UU直播 to launch Mini-Med School in October 2001
Originator J. John Cohen returns to his alma mater February 22 to discuss
Anyone who has ever dreamed of attending medical school but has not fulfilled that dream will be interested in the new "Mini-Med School" program to be launched by UU直播聮s Faculty of Medicine next fall. A first in Canada, the program concept is a big hit in the USA, where over 80 medical schools have adopted the model. The idea is the brainchild of a UU直播 medical graduate now practising in Colorado, Dr J. John Cohen, who will visit UU直播 this week, February 21 to 23. Dr Cohen is professor of immunology and medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and has won the Excellence in Teaching award every year since 1982. His talk at UU直播, part of the Medical Education Rounds, takes place Thursday, February 22, 2001 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Meakins Amphitheatre, 5th Floor, McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, 3655 Drummond Street. Interviews can be arranged by calling 514-398-6747.
Dr Abraham Fuks, dean of the UU直播 Faculty of Medicine, is convinced that the new Mini-Med School will attract both the general public and those who are contemplating a career in medicine. "We聮re excited about this venture, and we believe it will be informative and entertaining. It聮s an amazing opportunity to study medicine with some of the best people on our staff -- a great thing for UU直播 and a great thing for the community," he says. UU直播 is hoping the initiative will make basic medical science accessible to a wider public and thus raise awareness of health issues. Organizers also want to encourage UU直播 scientists and physicians to communicate their expertise to a broad audience.
The UU直播 Mini-Med curriculum will mirror some of the topics that a first- or second-year medical student tackles, but without the hours of homework or the pressures of exams. Beginning October 17, and offered every Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm for a period of six to eight weeks at a minimum fee, the topics will include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, cancer, cardiovascular system, human genetics, immunology, psychology and ethics. Their catchy titles, e.g., From Bugs to Drugs, Watching the Mind at Work, Is Your Body Running on Empty?, are intended to let people know that the lecture series will be fun as well as a stimulating learning experience. Small group discussions and some clinical demonstrations are part of the format. No prerequisites are required.
Participants will be asked to pre-register, because of space restrictions. Further details will be provided as soon as available.
