SIH to host surgical symposium in Carbondale

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Southern Illinois Healthcare will host the 2025 SIH Surgical Symposium on Thursday, bringing together surgeons, physicians and health professionals from across the region for a daylong program focused on advancing surgical practice and patient care.

The symposium, scheduled for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garden Grove Event Center, will feature expert-led sessions covering general surgery, critical care, obesity management, oncology and rural health. Continuing education credit is available through the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Organizers said the event underscores SIH’s commitment to ensuring patients in Southern Illinois have access to evidence-based, high-quality care close to home.

Media availability begins at 10:30 a.m., with opportunities for interviews throughout the day. Scheduled participants include trauma surgeon Dr. Abbas Badami and general surgeon Dr. Adrian Martin, who are serving as event co-facilitators, along with keynote speaker Dr. Piroska Kopar, associate professor of surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. Kopar is a trauma and critical care surgeon and cardiothoracic surgical intensivist.

Additional symposium faculty include trauma surgeons, general surgeons and interdisciplinary specialists from across the region.

“This symposium represents an investment in the future of surgical care in Southern Illinois,” SIH leaders said in a statement. “By bringing together leading regional and national experts, the event enhances collaboration and affirms SIH’s role as a trusted healthcare partner.”

The Garden Grove Event Center is located at 1215 E. Walnut St. in Carbondale.