WINTER 2021 FALL 2019 - We may be in the middle of a pandemic, but that does not dampen the spirit of UICOMP or its legacy. Let's stand together ...
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FALL 2019
WINTER 2021
“Webutmaythatbedoes
in the middle of a pandemic,
not dampen the spirit of
UICOMP or its legacy. Let’s stand together “
in solidarity, and build the next 50 years!
-- Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer
From the Dean . . .
50 Years of Achievements 1 Hope. As I reflect on 2020 and the challenges we face
during a global pandemic, I am filled with pride in all
50th Anniversary Kickoff 2
that we’ve accomplished and hope for the future. The
Community Support Grows 4 University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria adapted
and persevered, and through it all, we are forever
Alum Honored by Veteran Affairs 6 changed. Developments and alternative plans, created
UICOMP’s Response to COVID-19 7 out of necessity, have showcased our resilience and
innovation.
Community Health Awards 8
When our nation reeled over the social injustice and racism pushed to the
Celebration of Excellence 9 forefront with the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, our UICOMP students,
residents, faculty and staff took part in peaceful protests, expressed
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 10 their own propensity for change, and shared conversation to enlighten and
New Faculty 15 understand. While our nation’s Civil Rights movement is decades old, we
know modern history has not translated to equality for everyone. In this
News and Notes 16 issue of Pathways, members of our UICOMP community share their
experiences concerning diversity and equity on page 12. Their insights and
CAT Scholars 18 the update from our Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elsa
Historical Photos 20 Vazquez-Melendez, MD, offer me more reason for hope.
We celebrated UICOMP’s 50th anniversary with a virtual event in October
2020 that paid tribute to our founders, alumni, faculty and staff as well as
the community collaboration which has been so key to the success of
ON THE COVER: Cheers to 50 Years! academic medicine in Peoria. That event is highlighted on page 2. As we
Pictured left to right are: Executive Dean Mark
Rosenblatt, MD, University of Illinois College of reflect on 50 years and all UICOMP has accomplished, I am filled with hope
Medicine; Rex and Laurie Linder, UICOMP 50th for what the next 50 years will bring.
Anniversary Co-Chairs; and Interim Regional
Dean Meenkashy Aiyer, MD, UICOMP. This toast This year, in particular, there was hope in continuing established traditions.
occurred October 15, 2020, when a handful of
people came to campus to host UICOMP’s 50th We honored our faculty, Oustanding Senior Scholar, and Community Health
anniversary with a virtual event that was Award winners during a virtual Celebration of Excellence (pages 8 and 9).
livestreamed online. See page 2.
We launched our 10th Cohort of the Caterpillar Faculty Scholars Fellowship,
and those scholars are highlighted on page18. We welcomed the loyal and
compassionate support of Mark Linder Walk for the Mind, Theresa Tracy
Trot, and KB Strong. These valued partners continually create a sense of
community among their participants and supporters, all while creating
Pathways is published semi-annually by much-needed funds for research in the areas of both brain cancer and
the University of Illinois College of Medicine
Peoria to provide alumni, faculty, staff, and pancreatic cancer. These groups fuel hope for the survivors and loved ones
friends with an overview of our academic, who support their causes as well as the research enterprises they faithfully
clinical, and scientific endeavors. Pathways is support.
a publication of UICOMP’s Office of Advance-
ment and Community Relations and is online The lessons learned in 2020 will forever change the face of academic
at peoria.medicine.uic.edu/pathways.
medicine and influence the ways we teach and learn, provide care, and
Questions, comments, or story ideas for
Pathways? Call 309|680-8613 or email work, not just now, but in the future. Those creative and adaptive solutions
adv-peoria@listserv.uic.edu. developed during a crisis will serve us in the future, and that brings me
hope. The pandemic is not over, but at press time as I author this column,
INTERIM REGIONAL DEAN
Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer our frontline healthcare workers are rolling up their sleeves to receive
COVID-19 vaccinations, another reason to be hopeful in 2021.
EDITOR/WRITER
Susan Grebner Sincerely,
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Kim Deets
WINTER 2021
Meenakshy Aiyer, MD
One Illini Drive • Peoria, Illinois 61605 • 309|680-8613 Interim Regional Dean
peoria.medicine.uic.edu • 309|671-8438 FAX
UICOMP Achievements in Its 50-Year History
…Since its founding in 1970, UICOMP has…
■ educated and trained more than 2,000 ■ support of local, community-based ■ collaborated with OSF HealthCare
physicians who earned their MD in organizations whose supporters funnel to offer Jump Simulation to provide our
Peoria their love and passion for finding a cure learners with the latest technology and
■ an annual roster of 300 residents and to support local research right here in tools through virtual reality, simulation,
fellows who train and provide care in Peoria and virtual clinical settings
Peoria as part of their graduate medical ■ alumni hard at work providing care to ■ harnessed the power of virtual reality
education patients and communities around the and other technology to teach and train
■ a faculty list of just over 200 full-time world students and residents in ways previ-
faculty and an additional 1,200+ faculty ously impossible
who are part-time, all of whom are ■ supported the most vulnerable through
passionate about sharing their knowl- clinical service and support, including
edge and training the next generation our Pediatric Resource Center and
of physicians Our founders believed in the Positive Health Solutions
■ grown and expanded to provide clinical need for a medical school in ■ continued close partnerships with
care to more than 31,000 patients OSF Saint Francis Medical Center,
annually Peoria, and they championed Children’s Hospital of Illinois and
■ built a world class research wing the cause and went to great UnityPoint Health to provide clinical
dedicated to cancer research, care
Alzheimer’s, stroke, ion channel
effort to make it possible. ■ prepared physicians who are providing
research, and much more A review of UICOMP’s path care and leading healthcare organiza-
■ faculty scientists who successfully earn tions locally and around the world
grants from such organizations as the
to today reveals the wisdom during a 2020 global pandemic
National Institutes of Health and the in the vision of those
National Science Foundation
founders and early leaders.
This historic photo hangs outside the Dean’s Office
today. It is of the signing of the founding agreement
that initiated the partnerships that have led to the
rich education and training experiences for our
learners. The organizations at the table 50 years ago
are, by and large, the same ones collaborating with
UICOMP today.
