Bio-terrorism—its history and relevance to developing world events—is just one of the topics that will be discussed in Stony Brook University's "Mini-Medical School," the popular lecture series designed for the general public that covers a wide range of medical and health topics. The series, which runs for seven weeks, will resume in Fall 2002 at the School of Medicine at the Health Sciences Center, and remains free of charge and open to individuals interested in exploring health care and related issues.
The "Mini-Medical School" begins Wednesday, October 2 and continues every Wednesday evening through November 13. "Bio-terrorism: Can We End Life As We Know It?"—which will explore the actual risk of bio-terrorism and potential new deadly weapons—will conclude the "Mini-Med School" series. It will be presented by Dr. Peter Vicceillio, a Professor of Emergency Medicine and Vice Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the School of Medicine, who has advised the New York State Legislature on the topic of bio-terrorist threats.
No tests or grades are given for the courses, and attendees who attend at least six lectures will receive certificates of achievement at the conclusion of the series. Classes will be held in the Health Sciences Center lecture halls and the Coller Learning Center.
"Most people wish they knew more about medicine," said Peter C. Williams. M.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Medicine. "This program exposes adults from all walks of life to this specialized area of knowledge in an easy-to-understand and practical format."
The "Mini-Med School" is sponsored by an educational grant from the Times Beacon Record Newspapers. The series begins with an introduction to academic medicine by Dr. Williams followed by "Dispelling Popular Myths About Your Body," which will examine popular misconceptions in the light of modern scientific knowledge. Subsequent discussions include a focus on vascular disease, ophthalmology, the mechanisms of pain, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease, and techniques for obtaining and evaluating health information.
"The public's interest in medicine and health, and particularly about the leading role played by Stony Brook in these areas, is strong," said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., Vice President of the Health Sciences Center and Dean of the School of Medicine. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to educate the public in the science of medicine and the medical resources we have here at the Health Sciences Center and to make the information relevant."
There is no charge for classes, parking, and a light snack. Pre-registration and a commitment to attend the series—two hours a week for seven weeks—are required. Those who have not attended previous Applications for the program have been sold out in prior years and must be received by September 17. "Mini-Med School" sessions will be given priority enrollment. Capacity for the series is 150 and classes begin at 7:00 p.m. To receive an application, please call (631) 444-2080.
