The University of Nebraska Medical Center and six distance learning
centers, will sponsor a free Mini-Medical School series titled, The Human
Genetic Blueprint: Unlocking the mystery of human genes to prevent and
treat disease — every Wednesday, from Sept. 29 through Oct. 20. Ten UNMC
specialists in the area of genetics will discuss a variety of issues.
The series is free to the public, including parking, programs and speakers
handouts. Diplomas will be presented on the last night of the series. The
series will be available in Omaha, and through live satellite broadcast
at Distance Learning Centers in Lincoln, Norfolk, Grand Island, Kearney,
North Platte and Scottsbluff.
The UNMC Mini-Medical School series will include information about the
importance of studying genetics, UNMCs role in research and treatment
in genetics, behind-the-scenes work by UNMC researchers, the promise of
the study of genetics and a discussion on the ethical, legal and social
effect of genetic information.
Genetic testing, counseling, and possible disease prevention is the
future of health care for the new millennium, said Bruce Buehler, M.D.,
director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation
at UNMC. As we better understand the genetics of the disease process,
the potential for longer, healthier lives seems unlimited. As we learn
more about our genetic blueprint, we find that susceptibility to disease
is carried in our DNA and how we can begin to prevent many problems like
cancer, diabetes, spina bifida and heart disease.
Recently, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the establishment
of the Center for Human Molecular Genetics, which will play a key role
in allowing UNMC to become a world-class medical center, said Harold M.
Maurer, M.D., UNMC chancellor. The center is going to be the driving force
in moving us forward to reach our goal of doubling our research funding
in the next five years.
The lineup of topics that will be covered include:
Wednesday, Sept. 29, A Genetic Primer: Looking at Your Genes and
What Surrounds Them
Topic content includes what are genes, environment and prevention of
disease, by Dr. Buehler; and how the unraveling of the DNA code translates
into practical medical tools, by G. Bradley Schaefer, M.D., associate director
of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation.
Wednesday, Oct 6, Researching the Molecular Blueprint – Past
and Present
Topic content includes: the Human Genome Initiative and how it can
benefit people, by Richard Finnell, Ph.D., director, Center for Human Molecular
Genetics at UNMC; common genetic syndromes, cause, history and risk of
recurring in families, by Ann Haskins Olney, M.D., assistant professor,
pediatrics; and why some individuals and not others, are affected by birth
defects, and the research being done at UNMC on neural tube defects and
head and face malformations such as cleft palate, by Janee van Waes, D.V.M.,
Ph.D., assistant professor, cell biology and anatomy and Center for Human
Molecular Genetics at UNMC.
Wednesday, Oct 13, When Genes Make You Sick
Topic content includes: causes of cancer, by Kenneth H. Cowan, M.D.,
Ph.D., director, UNMC Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied
Diseases; technology for identifying diseased genes and the relationship
between genes and common birth defects, by Dr. Finnell; and new concepts
in genetic causes of disorders like heart attacks and strokes, by Dr. Schaefer.
Wednesday, Oct 20, Breaking News: The Ethical, Legal, Social Implications
of Genes
Topic content includes: panel discussion with Rebecca Anderson, J.D.,
M.S., genetic counselor; Julia Houfek, Ph.D., R.N., associate professor,
UNMC College of Nursing; Andrew Jameton, Ph.D., associate professor, Department
of Preventive and Societal Medicine; and Ernest Prentice, Ph.D., professor,
Cell Biology and Anatomy.
Seating is limited. Call to register (see attached). Eight continuing
nursing education contact hours are available. The cost is $32.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.
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Dear Editor: please include, if at all possible, the names of the sponsors
who have contributed resources to offer the free series to the public
UNMC Mini-Medical School Series
The Human Genetic Blueprint — Unlocking the mystery of human genes
to prevent and treat disease
Four consecutive Wednesdays, September 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 12 and Oct.
20
6:30-8:30 p.m. Central time
5:30-7:30 p.m. Mountain time
Omaha
UNMC College of Nursing, Cooper Auditorium, 42nd Street and Dewey Avenue
To register, call (402) 559-4353 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Lincoln
UNMC College of Dentistry, 40th & Holdrege Streets, Room 11
To register, call (402) 472-3657 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by the UNMC College of Nursing and UNMC College of Dentistry
Norfolk
Northeast Community College, Lifelong Learning Center
(southwest corner of campus), 601 East Benjamin Ave.
To register, call (402) 370-4000 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Center, Northeast Community College,
and Faith Regional Health Services
Grand Island
College Park, Fonner Room, 3180 W. Highway 34, parking available on
south and north end of building
To register, call (308) 385-5015 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by College Park Partners and St. Francis Medical Center
Kearney
Rural Health Education Distance Learning Research Center, Communications
Center Building, Room 101
University of Nebraska at Kearney, 1918 University Drive, Park in Lot
#22
To register, call (308) 865-8065 or (308) 865-6055 or via internet
at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by the Rural Health Education Distance Learning Research
Center and UNMC College of Nursing
North Platte
Nebraska Plains Higher Education Center
University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center,
West State Farm Road
To register, call (308) 532-3611, ext. 167 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by the Nebraska Plains Higher Education Center at North Platte
and the Great Plains Regional Medical Center
Scottsbluff
University Complex Panhandle Station, Monument Room
University of Nebraska Panhandle Learning Center, 4502 Ave. I, park
in the south parking lot
Call (308) 632-1319 or via internet at www.unmc.edu
Sponsored by the UNMC College of Nursing West Nebraska Division and
the Panhandle Learning Center