FOR RELEASE: July 17, 2006

CLEAR LAKE, 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.

A series of four weekly lectures by prominent physicians and scholars from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will provide current information on a variety of topics, including skin art, advance directives and attention deficit disorder. The lectures, starting Wednesday, Aug. 2, will be held at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., in Houston. The University of Houston-Clear Lake is co-sponsoring the event. A course schedule and descriptions are listed below.

Participants may attend any number 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, as class size may be limited. Online registration is available at www.utmb.edu/minimed or by calling (409) 772-4100. Online registration will close July 28. After July 28, walk-in registration is available.

Check-in for all sessions is from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Session programs are from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Course Descriptions

Wednesday, Aug. 2
Skin Art
You may rethink the saying “beauty is only skin deep” as you listen to this presentation. Most of us don’t think about the ramifications of willingly puncturing or inking our skin. In this lecture, you will learn about body art and its complications, including tattooing, piercing and ritualistic traditions. Richard E. Rupp, M.D., is the presenter.

Wednesday, Aug. 9
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 are 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. Harold Y. Vanderpool, Ph.D., is the presenter.

Wednesday, Aug. 16
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 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.

Wednesday, Aug. 23
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 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
Public Affairs Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu