UNMC, 16 communities across Nebraska invite public to 10th Anniversary Mini-Medical School; offers free health education series on genetics, cardiology and the brain

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and co-sponsors in 16 communities across Nebraska invite the public to participate in a free health educational series titled, “A Decade Makes a Difference.” The series will run three Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13 and 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (central time).

This fall’s Mini-Medical School will celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the program, which has been for the past 10 years – a commitment to bring Nebraskans the most up-to-date information on research and treatment on a myriad of health topics. Since the fall of 1995, when UNMC hosted the first Mini-Medical School, UNMC experts have discussed cancer, aging, cardiology, genetics and the brain, to name just a few.

This fall series will highlight treatment options and improvements in three of the most popular topics: genetics, cardiology and the brain. Refreshments will be served on the first night. On the last night, health screenings will be offered at some sites across Nebraska (please inquire with site).

The series will be broadcast live from the UNMC Durham Research Center Auditorium in Omaha, via satellite to: Chadron, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Harrison, Holdrege, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Red Cloud, Rushville, Sidney, Scottsbluff and Wayne. The series will be transmitted on Nebraska Satellite System 2, Channel 102. In addition to the Durham Research Center site it Omaha, it also will be broadcast in Omaha to Clarkson West Medical Center, 144^th & Center.

“This Mini-Medical School not only provides up to date information on research and treatment on some of our most popular topics over 10 years, but also celebrates where medical research has taken us,” said Harold M. Maurer, M.D., chancellor of UNMC. Dr. Maurer, an international expert on rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that strikes children’s muscles, will kick off the series Oct. 6 with a discussion on how far medical research and treatment has come in 10 years.

Seating for Mini-Medical School is limited. Registration is required. To get more information about the series or to register, go to: http://www.unmc.edu/minimed. While the program is free to the public, continuing education credits are available to some health professionals at a cost.

Anyone with NebSat 2 capability can watch the series. For more information, call UNMC Public Affairs at (402) 559-4353.

While the series is free, Nebraska and Iowa nurses who wish to receive up to six contact hours of continuing nursing education can do so at a cost of $30. Contact hours are awarded through the UNMC College of Nursing.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is provided for 6.0 contact hours. Iowa Provider #78. Additionally, provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #13699 for 6.0 contact hours. Participants must register for Mini-Medical School at the site they will attend, and they will receive two contact hours for each full session that they attend.

For more information, call the College of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education office, (402) 559-7487, or e-mail Rhonda Harnish at rharnish@unmc.edu.

For physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, the cost also is $30. The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Center for Continuing Education, designates this educational activity for a maximum of six category one credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity. The Center for Continuing Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

UNMC Mini-Medical School dates, topics and presenters:

Oct. 6, “A Decade Makes a Difference,” – from 6:30 to 7 p.m., a 10-year celebration reception will be held and refreshments served. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. central time, the program will begin with Dr. Maurer talking about where medical research has taken health care over the last 10 years. In addition, Bruce Buehler, M.D., director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute at UNMC, in “Exploring the Genetic Blueprint,” will discuss how genetic diagnostic tests are benefiting Nebraskans and how, through the Human Genome Project completed in 2003, researchers at UNMC are now targeting cures for certain diseases based on a person’s genetics.

Oct. 13, “Brainstorm of New Advances” — will address three topics on diseases or disorders that strike the brain. Participants will learn about complex issues surrounding brain disorders, drugs developed to fight diseases in the brain, and the latest in research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment options available for stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Titles of lectures will include “New Thoughts on the Brain,” by Sanjay Singh, M.D., UNMC assistant professor of neurological sciences; “Countering a Brain Attack,” by Pierre Fayad, M.D., chairperson of the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences; and “Raising the Bar in Brain Research,” by Anuja Ghorpade, Ph.D., UNMC associate professor of pharmacology, Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Oct. 20, “The Beat Goes On” — three faculty members will talk about the latest tools, techniques and breakthroughs in research and treatment for the heart. In addition, some Mini-Medical School site hosts will have cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure screenings available before the program, from at 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. central time.

“Recharging the Heart,” will be presented by John Windle, M.D., chairman, UNMC Department of Cardiology and professor of cardiology; “Tiny Bubbles Detect Big Trouble,” will be presented by Thomas Porter, M.D., UNMC professor of cardiology; and “Understanding the Failing Heart,” will be presented by Irving Zucker, M.D., chairman of UNMC Cellular/Integrative Physiology.

Locations of free UNMC Mini-Medical School series and registration information:

Broadcasting live via satellite (6:30-8:30 p.m. central time, 5:30-7:30 p.m. mountain time) to:

Chadron

Chadron State College, Student Center, Scottsbluff Room

1000 Main St., (308) 432-6422 bfillmore@csc.edu

UNMC, 16 communities across Nebraska invite public to 10th Anniversary Mini-Medical School; offers free health education series on genetics, cardiology and the brain

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