1
50 Aiversary Kickoff Held Virtuay
In October, the University of Illinois The event was emceed by John Morris,
College of Medicine Peoria honored its president and CEO of the Peoria
50th anniversary with a virtual event Riverfront Museum. The event featured
livestreamed from Peoria to more than messages from two members of the
800 guests, a fitting tribute given the first UICOMP graduating class, Dr. Kent
limitations of the global pandemic. and Dr. Joyce Wise, as well as faculty
Interim Regional Dean Meenakshy Aiyer, and alumni messages, including Pierre
MD, paid tribute to the vision of UICOMP Johnson, MD, recipient of the 2020
founders and more than 2,000 alumni Distinguished Alumnus Award. Musical
who are providing healthcare and leading performances included faculty member
organizations during the COVID-19 John Day, MD, on the piano, and the
pandemic. She spoke with pride of the medical student group Docapella, who
world-class research, advancements with sang “Stand by Me.”
simulation and innovation, and a growing In drawing the event to a close, Dean
clinical enterprise that provides care to Aiyer said, “We may be in the middle of a
more than 31,000 patients annually. pandemic, but that does not dampen the
Emcee John Morris, president and CEO of the Peoria
Aiyer highlighted strong community Riverfront Museum, speaks of the symbolism of the spirit of UICOMP or its legacy. Let’s stand
partnerships stating, “I would be remiss UICOMP patch worn by faculty and learners. together in solidarity, and build the next
if I did not mention the countless people 50 years!”
and organizations who got us to where They have been with us since the very
we are today, like the strong support of beginning and are strong collaborators
our affiliate healthcare systems – OSF and partners who have helped create a
HealthCare and UnityPoint Health. vibrant healthcare economy in Peoria.”
Executive Dean Mark Rosenblatt, MD,
with the University of Illinois College of
Medicine addressed the unique role of
the Peoria campus with the College as
a whole. “We’re providing world class
medical care for a remarkably diverse
state, from the urban areas of Chicago to
the rural areas surrounding Peoria and
Rockford… Our Peoria campus has been
remarkably successful at forming strong
and enduring partnerships with health
systems in the region at which most of
our faculty practice,” he said.
Co-chairs of the UICOMP 50th Anniversary Jubilee
Gala: Rex and Laurie Linder and Dr. Kent and Dr.
Joyce Wise.
2
5
The virtual event was planned following
postponement of the Jubilee Gala
originally planned for September 2020.
The Wises, along with Rex and Laurie
Linder, serve as co-chairs of the 50th
Anniversary Advisory Committee. During
the livestream, they encouraged everyone
to mark their calendars for September
2021 in anticipation of an in-person event
to socially and safely celebrate the event.
Event organizers will closely monitor public
health guidelines and recommendations in
anticipation of the event.
In the meantime, a historic timeline of
UICOMP, photos from campus, and
stories shared by alumni, faculty past
and present, and friends of UICOMP
are posted for reading. Simply visit –
On-site participants in the virtual event toast the occasion while following CDC protocol for masking.
go.uic.edu/uicomp50. ■
(Left) The UICOMP lobby served as the production set for the live
virtual event. (Above) UICOMP students in the group “Docapella”
sang “Stand By Me.”
3
Community Support For UICOMP
Research Soars During Pandemic
This year UICOMP research continued to KB Strong
The KB Strong Foundation donated $50,000 for glioblastoma and
receive generous support from community brain tumor research which brings the KB Strong total to $80,000
contributed to support research at UICOMP. Funds were raised
from this year’s BrownFest, including a 5K, 50/50 raffle, silent
groups who are passionate about their auction and more.
The KB Strong Foundation is named
causes. Typical fundraisers which have in memory of Washington Community
High School head basketball coach
Kevin Brown, who lost his battle
been popular and successful in past years with glioblastoma in June 2019. The
Foundation spearheads a variety of
fundraising events to support research
had to be reimagined in 2020, and the as well as provide support to patients
and families who are currently battling
result was overwhelming! Supporters the disease through its newly created
Warrior Fund. One major source of fundraising in 2019 was the
annual high school basketball Tournament of Champions hosted
and survivors as well as their friends and at Washington Community High School. In fact, the tournament
was re-named The Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of
families continued to show their love and Champions in honor of the beloved coach. However, the 2020
tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ■
dedication to the causes they believe in
through virtual events.
4
Mark Linder Walk for the Mind Theresa Tracy Trot
Mark Linder Walk for the Mind recently donated $80,000 for The Annual Theresa Tracy Trot was held virtually November 7 and
brain tumor and brain cancer research at the University of Illinois is the primary fundraiser for the Theresa Tracy Strive to Survive
College of Medicine Peoria. The 18th Annual Mark Linder Walk charitable foundation – created to help in the battle against
for the Mind was held virtually in 2020 with a program broadcast pancreatic cancer. This year’s virtual event also included an
on YouTube and participants encouraged to share photos on online silent auction. The group also holds a variety of community
social media. fundraisers throughout the year.
In an effort to reach out to brain To date, this group has donated
tumor and cancer survivors and nearly $225,000 to UICOMP,
help raise funds for research, and its 2020 donation will be
Mark Linder founded the Walk forthcoming.
for the Mind in 2003. That first The Theresa Tracy Strive
walk attracted over 150 walkers to Survive not-for-profit was
and raised about $12,000 for created in memory of Theresa
research programs. While Mark Ann (Naramore) Tracy, who
died in 2005 at age 31 from brain after battling pancreatic cancer,
cancer, the Walk continues coordinated entirely by volunteers, passed away in 2010 at age 44. The mission is to increase
many of whom themselves are brain cancer survivors. Since survivability of pancreatic cancer through awareness and to
2003, Walk for the Mind has donated nearly $750,000 to UICOMP. support the advancement of a cure. Funds raised go to help
All funds raised support research at the College of Medicine in supporting pancreatic cancer research at the University of
Peoria with the goal of understanding the mechanisms that make Illinois College of Medicine Peoria where laboratory researchers
brain cancers and tumors grow and invade healthy tissue. ■ and physicians are working to expand their understanding of
diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, as well as to
Illinois Cancer Care for care and treatment of those with
pancreatic cancer. ■
5
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Honors UICOMP Alum Alan Bridges, MD
Alan Bridges, MD, (UICOMP, Class of 1983) is proposals and over 250 innovation projects over
the winner of the Veterans Health Administration the last four years. Currently, he is a key leader
John D. Chase Award for Executive Excellence in the Madison VA’s High Reliability Organi-
in Health Care. zation (HRO) journey via his participation in
the baseline assessment of the facility and his
Bridges is the Madison VA Hospital’s Chief of
promotion of a Just Culture.
