since 1999, and is a past recipient of theDistinguished Staff Award and the Dean’s Staff Award.

Get Listed!Don’t forget to send us your

announcements and event schedules:Jim Burwitz • Editor, Pathways • One Illini Drive

Box 1649 • Peoria, IL 61656-1649 • [email protected]

* Please allow at least eight weeks notice for all event submissions.

UIC Pathways Winter09_10:Layout 1 12/16/09 3:43 PM Page 18


On July 31, 1972, Dr. Nicholas J. Cotsonas Jr. (pictured above with assistant MidgeParks) officially announced the Peoria School of Medicine’s first Executive

Committee:

looking back

Before It WasUICOMP

In the Spring 2010 issue of Pathways,we’ll take an in-depth look at the

original Peoria School of Medicine. See you in March!

Setting The Course For Academic Medicine

Dr. William H. AlbersDr. Emmy AndriDr. Charles W. AsburyDr. Dean R. BordeauxDr. Joseph O. DeanDr. Paul R. DirkseDr. Ward H. EastmanDr. Patrick Elwood

Dr. Charles G. Farnum Jr.Dr. N. Kenneth FurlongDr. Robert D. HartDr. C.J. HeibergerDr. Ernest C. Herrmann Jr. Dr. William H. MarshallDr. J.P. McGowanDr. Rex O. McMorris

R.W. MyersDr. C.F. NeuhoffDr. Donald E. RagerDr. H.H. RohrerDr. Karl R. SohlbergDr. Joseph S. SolovyDr. James S. WardDr. Fred Z. White

As community leaders and elected faculty representatives, the committee membersworked with Dean Cotsonas to create the blueprint for academic medicine in Peoria.

“We covered a variety of issues, such as developing the curriculum, locating sitesand facilities, and establishing the School of Medicine’s internal departments,” says Dr.William H. Albers, who served on the committee until 1996. “It was a time of greatinnovation. We were teaching medical students in community hospitals. This justhadn’t been done before.”

Today’s Executive Committee serves as the official elected body of the faculty.Chaired by Dr. Sara Rusch, UICOMP’s Regional Dean, the members meet regularly toratify academic policy proposals and review reports from student and facultycommittees. �

In celebration of 40 years of education and service, UICOMP proudlysalutes its “founding fathers” in part one of a four-part series.


Your gifts to UICOMP count towards our participation in the BrilliantFutures Campaign and will help us reach the ambitious yet attainable goalswe have set to secure the future of the College of Medicine.

For more information on how you can help, please contact the Office of Advancement and Community Relations

at 309-671-8481.

What Happens When You Give Someone A Chance?

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