Rozana Dwyer | Elmwood, IL

As a General Surgeon with Graham Health System, Rozana Dwyer is expanding access to high-quality surgical care for patients throughout central Illinois. Working in Canton since 2019, she has brought advanced procedures to rural and small-town communities that have traditionally faced barriers to specialty care. Dr. Dwyer also serves as Medical Director of the Fulton & Mason County Wound Clinic, where her work improves healing and reduces hospital readmissions.

“Dr. Rozana Dwyer stands as an exemplary physician leader dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of rural populations in central Illinois,” writes Bob Senneff, retired President of Graham Health System. “Her tireless service has transformed access to care, expanded education and empowered countless patients and learners.”

Even as a child, Rozana dreamed of going into medicine, drawing a picture of herself as a doctor. She pursued that dream, earning a medical degree with Honors in Research from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and graduated magna cum laude in Mathematics and Biology. She completed her general surgery residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria where she now serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, teaching RMED rural surgery residents and ELITE medical students in the operating room, clinic and simulation settings.

With many role models to consider, Dr. Dwyer admires her parents most of all. Her enduring gratitude and admiration of them shine in her own words: “They immigrated to the USA from Palestine in the late 70s and early 80s, leaving everything they knew to pursue a better life for themselves and their children. They acclimated and embraced American culture and honored their heritage. Their immense work ethic, emphasis on community and civil duty and genuine love for family have set a high bar for me and their four children. Being first generation born American is the most beautiful, unique and consequential experience.”

Impacted by their sacrifice and their preserved heritage, Dr. Dwyer identifies herself as a citizen of her local community here in central Illinois as well as a citizen of a much bigger global community around the world, and she aspires to positively impact them both. She is particularly passionate about organizations that benefit children’s health and education, and lists some of her favorite examples as, “PBS, Blooming Lily, Illinois Food Bank, St. Jude, Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and Watermelon Sisters.”

Rozana has been married to healthcare tech executive and UICOMP teacher, Anthony Dwyer, for ten years and is mother to their two children, Sophia (7) and Jonah (4). Her favorite hangout place in Peoria is Bradley Park where the family spends many Saturdays playing and hiking, followed by a delicious lunch at Jerusalem Restaurant across the street.