Staff, and the award was announced in November
2020 by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. He led the Madison VA to become a high-
performing facility with CMS Mortality, Outpatient
This award is for sustained executive leadership
Care, Mental Health Care, Care Transition,
by an individual from any health care discipline.
Employee Satisfaction and Hospital Rating
The award is named for Dr. John D. Chase, who metrics all in the top quintile in the VA Strategic
was the Chief Medical Director of the Veterans Analytics for Improvement and Learning (SAIL)
Administration from 1974 to 1978. Alan Bridges, MD, UICOMP class of 1983
performance metrics, earning the Madison VA
“This is a well-deserved honor for an individual who has dedicated a national reputation as a leading VA hospital.
his working life to ensuring our Veterans receive top quality care,” Dr. Bridges received an undergraduate degree from Augustana
said John Rohrer, Madison VA Hospital director. “I have had College, Rock Island, Illinois, and his medical degree from the
the honor and privilege of working with Dr. Bridges for over 30 University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. He completed
years, and I can honestly say there is no one more worthy of this his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin
recognition.” Hospital and Clinics in Madison. He was Chief Medical Resident
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bridges serves on the in Internal Medicine and completed a Rheumatology Fellowship,
COVID-19 Care Transition Planning National Sequester, on his both at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He is board certified
local Hospital Incident Command, and as the Veterans Integrated in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Service Networks (VISN) 12 Medical Incident Commander. In this After completing his fellowship, he was appointed Assistant
capacity, he oversees the medical response for the VA Network of Professor of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia
eight hospitals spanning from central Illinois to the Upper Penin- School of Medicine, and, during this same time period, he was
sula of Michigan. When the initial surge of COVID hit Chicago in appointed Associate Director, Antinuclear Antibody Laboratory
early summer, he provided leadership to the two Chicago-area VA at the University Hospital and Clinics, Columbia, Missouri. He
hospitals as they accepted humanitarian patients from the private returned to Madison in 1992 and has been on staff at UW and
sector in partnership with FEMA to respond to the pandemic. the VA since that time.
Dr. Bridges promotes the spirit of innovation and diffusion of best Dr. Bridges’ research has focused on antibody testing for
practices, as evidenced by the many projects he and his staff rheumatic diseases and new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis
have submitted to National VA innovation labs. The Madison VA and connective tissue disease. He has published more than 65
submitted more than 15 Shark Tank (process improvement) articles in peer reviewed journals. ■
6
UICOMP’s Response to COVID-19 Takes on Many Forms
Research Trials from I-MAB Biopharma: G2063
Internal Medicine This clinical trial is a partnership with
The Department of Internal Medicine is I-MAB Biopharma to study immunomod-
involved in a variety of research regarding ulatory therapy in the treatment of severe
COVID-19, including these three clinical COVID-19. The treatment studied in
trials: this effort is a monoclonal antibody that
targets the inflammatory cytokine GM-
Janssen: G1990 CSF, a molecule that produces multiple
In this clinical trial, UICOMP partnered pro-inflammatory effects and that has
with Janssen Research and Development been noted to be increased in severe
to study the use of immunomodulatory COVID-19. This double blind, random-
therapy in the treatment of severe ized, multi-center trial will advance the
COVID-19. One of the most intensely knowledge of potential treatments for patients through face-to-face or telehealth
studied avenues for preventing the severe COVID-19 and give our patients appointments. This grant award allowed
significant immune dysfunction in severe access to an investigational treatment PHS to procure equipment necessary to
COVID-19 is the inhibition of an important that has the potential to significantly offer telehealth via telephone or video
pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6. Sirukumab improve their clinical outcomes. ■ appointments. The patients appreciated
is a monoclonal antibody that directly this opportunity because having a
targets IL-6 to block its downstream bio- Positive Health Solutions diagnosis of HIV and managing that diag-
logical effects. This trial is a double-blind, Provides Emergency Care nosis during this pandemic has been very
randomized, multi-center study that with Grant Award challenging for patients and families.
seeks to determine if use of Sirukumab in Positive Health Solutions provides HIV
As recipient of a grant award through
COVID-19 can improve the outcomes of
the COVID-19 Ryan White HIV/AIDS care to 730 individuals. ■
patients with severe disease. Participation
Program, Positive Health Solutions has
in this trial has allowed us to contribute Lancia’s Pandemic Response
assisted with providing extended and
to the understanding of how to best treat Spans the Globe
emergency care to individuals and their
severe COVID-19 as well as allow our
families. PHS has performed 161 COVID Dr. Andrew Lancia,
patients the opportunity to take part in
screenings and 117 COVID-19 tests and Associate Professor of
this important trial.
offers COVID testing twice a week for Psychiatry and Medical
Blade Therapeutics: patients and household members. Testing Director of Behavioral
COVID10 BLD-2660-204 COVID19 is similar to the drive through testing, Health Integrated
requiring a patient to schedule an Services for UnityPoint
The clinical trial evaluated the utility of a
appointment and nurses going to the Health in Peoria, has
novel oral agent to decrease the inflam-
patient car to perform the test. been addressing and working on COVID
matory response associated with SARS-
CoV2 infection in attempt to decrease The funding also provides emergency pandemic issues from the beginning. In
long-term lung injury. The trial included housing assistance as well as supportive addition to working on the front lines of
over 30 sites in the USA and Brazil, with social services. PHS assisted 283 clients care, providing mental health services
the highest enrollment of subjects in the with emergency housing and utility to COVID+ persons, he produced a
USA occurring in Peoria, Illinois. assistance. The funding assists with food well received report on how to make
needs, and 396 families have received organizational changes in response to the
supplemental food vouchers. pandemic (March 24, 2020. Academy of
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry). Early
PHS staff put together emergency COVID
on, he recognized the strain on other
packs for clients. These packs include:
frontline workers, so he began visiting
thermometer, face masks, hand sanitizer,
the COVID+ units regularly, just to touch
disinfecting wipes and spray. More than
base on how they were managing and
100 have been distributed already.
to guide them to resources to prevent
The PHS ambulatory clinic has procured burnout. Over the summer, his commit-
extra supplies such as blood pressure ment to keeping frontline workers
devices, pulse oximeters, vitamins, rapid emotionally healthy was expanded
influenza A & B test, strep test, and influ- internationally with a webinar entitled
Dr. Douglas Kasper, associate professor of clinical enza and pneumococcal vaccines for “Adjusting to the New Normal” for
medicine and section chief-infectious disease, talks
with third-year medical students Gabriela Gonzalez- preparation of the fall and winters months. ophthalmologists in India. Finally, through
Cantoran and Garret Waterstradt.
