The four-session UI Mini Medical School program focuses on age-related changes in our vision, hearing, and mobility. All sessions will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and meet at the UI Medical Education and Research Facility. Mini Medical School is designed for anyone interested in the scientific basis of health and disease. Participants do not need a science background.

The sessions will explore some of the newest theories in aging research and learn how discoveries make their way from the laboratory bench to the bedside. You'll discover what our world-renowned researchers are developing in the world of ophthalmology, otolaryngology and orthopaedics.

Some of the topics that will be covered are common eye conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, age-related hearing loss, osteoarthritis, and maintaining and restoring mobility.

Sessions Schedule

Session 1 (April 8)
Age Related Vision Loss

• Understanding Common Eye Conditions and Looking into the Future, by John Fingert, MD, PhD
• Medical, Surgical and Rehabilitation Treatments, by Mark E. Wilkinson, OD, FAAO

Session 2 (April 15)
Age Related Hearing Loss

• Causes and Rehabilitation of Hearing Loss: Past, Present, and Future, by Marlan Hansen, MD
• Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Communication Strategies, by Shea L. Becker, AuD, CCC-A

Session 3 (April 22)
Maintaining and Restoring Mobility

• Aging and Loss of Mobility, by Joseph A. Buckwalter, MS, MD
• Restoring Mobility in 2008, by John J. Callaghan, MD

Session 4 (April 29)
Medical Student Experience

Experience first hand what our medical students encounter during this evening of interactive exploration. Participate in hands-on medical education experiences in one of our patient simulation centers, the heart and lungs station or learn how to research your health questions on the internet.

Participation is limited to the first 250 registrants. You can register online www.medicine.uiowa.edu/minimedicalschool/ or call 877-MED-IOWA. A one-time registration fee of $5 for course materials will be collected at the door.

Mini Medical School programs are designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the scientific basis of health and disease. These programs help to satisfy your curiosity about medicine and help you understand how discoveries translate into innovations and treatment.

For more information:

UI Carver College of Medicine

John Fingert, MD, PhD

Mark E. Wilkinson, OD, FAAO

Marlan Hansen, MD

Shea L. Becker, AuD, CCC-A

Joseph A. Buckwalter, MS, MD

John J. Callaghan, MD