Mind, body and soul in medicine

By Joe Stuteville

IU Mini Medical School begins Feb 13

Do patients’ spirituality affect their health outcome? What are the risks and what kind of life can organ transplant recipients expect? How can people benefit from combining traditional and alternative medicine?

These are among the many questions and medical topics that will be in the spotlight at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) Mini Medical School, Feb. 13 through March 20. Each session, conducted by IUSM physicians, faculty and other experts, begins at 7 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer period.

You don’t have to work in the health-care field to attend and appreciate the topics discussed at the Mini Medical School. One of the main goals of the school is to introduce and explain to the public—in everyday language—the latest issues and developments in health care and research.

Moderators for the series are Dr. Stephen Lalka, professor of surgery, and Dr. Bette Maybury, clinical associate professor of neurology.

Speakers and topics for the spring session of Mini Medical School:

Feb. 13: Spirituality in Patient Care

Dr. Elizabeth Bowman, clinical professor in neurology, will lead a panel discussion.

Feb. 20: The Science of Organ Transplantation

Dr. Mark Pescovitz, professor of surgery and microbiology/immunology

Feb. 27: Impact of Sports Medicine on Everyday Life

Dr. Douglas McKeag, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine

March 6: Breathing in Zero Gravity

Wiltz Wagner, V.K. Stoelting Professor of anesthesia, and professor of physiology, biophysics and pediatrics

March 13: Cryobiology of Cells and Tissues

John Critser, professor in pathology and laboratory medicine

March 20: Integrative Medicine: Bridging the Gap

Dr. Palmer MacKie, clinical associate professor of medicine

Each session will be held at the Riley Outpatient Center at the intersection of West and Middle drives on the IU Medical Center campus. Cost for all six sessions is $35 and includes parking, refreshments and a course certificate. For registration information, call 317-278-7600.

The IU Medical Group and Indianapolis radio station WIBC sponsor Mini Medical School, which is offered by the IUSM Faculty Community Relations Committee through the IUPUI Division of Continuing Studies.