PHS offers psychiatric services once a the chaos, Dr. Lancia continues to teach
week and has assisted with assessments medical students and residents, the next
on mental health and stability for 161 generation of caregivers. ■
7
Hendrickson, Neighborhood House Presented 2020 Community Health Awards
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria presented its 2020 Community Health Awards
during its 12th Annual Celebration of Excellence held virtually November 12. The awards were started
in 1995 to honor individuals and organizations who promote community health in central Illinois.
2020 Community Health Award Organization Winner 2020 Community Health Award Individual Winner
Neighborhood House Monica Hendrickson
Public Health Administrator,
For 125 years, Neighborhood House has provided diverse local Peoria City/County Health Department
programming to meet the needs of individuals through all life
stages. Neighborhood House focuses on feeding, educating and Monica has become the trusted face of
empowering the community. In a typical year, more than 1,000 the Tri-County area’s COVID-19 response.
seniors in Peoria and Tazewell counties receive Meals on Wheels, From moderating daily press briefings to
and the majority of programs focus on helping the family unit out her leadership in our community’s overall
of poverty through tutoring programs for children, adult literacy, response to the pandemic, Monica has led
workforce preparation, financial literacy, and food pantry. They collaboration and coordination of services, data collection and
upped their game during the COVID-19 pandemic reporting, and spear-headed mitigation efforts to control the
to focus on food insecurity as the local need spread of COVID-19. She is a voice of reliable authority as well
skyrocketed. More than 500 seniors were as a strong and trusted leader.
added to the Meals on
Wheels program.
Neighborhood House delivers meals “This year is an especially meaningful year for this UICOMP
to 235 children in their after school tradition. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, and our
program. Its food pantry went from serving 45 clients bi-weekly to partners in community health have worked tirelessly to guide
serving over 430 clients as well as delivering food pantry baskets our response, support our communities, and prepare all of us to
to the families of children receiving meals. mitigate the spread of this disease,” says Meenakshy Aiyer, MD,
UICOMP interim regional dean. ■
UICOMP sponsors these awards to Past Winners . . .
recognize on-going commitment to
INDIVIDUALS ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMS
community health promotion
1996 Joseph Solovy, MD 1997 OSF Saint Francis Medical Center
and/or disease prevention in our
1997 David Gorenz, MD 1998 Healthy Balance Program of Caterpillar
community. A healthy community 1998 Sister M. Canisha Gerlach 1999 In-School HealthCare Program
requires a high quality medical 1998 Fred White, MD 2000 Hult Health Education Center
system along with programs to 1999 Patti Bash 2001 Senior World
2000 Barbara Walvoord 2002 Central IL Chapter of the American Red Cross
confront and manage concerns 2001 Susan Bishop, DMD 2003 Center for Prevention of Abuse
such as livable neighborhoods, 2002 David Wang, DO 2004 Peoria Area Labor Management Council
family support, job opportunities, 2003 Andrew Rand 2005 Alzheimer’s Association, Central IL Chapter
2004 Ken Hinton 2006 Joining Forces for Children
improved educational opportunities, 2005 David Springer, MD 2007 Mental Health Association of IL Valley
hunger, homelessness; and 2006 Joan Krupa 2008 Pediatric Resource Center
adequate systems of transportation, 2007 Rep David R. Leitch 2009 Susan G. Komen Foundation
2008 Steve Thompson 2010 Illinois Valley Striders
public safety, and crime. 2009 William Albers, MD
2011 Heartland Community Health Clinic
2010 Gregg Stoner, MD
2012 Quality Quest
2011 John Halvorsen, MD
2013 First United Methodist Church Loaves & Fish
2012 Andrew Morgan, MD
2014 Peoria District Dental Society
2013 Jack Gilligan, PhD
2014 Arun Pinto, MD 2015 Human Service Center
2015 Patrick Elwood, MD 2016 Midwest Food Bank
2016 Camilla & Dr. Ronald Rabjohns 2017 Children’s Home of Central Illinois
2017 Tamara Olt, MD 2018 Goodwill Stand Down for Homeless Veterans
2018 Tim Miller, MD 2019 Methodist College
2019 David Trachtenbarg, MD
89
UICOMP Initiatives Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Beauty and Strength in Diversity
By Elsa Vazquez-Melendez, MD. UICOMP Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” I Reoccurring instances of bias encountered by our
think about Dr. Maya Angelou’s insightful words of wisdom medical, as well as nursing students, residents, nurses,
whenever I witness acts of defiance and courage in the technicians, and therapists led hospital leadership,
name of social justice and equality. Maya Angelou died in college administration and faculty to support our efforts to
2014. Her loss was felt deeply but I’m actually grateful that meet the implicit bias education in our community head
she did not live to see the end of the first score of the new on. None of us should tolerate or abide by disrespectful
millennium. We have so much work ahead of us to bring treatment of any member of the healthcare team, most of
equality and justice to our community and society at large. all our future caregivers and leaders, i.e., our students!
Implicit bias causes people to unintentionally favor some groups --
In my first five years as Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and often ones like them -- over others. Speak up. Educate! provides
Inclusion, I focused primarily on education. I worked to sow all caregivers and stakeholders the tools to address expressions
seeds of awareness and create situations, opportunities and safe of bias and empowers all members of the care team to speak
spaces to foster the necessary, but uncomfortable, conversations up and educate others when a member of the team expresses
that our community, particularly our medical community, had unconscious bias (which by definition may be occurring without
been avoiding. I did this work on three fronts: 1) the Immersion an awareness of the implications). Between 2018 and 2019,
Week for second year medical students was dedicated to topics we held more than 30 two-hour workshops with more than 350
of social determinants of health; 2) creation and integration of participants. The participants were a cross-section of healthcare
our healthcare disparities seminar within the Family Medicine providers, and the workshops blended everyone together without
clerkship; 3) development and delivery of implicit bias training for any notion of hierarchy. The outcome was a much more inclusive
fourth year medical students and medical staff. The third “spoke community. Speak Up. Educate! sessions are currently on hold,
in the wheel” was designed to meet our cultural stereotypes but will resume once the SARS CoV-2 synthetic mRNA Spike
head on. It became the impetus for another endeavor to give our protein vaccine is widely available and allows us to hold in-person
students a voice within our medical community: the M4 program workshops.
known as “Crucial Conversations”. This last session equips our
students with the problem-solving skills required to navigate Just before the COVID-19 pandemic arose, we created our
conflicts in the work environment while maintaining inclusive and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The task force is
open communication. The students have been active participants composed of students, residents, faculty and staff from every
in the curriculum design and evolution of Crucial Conversations. subspecialty and UICOMP department. While the group started
The changes we implemented have resulted in significant planning and organizing our local initiatives, the local healthcare
improvements in the dynamics for students rotating through community was also engaged in responding to the unanticipated
third- and fourth-year clerkships and have challenged the status global pandemic that resulted from the emergence of SARS-
quo. This has reminded everyone in our community that... CoV2. Meanwhile, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor,
“In diver ere is beau and ere is streng .” and Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of local law enforcement in
Minneapolis, Louisville, and self-appointed neighborhood
Two years ago, I engaged the leaders at UICOMP, UnityPoint watchers, respectively, were transformative in terms of general
Health, and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center to develop a awareness of the implicit bias not just within fringe elements
real-time program to address gaps in education and awareness of society, but within our rank and file law enforcement as well.
of both institutional and individual implicit bias. From these During the summer of 2020, we all witnessed the national
meetings and discussions Speak Up. Educate! was born. protests, as well as the peaceful marches with people from all
Speak up. Educate! is an educational program that teaches racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds coming together
health care professionals and caregivers to “speak up” if they despite the pandemic (with protective masks in place), walking
hear others make statements that reflect bias (implicit or explicit). hand-in-hand to raise awareness of the persistent racism and
Expressions of bias are discussed and clarified openly. cultural injustice that is so pervasive in our country today.
10Tim Killeen and Barb Wilson, the University of Illinois System
President and the Executive Vice President and Vice President
for Academic Affairs, respectively, shared the charge: “Let us
make this outrageous act of aggression a pivotal point in history
that begins to reverse generations of systemic racism and
discrimination. Let it start here and let it start now.” This was a
call to action, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine
established the Anti-Racism Urgent Action Committee, led by Through on-going efforts, the University of
Dr. Gloria Elam, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. The
committee was charged to use the following months to establish Illinois College of Medicine Peoria seeks and
an immediate action plan for mitigating the impacts of racism
and/or reducing systemic inequities facing people of color”. The promotes opportunities to foster dialogue and
urgent action committee includes students, staff, and faculty from
all culture, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. It has jurisdiction understanding in our quest to promote racial
across all campuses and collaborates with all the campus-wide
subcommittees. justice and equality. On the next page, we hear
In Peoria, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force has from members of the UICOMP family on their
been reinvigorated, and two subcommittees have been created
to address our local needs: the Recruitment, Retention and impressions, experiences, and opportunities to
Concerns Subcommittee will work on improving the recruitment
of black and underrepresented minority students, residents, further diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.
fellows, staff and faculty. This subcommittee will provide recom-
mendations for a holistic approach to recruitment and retention as
well as the development of processes and protocols to address
concerns raised by our underrepresented minorities. Our Learning
and Work Environment Subcommittee will focus on improving
all aspects of the black (and other underrepresented minorities)
student, resident, faculty and staff experience with specific action
plans for academic, research and career support.
Our goal is not only to create a more diverse and inclusive
environment within our college of medicine, but to prepare
individuals who can reach out to all communities and engage
them strategically in addressing their needs. An educational
program for communities of color about the new COVID vaccine
is a great example for community engagement. The process of
inclusion could be daunting as there is always the possibility of
missing someone. It is important to look at who are sitting at the
table making decisions and to ensure that all voices are heard. ■
11UICOMP Initiatives Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CONTINUED
In Pursuit of Justice and Equality
Members of the UICOMP family were cultures, and beliefs is something that Program at UICOMP, I was excited to join
asked for their impressions, experiences, only NYC can offer. The way people the faculty as an Assistant Professor of
and opportunities regarding diversity, accommodate each other and respect the Clinical Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.
equity, and inclusion for all. difference is truly a learning opportunity. In my role as an academic hospitalist, I
Growing up in Pakistan, I wasn’t fortunate am energized by and deeply committed to
They were asked 4 questions: enough to live in such a diverse city and the work of training the next generation of
1 Where did you grow up, how enjoyed noticing little acts of kindness physicians and was recently awarded the
long have you been in Peoria, that meant a lot and positively changed 2019 Inpatient Faculty Teaching Award. In
and what do you do for fun? my perspective in understanding the addition to teaching, I am the co-director
of the medicine consult and procedure
2 Share an experience with value of being non-judgmental.
diversity, equity, and/or inclusion service. I also serve on the Diversity,
that has influenced you? 3 Nisha Rao recently became Pakistan’s Equity, and Inclusion Task Force and the
first transgender lawyer. Part of their Anti-Racism Urgent Action Committee at
3 Give an example of a positive outcome struggle was to have parliament pass UICOMP. When I’m not in the hospital, I
you have observed when you or
someone you know advocated for bills to recognize them as equal citizens enjoy spending time with my wife, Daphne,
social equality or justice? protecting them from discrimination and a fellow foodie who shares my love of
violence. music, movies, and traveling.
