Derek Minor, MD, is with the Springfield Clinic's General Surgery Department.Dr. Minor both earned his medical degree from and completed his residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.Dr. Minor's interest in medicine started close to home with his father's heart disease. "Just watching him go to his visits, seeing all the different medicines they tried and... Read More about Derek C. Minor, MD

Board certified in general surgery, Dr. Eric Cox received his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield and completed his residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Cox's practice runs the breadth of general surgery providing services ranging from cancer care to hernia repairs. Dr. Cox makes it a priority to get to... Read More about Eric M. Cox, MD, FACS

Dr. Garcia is one of only three providers in the Peoria area that offers minimally invasive, robotic procedures. She places special emphasis on empowering women to take charge of their health, and her patients describe her as both caring and collaborative. She says one of the best parts of her job is working hand in hand with patients as a... Read More about Xochitl L. Garcia, MD, FACOG, MIGS

Dr. Crawford attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Ky., for his medical degree. He was a pioneer in robotic surgery starting in 2002 and built the robotics curriculum for resident physicians at University of Illinois in Peoria starting in 2004.Dr. Crawford completed his fellowship in minimally invasive surgery when it was brand new in 1998.Top Areas of... Read More about David L. Crawford, MD, FACS

Dr. Evans completed his medical degree and general surgery residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. He then went on to complete a critical care fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Co."Trauma is a little bit of the unknown," he says, "which is part of why I like it. It can be... Read More about Chadrick R. Evans, MD, FACS

Dr. Hopping's interest in the field of medicine began during hospital visits with his grandmother, who was ill with lupus. Growing up doing carpentry and other jobs that required work with his hands, Dr. Hopping felt that surgery was a good fit for his future. He completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, followed... Read More about Jacob R. Hopping, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Reuben Valenzuela, MD, provides care with the Neurology Department at Springfield Clinic Peoria. "After a short time in medical school, I knew I wanted to specialize in neurology." says Dr. Valenzuela. Dr. Valenzuela earned his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. He completed his neurology residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria (UICOMP).... Read More about Reuben M. Valenzuela, MD

Jeffrey R. Ruskusky, DPM, FACFAS, developed an interest in the medical field as a child who frequently required medical care. He knew he wanted to help people in the same way he had been helped.His family ties drew him to the podiatry specialty. "My dad was a podiatrist, and as I got older, my interest grew," he says. "Once I... Read More about Jeffrey R. Ruskusky, DPM, FACFAS

Gretchen Evans, DPM, was drawn to podiatry after attending a health care seminar where she met and later shadowed with podiatrists in the community."I was pleasantly surprised by the additional opportunities podiatry has to offer," she says, "particularly diabetic foot care and limb salvage."Dr. Evans earned her medical degree from Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Iowa.... Read More about Gretchen M. Evans, DPM, FACFAS

Gareth McGee, DO, provides care with the Springfield Clinic's Colon & Rectal Surgery Department and sees patients at Springfield Clinic Peoria.Dr. McGee earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. He completed his general surgery residency at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in Spartanburg, S.C., and his Colon & Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Southern Illinois University School of... Read More about Gareth M. McGee, DO

Born in New York City, Dr. Patel did not grow up wanting to be a doctor. She began her career working for a nonprofit organization, Malaria No More, where she worked with high school and college-aged students to raise awareness of issues in Africa and Southeast Asia. It was during that time she realized that she could make a difference... Read More about Vaishali M. Patel, DO

After witnessing his younger sister's battle with leukemia when he was a child, Dr. Fischer knew he wanted to be a doctor. He attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for medical school and completed his general surgery residency at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Calif.One of Newsweek's 2025 America's Leading DoctorsNewsweek has named Dr. Justin Fischer to its America’s Leading... Read More about Justin L. Fischer, MD, FACS, FASCRS