Austin A. Lane

The Office of Population Science and Policy, established by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in October 2016, outlines its strategic goals to improve health outcomes in central and southern Illinois. Focusing on social determinants of health, its objectives include acquiring and analyzing health data, developing innovative community-based solutions, formulating sustainable health policies, and educating future physicians. The overarching aim is to foster a healthier region through multidisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.

This document outlines SIU Medicine's core principles, encompassing excellence, discovery, passion, collaboration, and equity. It details how excellence is exemplified through dedicated employees, innovation, state-of-the-art teaching, groundbreaking research, and strong community relationships. The plan emphasizes discovery in medical education and research, fosters passion through compassionate interactions, promotes collaboration for effective problem-solving, and upholds equity to ensure fairness, justice, and an inclusive environment for all.

This document outlines a four-year strategic plan for pre-medical students at SIU. It provides a detailed roadmap for each undergraduate year, encompassing specific coursework, clinical experiences, research opportunities, leadership roles, and MCAT preparation. The plan aims to guide students through academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, and application processes to successfully pursue a medical career.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and the formal introduction of two new Board of Governors members, Dr. Erik Butt and Dr. Gina Kovach. The Office of the Dean & Provost provided a comprehensive update, notably announcing that SIU has officially attained R1 research university status, reporting on significant growth in research expenditures, and detailing successful Match Day outcomes, with 72 students matching and 27% entering SIU residency programs. Key institutional metrics were reviewed, including enrollment figures, clinical productivity increases, and the recent acquisition of several properties to expand the SIU School of Medicine campus footprint. The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion reported on the growth of student affinity groups and expansion of preparatory pathways. The Office of Student Affairs highlighted strong admissions data, with 80 students expected to matriculate. The Office of Alumni Relations discussed implementing general guidelines for alumni dinner hosts to ensure neutral and respectful conversation, supported targeted outreach for minority host representation, and endorsed vetting nominees for the Distinguished Alumni Award, including public records screenings, a process also recommended for Board of Governors candidates. Discussions also covered the successful Destination Reunion pilot program, a proposal for an Alumni Relations Liaison within each student interest group, and the reconsideration of a Young Alumni Giving Campaign. Finally, House Staff reported on strengthened resident support resources and ongoing wellness initiatives.

The Board of Governors meeting included discussions and updates from various offices, including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Student Affairs, Development, and Alumni Relations. The EDI office discussed its initiatives and the upcoming Workforce Equity Center. Student Affairs provided updates on admissions, USMLE pass rates, Match Day 2024 results, student appreciation week, and resources for students. The Office of Development discussed fundraising efforts and upcoming events, while Alumni Relations highlighted alumni events, programs, and communication strategies. Student reports covered updates from different class years, and the Student Resource Fund balance and allocations were reviewed. Additionally, there was a bylaws revision and recognitions were given to graduating students.