4 What tips do you have for
engaging in meaningful 4 Be on the lookout for small things you 2 One experience that comes to mind when
conversation on topics can do to make others feel welcome. I think about the benefits of diversity
surrounding diversity, When people from diverse backgrounds in health care occurred during an ICU
equality, and/or inclusion? rotation in my first year as a resident.
are given the space in which they feel
valued and appreciated, they effortlessly We were treating an elderly, African
American patient who was critically ill
NADIA SHAIKH, MD bring out their best work. One must also
and on life support. The patient had a
recognize the challenges that stand in
I am Nadia Shaikh, a 1 large, loving family that was having a
the path of inclusion, whether they are
pediatric hospitalist and difficult time accepting the poor prognosis.
coming from systems or people. Iden- Given my knowledge of the scholarly
sedation physician at
tifying the hurdles and working with research on physician distrust among
UICOMP. My early child-
colleagues to change them is a challenge African Americans, I offered to speak with
hood memories are from
one must be eager to take and have the family -- believing that, as the only
Saudi Arabia where I
no hesitation in calling things out which African American doctor on the unit, they
stayed until I was 10 and then moved to
needs to be changed. ■ might be more receptive to me and my
Karachi, Pakistan. I did all my medical
approach. My assumption was correct.
education there and then moved to the
JOHN FONGE, MD After explaining, in a culturally-respon-
US and joined a residency program in
1 sive manner, that we had exhausted all
New York. Our family moved to Peoria in My name is John Fonge,
medical options, the family agreed that --
2016 and has loved staying here since and I hail from the great
despite their pain -- the best course of ac-
then. We enjoy the outdoors whenever state of Texas. I earned
tion was to prioritize the patient’s comfort
we get the opportunity. I love to go on my B.E. in Biomedical in his final days. The conversation helped
short day trips with my husband, our Engineering from Vander- the family to understand that the decision
5-year-old son, and at times with friends. bilt University in 2008 and was not a test of their faith, but rather a
my doctorate from Ross University School testament to their love. Years later, I was
2 Being a resident in NYC, I extensively
of Medicine in 2014. After completing my treating a patient who recognized me as
used and enjoyed the subway experi- medical training in the Combined Internal
ence. Sharing your every day with people the physician who supported her family
Medicine and Pediatric Residency through that tough medical decision. The
from different countries, walks of life,
12patient thanked me for the care I provided That influenced me to continue to pursue looking at the big picture. I am very
to her loved one and expressed how my goal of being a physician. grateful for the chance to be a part of the
meaningful it was to see and be treated DEI Task Force in Peoria and to learn from
4 My advice for engaging in meaningful
by a physician who looked like them. everyone else involved. It makes me feel
conversations on diversity would be to
These two related encounters demon- like we can play a part in making changes
strate, for me, the importance of diversity not only come with an open heart, but
be willing to see someone else’s point of at UICOMP and in Peoria, and hopefully
and inclusion in medicine. that contributes to a ripple effect that has
view. I believe one of the best ways to
4 When attempting to have a dialogue do this is to always be ready to learn the increasingly broader impact.
about diversity and inclusion, it is uncomfortable history of different racial, 3 Maybe because it’s what I’m most closely
essential to spend time unpacking what
religious, sexual groups so that you can involved with, I’ve been interested to
these terms mean and what they look
understand some of what may influence see how the events and protests of this
like in practice; doing so helps to create
people you encounter. In addition, you summer and the larger Black Lives
a space where everyone has a solid
foundation for contributing to the conver- must be open and honest with your Matter movement has impacted medical
sation. Moreover, we must work to ensure personal beliefs, and be comfortable with education and the medical field. The
that all parties have a clear understanding those beliefs being challenged. It is of involvement and advocacy of students
of why these conversations are critically utmost importance to continue to learn and residents are inspiring to see,
important to our mission of delivering and have conversations like these. ■ because they are the pipeline to affect
quality health care to all patients. ■ real change.
JENNA REGAN 4 I’m no exemplar who should be giving
BRIANNA STEWART 1 advice to anyone else on best practices
I grew up in central
I was born in Chicago,
1 Indiana, but my first in this area! I can only list what I try to do:
but grew up in the south experience in Peoria be humble, constantly question/survey
suburbs. For college, I was attending Bradley yourself to try and detect where you might
graduated from University University for undergrad. be letting your own biases creep in, be an
of Wisconsin in Madison I will say, though, that open listener, ask questions. ■
with a double major in coming back as an “adult” many years
Mathematics and Biology in 2017 and later is a much different perspective! Our KELVIN WYNN, MD 1
finally returned to Illinois to start medical family moved back to Peoria in 2017 I joined the Department
school here at UICOMP in 2018. I have and I was fortunate to join the faculty at of Family and Community
been living in Peoria for a little over 2 UICOMP shortly before our first class of Medicine as a residency
years now while completing my medical Peoria M1’s began in the Illinois Medicine faculty member in May
school coursework. In my limited free Curriculum. Outside of work a lot of my 2007 after spending the
time, I enjoy listening to music, working time is spent on family activities. previous 15 years practic-
out and trying new restaurants. 2 My hometown area while I was growing ing the full spectrum of family medicine
2 While I was in undergrad I attended up was not a diverse place, though I in rural North Central North Carolina. I
Student National Medical Association can’t recall instances of overt racism or practiced medicine at federally qualified
Annual Medical Education Conference intolerance. I think it was more that we community health centers for seven years
in Atlanta. There were Black medical were very sheltered from the realities of before joining a private group practice
students and doctors from around the systemic racism and disparities that affect for eight years. I was named residency
country in attendance, and it gave me so many people. I personally still have so program director in 2011, before being
a sense of belonging. Coming from a far to go in learning about just how per- named Chair of the Department of Family
school that lacked diversity, I saw so vasive these problems are, and even still and Community Medicine at UICOMP.
many physicians of color there and rec- I think it’s hard not to get overwhelmed
ognized that I have a place in medicine. at the scope of what we need to fix when
continued
13Inclusion Initiatives Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion CONTINUED
In Pursuit of Justice and Equality CONTINUED
I was born in the Bronx borough of New 4 Realize that this topic is continuous diabetic patient of a co-resident who was
York City where I spent the first three and not “one and done”; come into the primarily Spanish-speaking and having
years of my life before my family moved conversation wanting to know how to be issues reaching goal glycemic control on
to Las Vegas, Nevada, where I grew up. an ally; be curious and educate yourself oral medications. Discussions need to
I received my BS in zoology from North on DEI issues; acknowledge the difficulty occur regarding the possible need to ini-
Dakota State University where I was a of these conversations and validate the tiate insulin therapy if no improvement is
member of the varsity basketball team for other person’s feelings. ■ achieved by the next visit. Appropriately,
four years. I was awarded my MD from my co-resident thought that conversation
Howard University College of Medicine DANIEL SACA, MD was best to occur in the patient’s first
in Washington, D.C., and completed my 1 language and preferably in-person. The
I was born in Downers
family medicine residency training at short conversation I had revealed a few of
Grove, Illinois, and moved
Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Dayton, the barriers regarding her dietary adher-
to El Salvador a little over
Ohio. I am a member of the American ence, apprehension regarding insulin use,
a year later. El Salvador
and Illinois Academies of Family Physi- and clarified dosing and frequency issues.
was home until completing
cians. I was named Illinois Academy of Ultimately, a 10-minute conversation
high school and beginning
Family Physicians Teacher of the Year in resulted in significantly improved glycemic
my college education at Baylor University.
