Unsung Hero: Dr. Penny Tippy

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By WSIL Manager

Story Created: Feb 10, 2012 at 9:37 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 10, 2012 at 12:40 PM CDT

CARBONDALE -- Doctor Penny Tippy lives out her passion- helping budding physicians become the best they can be at SIU Family Medicine.

"My role is to direct the educational activities for the residents, and at the same time I'm directing the healthcare activities of the patients we serve," says Dr. Tippy.

Her hometown of West Frankfort is still her home, and as she works with up-and-coming family practice doctors and staff in the residency program... she makes them feel like family.

"The southern Illinois area wouldn't be the same without her because of all the doctors that have stayed after getting trained here," says Chief Resident Bill Smith.

And that's one of the big accomplishments over the course of Dr. Tippy's three decades here as director.

"I look around the community and I think- 90% of the family physicians in this community have come through this program," Dr. Tippy says.

She also launched a clinic in West Frankfort, as well as the Care-a-Van... providing care for school-aged kids in Franklin County. Whether it's Dr. Tippy's role in community service or education, the same priorities apply.

"Fundamentally, she wants what's right for the patient and she will fight for that patient to get everything that patient needs," says Chief Resident Erik Gulbrandsen.

Now Dr. Tippy is approaching retirement as SIU Family Medicine's director. She's surrounded by walls of accomplishments and photos of her 98-year-old father, a former Unsung Hero. But that's not a title she wants to take for herself.

"No I'm just a vessel," says Dr. Tippy. "I try to set a good example."

And her satisfaction comes from knowing the lives she's touched- are making a big impact.

"It's nice to go to a meeting and look around at the doctors that have come out of this program and think, they're doing the right thing. They're doing great things. They're taking good care of their patients."

SIU Family Medicine in Carbondale is on the second floor of the Professional Building at Memorial Hospital.

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