Twelve medical students at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine have completed their Mentored Professional Enrichment Experiences (MPEE). The summer program is an SIU elective between the first and second years of medical school, designed as an opportunity for students to work with physicians or researchers at SIU or other medical campuses. Students give formal presentations about the experience to the medical school community this fall.

Mental illness in 19th century America is the topic for the 15th annual Emmet F. Pearson Memorial Medical History Lecture at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. The free, public lecture is at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 19, in SIU’s South Auditorium (second floor), 801 N. Rutledge St. in Springfield.

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board today approved St. John’s Hospital’s proposed Surgery Modernization project. The $121 million construction project will replace the portion of St. John’s existing inpatient surgery department that was constructed in the late 1960s. The project will link St. John’s Pavilion to the hospital’s patient tower and Prairie Heart Institute. The new surgery space is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

SPRINGFIELD – On Saturday, July 24, St. John’s Hospital will team up again with the Springfield Sliders to “Strike Out Stroke.” For each ticket purchased at the gate, $1 will be donated to St. John’s Hospital Stroke Center