Southern Illinois University Physician Associate Program and Alumni

08/25/2026

Our grad, Gary!

After nearly 42 years of dedicated service at SBL, Gary Hayden, PA-C, is preparing to partially retire. Please join us in celebrating his many years of service and wishing him all the best in his reduced schedule.

11 am to 2 pm / Thursday, August 27
SBL Shelbyville Clinic • 1215 West Main St.

Gary has provided compassionate, high-quality care, making a meaningful and lasting impact on his patients and the community

08/22/2026

Our grad, Micah!!

08/05/2026

📣 PAs, are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey?

Join the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program and Physician Assistant Leadership and Learning Hub (PALH) for a Virtual Information Session to learn how a DMSc can help you advance your career and expand your impact in healthcare.

During this session, you’ll learn more about:
✨ SIU’s 100% online DMSc program designed for working PAs
✨ Leadership-focused curriculum in healthcare systems, advocacy, education, research, and more
✨ The Bridge Pathway for eligible PAs with advanced training or recent SIU PA Program graduates
✨ PALH and how they can support life long learning and community support

📅 Date: August 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 8 PM CT
🔗 Register today: https://palh.mypanetwork.com/physician-assistant-events/2011-siu-dmsc-virtual-information-session-in-collaboration-with-palh #!info

Whether you’re looking to grow as a healthcare leader, educator, advocate, or scholar, SIU’s DMSc program provides the tools to help you make your next move.

We hope to see you there!

08/04/2026

Our grad, Laura!

Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS Medical Group welcome Laura Kidd, DMSc, PA-C, to Prairie Cardiovascular-Carbondale, located at 409 West Oak St.

Kidd is an experienced physician assistant who provides cardiology care for adults with heart and vascular conditions. You can turn to her for support with heart health, ongoing cardiovascular concerns and care that helps you better understand your options.

Her approach centers on listening, clear communication and shared decision-making. Kidd works with you to build a care plan that fits your health needs, preferences and goals.

Her arrival helps expand access to advanced heart care close to home for patients in Carbondale and the surrounding communities.

To schedule, call (618) 529-4455 or find out more at https://providers.hshs.org/provider/laura-r-kidd/7166764

08/03/2026

Yay!!!!

🚨 A Historic Milestone for Army Physician Associates! 🇺🇸

The U.S. Army has officially announced a future change to Area of Concentration (AOC) 65D, transitioning the title from Physician Assistant to Physician Associate. This Notification of Future Change revises AOC 65D specifications and duty titles to align with the profession’s nationally recognized title, with an implementation date of 1 October 2027 and early implementation authorized.

This milestone represents years of dedication and advocacy by leaders across our profession and marks another important step in recognizing the vital role Army Physician Associates play in caring for Soldiers around the world.

SAPA is proud to celebrate this achievement and the many individuals and organizations whose efforts helped make it possible. Thank you for your commitment to advancing our profession and strengthening military medicine.

Congratulations to every Army Physician Associate—past, present, and future!

08/01/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the SIU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) graduating classes!

Today, we celebrate your dedication to lifelong learning, leadership, and advancing the Physician Assistant profession. Through your commitment to excellence, you've strengthened your ability to lead, educate, advocate, and improve healthcare for the patients and communities you serve.

We are proud to welcome you to the SIU DMSc alumni community and can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make.

Congratulations, graduates! 👏

08/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the Physician Assistant Class of 2026!

Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to patient care have brought you to this incredible milestone. As you begin your careers, we celebrate all you've accomplished and the impact you'll make in the lives of your patients and communities.

Congratulations, Class of 2026—we can't wait to see what you'll achieve! 👏

08/01/2026

n 🎓 Join us todaycelebrating the SIU School of Medicine Doctor of Medical Science Class of 2026!

The DMSc Hooding Ceremony is a special opportunity to recognize the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of our newest Doctor of Medical Science graduates. These Physician Assistants have demonstrated a commitment to advancing healthcare through leadership, advocacy, education, research, and lifelong learning.

📅 Date: August 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 3 PM CT
📍 Location: SIU Student Center | Carbondale, IL

Can’t attend in person? Celebrate with us virtually through our livestream:
🔗https://youtube.com/live/fRqkIugI7ho?feature=share

Congratulations to the SIU DMSc graduating! We are proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to the continued impact these graduates will make on the PA profession and the communities they serve. 🎓💙

08/01/2026

🎉 Join Us Today as We Welcome the Next Generation of Physician Assistants!

Celebrate an exciting milestone as our incoming Physician Assistant Class receives their white coats and officially begins their journey into the profession.

📅 Date: August 1, 2026
🕒 Time: 11 AM CT
📍 Location: SIU Student Center | Carbondale, IL

Can't join us in person? Watch the ceremony live!

🎥 Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/GTvwvJuU4lc?feature=share

We invite alumni, family, friends, preceptors, and the community to celebrate this special occasion as we recognize the commitment, compassion, and dedication of our future PAs.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

07/31/2026

🎓 Join us in celebrating the SIU School of Medicine Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) Class of 2026!

The DMSc Hooding Ceremony is a special opportunity to recognize the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of our newest Doctor of Medical Science graduates. These Physician Assistants have demonstrated a commitment to advancing healthcare through leadership, advocacy, education, research, and lifelong learning.

📅 Date: August 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 3 PM CT
📍 Location: SIU Student Center | Carbondale, IL

Can’t attend in person? Celebrate with us virtually through our livestream:
🔗https://youtube.com/live/fRqkIugI7ho?feature=share

Congratulations to the SIU DMSc graduating! We are proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and look forward to the continued impact these graduates will make on the PA profession and the communities they serve. 🎓💙