Jennifer Ash, MD

Medical School:   Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

Residency:  Surgical residency at University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Fellowship:  Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois

 

 

 

  Specializing in:

  •    Open and minimally invasive arterial and venous surgery
  •    Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery and stent implantation
  •    Carotid artery surgery and stent implantation
  •    Minimally invasive varicose vein surgery
  •    Uterine fibroid therapy and embolization

Jen was born in California but grew up in Iroquois County, IL, near Crescent City on a farm. She loved the farm life and was very active in her local 4-H and FFA chapters. She was a Champion Showman in the livestock arena and participated in the National FFA Chorus. Her music involvement gave her the opportunity to tour Europe with the U.S. National Chorus as a teenager.

It was family experiences that prompted her interest in medicine and specifically vascular disease. Unfortunately, her grandfather, with whom she was very close, suffered from significant and widespread aneurysmal disease. He underwent several surgeries including an open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a lower extremity bypass, and an amputation of his leg – the result of a popliteal artery aneurysm. Then, as a medical student, she very much enjoyed her vascular surgery rotation, and it was this experience that solidified her decision to pursue a residency in general surgery. Dr. Ash’s decision to pursue fellowship training in vascular and endovascular surgery was further reinforced during her surgical residency; her introduction to minimally invasive endovascular therapies, especially for aneurysmal disease, interested her very much. She was able to wholeheartedly appreciate the benefits afforded to patients as a result of these new technologies, having experienced more “old-fashioned” therapies firsthand, through the eyes of her grandfather

During her medical training, Dr. Ash was recognized by both faculty and peers. As a resident, she was awarded the Illinois Chapter of the American College of Surgeons Patton Research Award 5 years in a row. She also received the Lorin D. Whittaker, Sr., M.D. Teacher of the Year Award by the Department of Surgery and the Resident of the Year Award by the Class of 2008 at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Ash has also been an active member of the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, having served on several councils and as a member of the House of Delegates.

Board Certifications

• General Surgery
• Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Best part of job

“Beyond the satisfaction that comes with providing patients with high quality care utilizing the latest technological advances, my greatest satisfaction comes from educating patients and families about vascular disease so that they may become active, educated and empowered participants in their healthcare.”