2009. I enjoy practicing the full spectrum control by the next visit and no need for
I completed a post-graduate year at
of family medicine. The opportunity to insulin therapy. This simple interaction re-
the University of Pennsylvania before
teach residents and students all aspects inforced the importance of communication
completing medical school training at
of family medicine gives me meaning and and how often good outcomes are not
UICOMP. I have called Peoria home
pleasure. tied with the correct management choices
since mid-2015 and have completed
My wife of 32 years, Shari, and I live but finding the best way to connect with
most of my medical training here, through
in Peoria. My outside interests include our patients. To constantly strive for that
medical school and now residency. As
visiting different college and university connection to improve outcomes, regard-
far as hobbies, I enjoy watching/playing
campuses to collect sweatshirts (my wife less of language and cultural barriers, is
soccer, playing tennis, video games,
says I have over 150!), sports trivia, road the goal of social equality in medicine.
audiobooks, and a good gin.
biking, finding new places to eat barbecue, 4 Conversations regarding diversity, equity,
2 It is difficult to pick a singular event, and
and reading murder mystery novels. and inclusion often devolve into accu-
honestly, at times, there are subtle experi-
2 Seeing and experiencing the engagement satory or the perception of accusatory
ences that linger. For example, entering a
of our minority medical students on DEI language. I find that this often hinders
patient’s room who is primarily/exclusively
issues forcing medical school leadership our efforts to achieve those goals and
Spanish-speaking and being able to
to have meaningful conversations about fails to acknowledge that all participants
provide the opportunity to freely commu-
these topics and enact real change. play a significant role in the process.
nicate in their native language does not
Moreover, all participants carry biases
3 The local, peaceful protests (medical staff fail to produce a smile. Communicating
and preconceived notions that, most often
members, UPH leadership, and hospital in a familiar language provides a stark
and very importantly, are unintentional.
staff kneeling in public; fellow Family difference in the amount of information
The recognition of these biases and the
Medicine faculty and medical students that is able to be obtained as well as
active participation to account for them
joining a community protest) by a “rainbow” patient education that is able to be
is a necessity; a way to bring all partici-
of people advocating for racial justice and provided as a result.
pants to eye level to initiate the necessary
police reform after the George Floyd murder. 3 In the same vein as above, the ability discussions for change. ■
UPH leadership lead by President/CEO to freely and openly communicate in
Keith Knepp conducting a forum on your first language provides a sense
racial inequality from the perspective of of equality in care. To give a concrete
African-Americans as part of a hospital example, I was asked to speak with a
board retreat.
14UICOMP Welcomes New Faculty
Dr. Frank Han joined the Department of Pediatrics Dr. Deepshikha Garg joined the Department of
as an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics. Dr. Medicine as an assistant professor of clinical med-
Han received his doctoral degree from University icine. Dr. Garg received her doctoral degree from
of Florida in 2012 and completed his residency at Madras Medical College and Research Center in
University of Connecticut in 2015. He is board 2011 and completed her residency at St. John’s
certified with the American Board of Pediatrics. Hospital and Medical Center in 2018. She is board
Dr. Han’s expertise is in Pediatric Congenital Cardiology. certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Garg’s
Dr. Muhammad Rehan Khan joined the Depart- expertise is in Hospital Medicine.
ment of Pediatrics as an assistant professor of Dr. Edmundo Martinez joined the Department
clinical pediatrics. Dr. Khan received his MBBS of Pediatrics as an assistant professor of clinical
from King Edward Medical College in 2003 and pediatrics. Dr. Martinez received his doctoral de-
completed his residency at The Brooklyn Hospi- gree from University of Illinois College of Medicine
tal Center in 2017. He is board certified with the Peoria in 2012 and completed his residency at
American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Khan’s expertise is in Pediatric OSF Saint Francis in 2016. He is board certified
Gastroenterology. with the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Martinez’s expertise is
Dr. Elizabeth Gabel joined the Department of in Critical Care.
Family and Community Medicine as an assistant Dr. Bindu Patel joined the Department of Obstet-
professor of clinical family medicine. Dr. Gabel rics and Gynecology as an assistant professor of
received her doctoral degree from Rush Medical clinical OB/GYN. Dr. Patel received her doctoral
College in 2015 and completed her residency at degree from University of Illinois College of Medi-
Highland Hospital in 2018. She is board certified cine Peoria in 2013 and completed her residency
with the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Gabel’s expertise at Phoenix Integrated Residency in Obstetrics
is in Family Medicine. and Gynecology in 2017.She is board certified with the American
Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Patel’s expertise is in
Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology.
15UICOMP
Ahmad Receives Fellowship
News &Notes Center for Wellbeing
Designation from IDSA Honored for Innovation
Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, in Physician Wellness
associate professor of
clinical medicine, was
Share Your News The Center for Wellbeing, within the
UICOMP Department of Psychiatry and
elected to Fellow of the We love to follow the careers Behavioral Medicine, was awarded the
Infectious Disease Society and successes of our graduates! Innovation Award for Innovation in
of America (IDSA) in Alumni of UICOMP (med school, Physician Wellness by the Illinois Psychi-
December. This is the highest honor in residencies and fellowships) are atric Society. The award recognizes an
the field of infectious disease and is given invited to submit their news. innovative program in Illinois staffed or
to those who have achieved professional led by an IPS member who is working to
Submit news of new positions,
excellence and provided significant reduce physician burnout and/or improve
service to the profession. ■
honors, awards, and publications
professional satisfaction for physicians.
to adv-peoria@listserv.uic.edu
Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Finkenbine,
or send it to: Advancement & Deb Disney and the entire
Community Relations, UICOMP, team at the Center
Stewart de Ramirez Named
One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605. for Wellbeing! ■
to 2020 Women of Influence Or, call us at (309) 680-8613.
