FOR RELEASE: March 21, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas — For many of us, the world of medicine is a mysterious place and yet, it’s more important than ever that we understand medical treatments, technologies and policies that govern health care.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will present a series of four weekly lectures by prominent physicians and scholars in Austin. The UTMB “Mini Medical School” will provide current information on a variety of topics, including connecting with your doctor, avian and pandemic influenza and attention deficit disorder. The lectures will be held at the Joe C. Thompson Conference Center located on the University of Texas at Austin campus at the intersection of 26th and Red River Streets. Course descriptions are listed below.

Participants may attend one, some or all four of the sessions. Students taking part in three or more sessions will receive a UTMB Mini Medical School “diploma.” All classes are free. Registration is encouraged and class size is limited. Online registration is available at www.utmb.edu/minimed or by calling (409) 772-4100. Online registration will close March 27. After March 27, on-site registration is available.

Course Descriptions

Tuesday, April 4
A Time to Live and a Time to Die: Medical Futility and the Vital Importance of Advance Directives
What happens to the human body when death and disease is irreversible? There are many reasons stated in health care about why people should set forth their end-of-life wishes through advanced directives, but what most people don’t know about are the pros and cons. Presenters are Donald S. Prough, M.D., and Harold Y. Vanderpool, Ph.D.

Tuesday, April 11
Can You Hear Me Now — Connecting With Your Doctor
Do you ever feel that your doctor doesn’t spend enough time with you? Are you asking the right questions in order to get the answers you need? Drs. Patricia S. Beach and Barbara L. Thompson will help you learn how to better communicate with your physician and will show you the best way to get the information you need.

Tuesday, April 18
Avian Influenza and the Anticipated Influenza Pandemic
How big an impact does the yearly influenza epidemic have compared to other infectious diseases in the United States? How big a threat is the anticipated pandemic, and why do we fear it more now with the spread of 'bird flu?' What can and is being done at universities in Texas to address the threat? Presenters are Norbert J. Roberts Jr., M.D., and Slobodan Paessler, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Tuesday, April 25
Fidgety Phil: Attention Deficit Disorder   Fact or Myth?
Fidgeting, interrupting conversations, losing things, forgetting the reason for a trip to the grocery store — everyone acts this way occasionally. However, a long and persistent history of restless, impulsive or inattentive behavior may be a sign of adult ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 4-8 percent of school-age children. Find out how we recognize patterns of these disorders in adults and therapies and treatments designed to help. Presenters are Drs. Ben G. Raimer and Matthew J. Hay.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Media Hotline (409) 772-6397
Jennifer Reynolds-Sanchez: jareynol@utmb.edu