Regional Dean, College of Medicine at Peoria
Sara L. Rusch received her MD degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1978. She is board certified in General Internal Medicine and practiced as a general internist from 1981-2001 and as a hospitalist from 2001-2008.
Dr. Rusch is a Professor of Clinical Medicine and served as Vice Chair, Residency Program Director and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Sara Rusch became Regional Dean in January 2008.
Since becoming Regional Dean, Dr Rusch has led multiple efforts including the development of the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center, the creation of the Center for Health Outcomes Research and the expansion of the cancer biology program including the new cancer research center.
Dr. Rusch served as Governor for the Downstate Chapter of the American College of Physicians and in April of 2010, she was elected to ACP Mastership. Masters comprise a select group of highly distinguished physicians who have achieved excellence in medicine and made significant contributions to medical science and the art of medicine. Dr. Rusch is recognized as an educator and mentor of young physicians, an academic leader and a skilled clinician.
In 2011, Dr. Rusch was honored with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, given annually to a woman who shows outstanding achievement in her profession. She also received the UIC Women of the Year Award, which honors a woman who consistently works on women’s issues beyond the call of duty and who is an exemplary role model.
Dr. Rusch is married to Dr. Thomas Cusack, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. She is mother to seven children and has six grandchildren.