|
The History
• 35 years of service
The origins of Peoria as an established academic surgery center noted for excellence actually began in 1938 when, in contrast to his fellow residents, Dr. Charles Branch left the major teaching hospitals and came to Peoria to practice General Surgery. He soon distinguished himself for his knowledge, the versatility of his practice, and for his surgical skills. Dr. Branch was a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Medicine and trained in surgery at Peter Brent Brigham Hospital. His fellow residents became leaders in the field of General Surgery during and after World War II. This academic connection which Dr. Branch maintained during his career was the springboard of surgery in Peoria. As a large number of physicians returned from the war and sought post graduate training in surgery, many residents were sent to Peoria to train under Dr. Branch. Many of today’s faculty have roots with those original residents and the academic communities that sent them to Peoria.
In 1970, in response to a severe shortage of physicians in the state and particularly in rural areas, the University of Illinois elected to place clinical schools in Peoria and Rockford, Illinois, to add to those already established in Chicago.
Chairs of the Department of Surgery
| 1972-1982 |
William H. Marshall, M.D., Acting Chair |
| 1982-1986 |
Ralph N. Bransky, M.D., Acting Chair |
| 1986-1991 |
Alvin L. Watne, M.D., Chair |
| 1991-1996 |
Hugh V. Firor, M.D., Chair |
| 1996-1998 |
Frank S. Darras, M.D., Acting Chair |
| 1998- present |
Norman C. Estes, M.D., Chair |
|
|