Congratulations to Sarah Stewart de
Ramierez, MD, on being named a 2020
Woman of Influence in December by Pribaz Co-Edits The Healer’s Burden
Peoria Magazine. This annual award
Gina Pribaz, clinical associate in the Departments of Internal Medicine
highlights women who are making a
and Pediatrics, is co-editor of the recently released The Healer’s Burden:
difference in central Illinois and includes a
Stories and Poems of Professional Grief published by the University of
half-day forum that is a tribute to women
Iowa Carver College of Medicine. While the idea for the book and the
in the workplace and an inspirational
call for submissions came well before the COVID-19 pandemic, the
way to bring the community together and
challenges presented by a pandemic have highlighted the emotional needs of
empower female leaders. ■
healthcare professionals on the frontlines. This book offers firsthand accounts of
healthcare professionals’ grief as well as strategies for addressing it based in narrative
medicine, a growing field that has already brought significant attention to the need for
Blair Crane Joins UICOMP more humanistic practices in medicine.
as Marketing Associate Pribaz and her co-editor Melissa Fournier want to open the conversation on the personal
Blair Crane joins the impact of continuous encounters with grief on healthcare professionals. “It is not enough
Community Relations for organizations to simply encourage ‘self-care’; a culture change in healthcare which
Department as Marketing recognizes the very real experience of professional grief and makes space for its tending
Associate and will focus on is long overdue, and the predominant notion of emotion-denial as a necessary component
engagement and commu- of professional competence is counterproductive,” says Fournier.
nication with key audiences The Healer’s Burden offers a window into the lives of 32 healthcare professionals of
using social and digital media. Her efforts various disciplines and experience levels from the U.S. and Canada who share their
will support the overall marketing and stories of grief. “These writers deserve a lot of credit for both their courage and their
community relations strategy for the talent,” says Pribaz. “Their work models an emotional honesty that resonates with those
College. A graduate of the University of who encounter it.” During the pandemic, Pribaz and Fournier have been conducting
Missouri with a degree in communication, virtual workshops using the book, which includes a facilitator’s guide and writing prompts
she has marketing experience working to encourage reflection and discussion. ■
in retail manufacturing, wellness, and
healthcare. ■
Four UICOMP Faculty Named 40 Leaders Under 40
Four UICOMP faculty were selected as recipients of the 40 Leaders Under 40 Award this
year. Drs. Melanie Andrews, Michele Beekman, Anil Reddivari, and Gauri Shevattekar
were four of the 40 young professionals in the community who were recognized for their
outstanding leadership, commitment to their profession and service. This award is
annually presented by Peoria Magazine. ■
16UICOMP
Beckman Receives
News &Notes Bramlett Contributes
Outstanding Physician Award to Official Patent
Dean Beckman, MD, was Wright Named Medical Matthew Bramlett, MD,
named the 2020 Little Com- Director in Boston assistant professor of
pany of Mary Outstanding clinical pediatrics, joined
Physician at Memorial Stephen Wright, MD, was Dr. Brad Sutton (Engineer-
Hospital and Health Center named Medical Director for ing, University of Illinois
in Jasper, Indiana. The Primary Care Services at Urbana Champaign) in
award is annually presented to a physician Roxbury’s Whittier Street the development of an official patent for
on Memorial Hospital’s active medical Health Center in Boston. automated segmentation of the heart
staff who has been nominated through a His work in Boston neigh- from MRI. This involves the technology
hospital- and community-wide process borhood health centers has earned him a to create a 3D model of a heart that can
with the winner chosen by a selection reputation among patients as a leader in be pulled from an MRI. ■
committee from a group of six finalists. delivering compassionate and culturally
Beckman completed his internship and sensitive care. Wright completed
residency at UICOMP. He provides his residency at UICOMP. ■
internal medicine and pediatric services Two New Fellowships
at Jasper Primary Care Physicians. ■ Added to GME Offering
at UICOMP
The Pediatrics Department recently
Graumlich Leads ACP Chapter to Gold Award received approval for two new fellow-
ships by the Accreditation Council for
James Graumlich, MD, serves as Governor of the Illinois Southern Chapter
Graduate Medical Education. New
of the American College of Physicians (ACP). Under his leadership, the
programs include the Pediatric Hospital
chapter recently received the Gold Level of the 2020 Chapter Excellence
Medicine Fellowship Program led by
Award. The award recognizes outstanding chapters that surpass excel-
Leena Kendhari, MD, program director,
lence in chapter management, and they are in the company of 34 other
and the Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship
chapters who have received this honor. Examples of contributing factors
Program under the leadership of Jawad
that led to the award are implementing a strategic plan as well as a formal recruitment
Javed, MD, program director. This brings
and retention plan and measuring outcomes, and conducting activities for medical
UICOMP’s total GME offerings to 13
students, residents and early career physicians. Graumlich is interim associate dean for
residencies and 10 fellowships. ■
pre-clinical education and evaluation at UICOMP. Congratulations to Dr. Graumlich and
all members of the ACP Illinois Southern Chapter! ■
UICOMP Leads Student Asche Article on Financial Burden of Cancer Treatment
Wellness Initiative Published by Society of Behavioral Medicine
UICOMP received a project award from Carl Asche, research professor with Internal Medicine, authored an article
the Reeves Medical Student Wellness in August 2020 published by Oxford University Press in Translational
fund to support a college-wide initiative Behavioral Medicine. The article provides analysis of the economic
in support of medical students’ wellbeing repercussions of a cancer diagnosis, referred to as “financial toxicity.” It
and emotional health. Leading the initia- explores not just out-of-pocket costs, but also indirect costs, including lost
tive is Marcelo Bento Soares, PhD, senior wages, and the long-term impact on a household’s economic reserve and
associate dean for research, who will be future financial resilience. Data revealed bankruptcy rates are 2.65 times higher among
focusing on best practices and strategies cancer survivors than matched controls, and 70 percent of Americans want to have
for effectively introducing, delivering and conversations about the costs of care, but only 28 percent report doing so. ■
sustaining Cognitively-Based Compassion
Training for students at all University of
Illinois College of Medicine Campuses. ■
“Rural Health: Concerns and Hope” Panel Discussion
James Barnett, MD, clinical associate professor of Family and Community Medicine,
moderated a discussion with two administrators and four physicians from rural hospitals
during a September 17 virtual panel discussion that explored the myriad of challenges
facing healthcare in rural settings. Viewers can watch the recorded presentation at
advance.uic.edu/news-stories/rural-health-concerns-and-hopes/. ■
17You can also read
