Welcome, Dr. Capouch!
Samuel Capouch, MD, joined the Springfield Clinic Neurology Department as of Aug. 8, 2023. Dr. Capouch sees patients at HSHS St. John's Pavilion.
Dr. Capouch earned his medical degree and completed his neurology residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Prior to starting medical school, he earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering.
"I want patients to know that I will be with them in the long run," says Dr. Capouch. "Whether it is an inpatient or outpatient setting, I want them to know they can rely on me and I'll be accessible for them."
In his practice, Dr. Capouch will be a general neurologist, seeing patients with recurring headaches, movement disorders, strokes, seizures and multiple sclerosis in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
"Helping patients understand what they can expect and focusing more on quality of life is very rewarding," says Dr. Capouch. "I find a lot of meaning in developing long-term relationships with my patients and seeing them improve over time."
In his free time, Dr. Capouch enjoys spending time with his wife and son as well as playing guitar and running.
Welcome, Dr. Iqbal!
Afshan Iqbal, MD, is joining the Springfield Clinic Infectious Diseases & Travel Medicine Department. She will be seeing patients at our Springfield Clinic 1st - 900 Building effective Aug. 28, 2023.
Dr. Iqbal earned her medical degree at Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed both an internal medicine residency and an infectious disease fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Dr. Iqbal is not only the first doctor in her family, but the first female from her community to go to college.
"I chose a career in medicine partly because I wanted to set a precedent for my younger female cousins and neighbors that they can do it to," said Dr. Iqbal.
Dr. Iqbal's scope of practice expands across the entire spectrum of infectious disease, and she looks forward to addressing any issues her patients may have.
"I am on my patients' team and want what is best for them," says Dr. Iqbal. "I am not afraid of the difficult treatments; getting my patients cured is my goal."
In her free time, Dr. Iqbal enjoys reading, cooking and baking.
Welcome, Dr. Zhen!
Daniel Zhen, MD, is joining the Springfield Clinic Trauma Surgery Department. He will be seeing patients at HSHS St. John's Hospital starting Aug. 21, 2023.
Dr. Zhen earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He also completed a general surgery residency at Mount Sinai Morningside-West Hospital in New York City and a fellowship in surgical critical care at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill.
"I've come to learn that trauma surgery is only one part of my job," says Dr. Zhen. "A big and very meaningful part of my job is meeting people where they're at, and educating and guiding them through a very stressful time."
Dr. Zhen highlights his desire to learn as a reason why he naturally found himself in a medical career.
"I was always drawn to science in school because it made sense. I loved learning why things were the way they were," says Dr. Zhen. "And it would amaze me that there were still tons of questions we didn't have answers to. In college, that evolved into learning about the human body and where things go wrong."
In his free time, Dr. Zhen enjoys staying active by hiking or throwing frisbee in the spring or ice skating in the winter. He also enjoys spending his Sundays in the fall watching football.
Welcome, Dr. Kanitsch!
Stephanie Kanitsch, MD, is joining the Springfield Clinic Center for Women's Health Department. She will be seeing patients at our Springfield Clinic 1st - 900 Building starting Aug. 28, 2023.
Dr. Kanitsch earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Roseau, Fla. She completed her Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Chester, Pa. She has more than five years of experience in providing obstetrics and gynecologic care in the central Illinois region.
"I have always wanted to come to a smaller town setting for my career and family where you can find a true sense of community," says Dr. Kanitsch.
Dr. Kanitsch sees the beauty of women's health because she gets to treat patients for a variety of needs. She has a particular passion for high-risk obstetrics care.
"I truly want my patients to feel that they are a part of my family when I see them," says Dr. Kanitsch. "I want to be seen as not only their physician giving them medical advice, but also as their sounding board and a pillar of support for them."
When she is not seeing patients or delivering babies, Dr. Kanitsch can be found traveling the world, exploring new restaurants and cooking with her husband. She also enjoys working up a sweat in the gym and spending time with family and friends.