Institute for Plastic Surgery at SIU

08/27/2025

From tragedy to triumph… and friendship bracelets

One year ago, our patient, Sonja, was injured in an go-cart accident. Yesterday, she returned to clinic not only healed, but smiling and full of gratitude. Dr. Tim Daugherty, board-certified plastic surgeon at SIU Medicine, gave her a friendship bracelet. To our surprise, she came prepared with bracelets for the plastic surgery team!

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect… on the very same day, and announced their engagement. Their love story famously began with a friendship bracelet. From stadiums to surgery centers, these little beads carry big meaning: connection, resilience, and love. We are honored to be part of SONJA’s story, and can’t wait to see all the ways her future will shine!

08/27/2025

From tragedy to triumph… and friendship bracelets

One year ago, our patient, Sonja, was injured in an go-cart accident. Yesterday, she returned to clinic not only healed, but smiling and full of gratitude. Dr. Tim Daugherty, board-certified plastic surgeon at SIU Medicine, gave her a friendship bracelet. To our surprise, she came prepared with bracelets for the plastic surgery team!

And the timing couldn't be more perfect… on the very same day, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement. Their love story famously began with a friendship bracelet. From stadiums to surgery centers, these little beads carry big meaning: connection, resilience, and love. We are honored to be part of SONJA's story, and can't wait to see all the ways her future will shine!

07/21/2025

We’re proud to highlight Amanda Dawson, MD, alumna of the SIU Institute for Plastic Surgery (2019), who returned to share her expertise on breast reduction, revision surgery, and life after residency.
Now a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine, Dr. Dawson’s journey is a testament to the lasting impact of SIU’s training and the strength of our alumni network.
Thank you, Dr. Dawson, for inspiring the next generation of plastic surgeons!

07/11/2025

👏 Thank you, Decatur! 👏
For the second year in a row, you’ve named Dr. Michael Ruebhausen Best Plastic Surgeon-and we couldn’t agree more.
As part of the Institute for Plastic Surgery at SIU Medicine, Dr. Ruebhausen brings expertise, compassion and a commitment to helping patients regain form and function to feel confident in themselves.
Your trust means everything. We’re proud to serve this community!

07/01/2025

“You are a plastic surgeon!”
Congratulations to Drs Justin Sawyer & Lexie Ruffolo Sampath on completion of your plastic surgery, residency.
Congratulations to Hand Fellow, Dr. Andrew Regent Smith.

05/22/2025

⭐ Patient Praise for Dr. Winters ⭐

We love hearing from our patients, and we’re proud to share a heartfelt message of appreciation for board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James Winters and the entire team at the Institute for Plastic Surgery at SIU. Dr. Winters delivers compassionate care, with professionalism and surgical excellence. Thank you, Dr. Winters, for making a lasting impact and representing SIU Medicine with such dedication!

05/13/2025

⭐ Patient Praise for Dr. Tim Daugherty ⭐
We're proud to share some kind feedback from a recent patient. As a board-certified plastic surgeon at SIU Medicine, Dr. Daugherty brings skill, dedication and a patient-first approach to every step of the surgical journey. Thank you to Dr. Daugherty and our outstanding team for consistently delivering exceptional care and patient experiences.

05/11/2025

Behind every successful surgery, there’s a team… and at its heart: nurses.

From the first consult to the final follow-up, our nurses bring skill, empathy, and organization to every step of the patient journey.
This Nurses Week, we honor the steady hands, calming voices, and compassionate hearts who make exceptional care possible every day.

💙 Thank you to the incredible nurses of the Institute for Plastic Surgery. We see you. We appreciate you. We couldn’t do it without you.

04/25/2025

Join the Plastic Surgery team in our newly opened medical spa.
To learn more or apply follow the link below.
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siumed/jobs/4920077/aesthetician-u

04/18/2025

Congratulations to the surgical residents who achieved top marks at the 22nd Annual Department of Surgery Resident Research Day.
Podium Presentations--
1st place: Justin Davis, MD (PGY4, Plastic Surgery)
2nd Place: Chandler Hudson, MD (PGY4, Urology)
3rd Place: Jessie Koljonen, MD (PGY5, Plastic Surgery)
Top Poster--
Anthony Nestler, MD (PGY4, Orthopedic Surgery)

04/18/2025