Thomas Nielsen, MD, FACEP, of Heartland Emergency Specialists, LLC, (HES), will receive the 2008 Downstate Member Award from the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians (ICEP). The award will be presented to Dr. Nielsen during the ICEP’s spring symposium at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois on March 6.

ICEP is the state medical specialty society representing more than 1,100 emergency physicians in Illinois. It is dedicated to the support of quality emergency medical care and committed to the interests of emergency physicians.

The Downstate Member Award is presented to the individual physician who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of emergency medicine in downstate Illinois. Dr. Nielsen has nearly 25 years experience in emergency medicine.

Dr. Nielsen is the currently the president and a partner with HES. HES began serving patients at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center Emergency Department October 13, 2007. He is also serves at the Emergency Department Medical Director at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. He is board certified in both emergency medicine and family medicine.

A graduate of Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Dr. Nielsen completed his residency at Southern Illinois University hospitals.