Dr. Shakti Chandra (R) demonstrates a hip joint replacement to Bob Glynn, who attended the Mini Med School, and coordinator Diana Deacon.

Starting Feb. 18, the Mini Med School offered six evening presentations for members of the public who’ve always wanted to learn more about the science and practice of medicine. Participants discovered how students in an interdisciplinary health education course benefit from the HIV/AIDS research of retired dean of Medicine, Dr. Ian Bowmer; learned more about what’s behind a basic physical examination with Dr. Bill Eaton; gained a deeper understanding of Parkinson’s and related disorders with Dr. Alan Goodridge; explored the links between diet and hypertension with Dr. John Smeda; and learned about survival skills in the ER with Dr. Conleth O’Maonaigh.

CCHPE developed the Mini Med School to bring the expertise of the Faculty of Medicine to the community in a new and accessible way. “Mini Med Schools are offered through numerous medical schools in North America and play an important part in their mission of community outreach,” explained Ms. Deacon. “For a nominal cost of $25 members of the community had the opportunity to learn about human biology, current medical research, and the medical sciences underlying the health-related information which is presented through television, print, and electronic media.”

Representatives from clinical and non-clinical divisions of the Faculty of Medicine, the Health Care Corporation of St. John’s, and the Department of Health and Social Services worked with the CCHPE in planning this new outreach program to the community.

Informal feedback and the results of written evaluation indicate that the program was a positive learning experience for the participants, one which enhanced their general knowledge about medical matters in a comfortable and interactive environment. As one participant noted, “I enjoyed and appreciated that the medical community has tried to bring itself to the community – well done!”

The series also attracted a varied audience. As Ms. Deacon explained, “The evaluation confirmed my initial impressions about the audience for the series. About 40 per cent of the group was under 19 – high school students with an interest in medicine, many of whom would like to attend medical school in their future. Another large percentage was 50 years and older. They came to expand their knowledge and to find out more about issues of direct concern for their own health and the health of their families. Such a diverse group meant that question and answer sessions were lively and enthusiastic!

Ms. Deacon said that plans are already underway to offer the Mini Med School again next year and that she’s also looking at similar outreach programs from other Canadian medical schools for new ideas. Medicine at the Movies, anyone?

Check the CCHPE Web site at www.med.mun.ca/cchpe/ or call 777-7077 for program details and more information.