HR1299 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1299 LRB097 23440 MST 72335 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. Philip Siefken for receiving the 2012 Rural Physician of Excellence Award from the Illinois Rural Health Association; and

WHEREAS, One of the biggest healthcare challenges across our nation is the shortage of physicians who practice in rural settings; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Siefken earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Peoria in 1990, and completed his residency at Methodist Hospital of Indiana; he became board certified in pediatrics and internal medicine; and

WHEREAS, After practicing medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Siefken returned to his hometown of Greenville in 2006 to practice in a rural setting and joined Greenville Medical Associates and Greenville Regional Hospital; he is the only pediatrician in Bond County and the surrounding area, making him in a precious resource for everyone; and

WHEREAS, Rather than dreading the doctor's office, children in Bond County actually look forward to seeing Dr. Siefken because of his gentle manner and specially designed farm and jungle-themed examination rooms; and

WHEREAS In 2009, Dr. Siefken became Medical Staff President at Greenville Regional Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Siefken often makes house calls to insure that patients who cannot travel to his office do not go without care; he often volunteers in his community including at his alma mater, Greenville College, where he recently assisted in teaching a human cadaver anatomy course; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Dr. Siefken for his selfless service to the community and the impact he has made on improving the health of those who live in rural areas; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Siefken as a symbol of our respect and esteem.