School of Medicine

The SIU School of Medicine’s mission is to assist people of central and southern Illinois in meeting their health care needs through education, patient care, research and service to the community. Based in Springfield and Carbondale, the school works closely with affiliated community hospitals and clinics throughout Illinois.

A key player in the development of a regional academic medical center, the School of Medicine has also become an international leader in medical education. The physician faculty provides tertiary medical care, including a full-range of services in several dozen specialty clinics. There are currently 327 Medical students, 400 Residents & Fellows, 59 graduate students, 34 MEDPREP students, 76 Physician Assistant students and 36 students in the Doctor of Medical Science program. Your contribution to medical education and to improving opportunities for these future professionals is an investment in the health of our communities.

The school’s research covers a wide range of basic and clinical sciences. The Simmons Cancer Institute, the Springfield Combined Laboratory Facility, and The Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment enable the School to conduct more research that will benefit the regional and global community.

Please see a list of some of our funding priorities below.  If you do not see the area you wish to support in the gift designation field, please visit forwardfunder.siumed.edu - there are numerous more opportunities to give there.  Still don't see the area you want to support?  Contact foundation@siumed.edu or 217-545-2955. We are thankful for your generosity!

SOM Dean and Provost Excellence Fund:  Funds will be used for expenditures within the School of Medicine as need arises.

SOM Scholarship Funds:  Funds will be used for various scholarships to support the medical education of disadvantaged students.

• SOM Scholarship Fund: Funds will be used to provide financial support for our medical students.
• MEDPREP Scholarship Fund: Funds will be used to provide financial support for students enrolled in the Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP).
• Physicians’ Assistant Scholarship Fund:  Funds will be used to provide financial support for students in the Physician Assistant program.

Medical Student Resource Fund:  Funds will be used to enhance the academic & non-academic life of our students by providing a source of funds to purchase items that improve their educational experience on both Carbondale and Springfield campuses.

Resident Resource Fund:  Funds will be used for resident research, the purchase of books and other educational materials, attendance of specialty conferences, presentations, and other opportunities. 

Simmons Cancer Institute Fund:  Funds will be used to help support cancer research and patient amenities at Simmons Cancer Institute.

The Dale & Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment Fund: Funds will be used to support The Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment at SIU Medicine.  The Center provides clinical care, research and community programs throughout Illinois. Since 1986, its employees have diagnosed, treated and educated Illinois families with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Department of Surgery Fund: Funds will be used to support the Dept. of Surgery at SIU Medicine.  SIU Surgery provides exceptional patient care and comprehensive, hands-on training for learners.

Department of Pediatrics Fund: Funds will be used to support the Dept. of Pediatrics at SIU Medicine.  The pediatrics team offers outpatient clinics that provide patients access to primary care services as well as numerous pediatric subspecialists. Many of our pediatric providers are recognized nationally and internationally for their clinical expertise and research endeavors.

Department of Family Medicine & Food Pharmacy Funds: Funds will be used to support the Dept. of Family Medicine at SIU Medicine.  Family Medicine is a group of people, spread across the southwestern half of the state of Illinois, united by a common vision and passion for the health of the people we serve. SIU Family Medicine is more than just a medical clinic. It’s a whole community of primary care with services to help improve the life and well-being of our patients. One superior service is their Food Pharmacy, which is a food pantry located in the Springfield clinic.