The Academic Senate at UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program will be presenting a series of health-related lectures for the community.

The public is invited to hear and ask questions of leading experts in medicine and health sciences at their sixth annual “Mini-Med School,” a series of six lectures for the general public on health issues related to the whole family.

Lectures will be held from Sep. 5 through Oct. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 155 N. Fresno St. Parking will be available off of Illinois and Fresno streets in the UCSF Fresno lot.

Session 1: Sept. 5 
The Neonatal ICU: The State of the Art 2017
Presenter: Stephen Elliott, MD
Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF Fresno Department of Pediatrics
Attending Neonatologist, Community Medical Centers
The Mini-Med School journey begins with the smallest and most fragile patients. Neonatology is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants. The role of the neonatologist and other specialists as they work together in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be covered. This incredible presentation includes a virtual tour of the NICU.
 
Pediatric ICU: Exceptional Care for the Sickest Kids
Presenter: Thianchai (Tom) Bunnalai, MD
Medical Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC)
The new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at CRMC admits children of all ages for a variety of common and rare disorders. The PICU represents a real advance for families in Fresno who need specialized care locally. Join us as the PICU physicians and staff explain their role in caring for critically ill children in our new, state-of-the-art PICU.
 
Session 2: Sept. 12
True Tales from Poison Control
Presenter: Serena Huntington, PharmD
Specialist, Poisoning Information, California Poison Control System
Assistant Professor, UCSF School of Pharmacy
 
Every day, California Poison Control fields calls from parents, paramedics, nurses, pharmacists and doctors who want to discuss a poisoning emergency. Whether you have a question or an acute exposure, the experts at the Poison Control Center are ready to answer your questions and offer expert advice. Common poisoning exposures and how you can poison-proof your home will be covered.
 
Snakebite 911: Prevention and First Aid for California Snakebites
Presenters:
Rais Vohra, MD, FACEP, FACMT
Associate Professor, UCSF Fresno Department of Emergency Medicine
Associate Medical Director, California Poison Control System, Fresno-Madera Division
 
Mark Halvorsen
Directory of Herpetology, Fresno Chaffee Zoo
 
A snakebite is the last thing any hiker wants while exploring California’s beautiful parks and forests—but preparing adequately for such an emergency can help significantly in case it ever happens.  In a very special collaboration, UCCF Fresno has teamed up with the Herpetology team at Fresno Chaffee Zoo to help educate the public about venomous snakes and snakebites. In this talk, you will learn which species of venomous snakes are found in California, and how to treat yourself or a companion if a rattlesnake causes an unpleasant surprise out on the Central Valley trails. Fresno Chaffee Zoo staff will be on hand to share their expertise and they may even bring some fanged friends along for an unforgettable show-and-tell!  
 
Session 3: Sept. 19
Advances in the Science and Treatment of Cancer
Presenter: Gregory Gilmore, MD
Fellow, UCSF Fresno Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
 
Cancer is frequently discussed in the media, but people may not understand what it really is or how it damages the body. Our understanding of cancer has advanced considerably in recent decades, which has fortunately led to some significant treatments and most importantly, given countless families hope after a diagnosis is made. This presentation will explain the basics of cancer and its manifestations, and summarize treatment options for common types of malignancies.  
 
Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine
Presenter: Patrick MacMillan, MD
Director, UCSF Fresno Palliative Care Medicine Division and Fellowship
Associate Professor, UCSF Fresno
 
Whether caring for a loved one with a terminal illness or facing an incurable condition ourselves, the desire is the same –  a meaningful end to life’s journey. This presentation will discuss the options and choices for end-of-life care that patients and families will want to know to help achieve the important life goal of passing with dignity and a sense of peace.

Session 4: Sept. 26
Women and Heart Disease
Teresa Daniele, MD
Chief of Cardiology, UCSF Fresno
Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF Fresno
Director, UCSF Fresno Cardiovascular Fellowship Program
 
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. Back by popular demand, this encore presentation by Dr. Daniele will discuss what heart disease actually is, who is at risk for developing the disease and how it can be prevented.
 
Everyday Neurology: Brain Science for the Non-Clinician
Presenter: Mark Stecker, MD
Clinical Professor and Director of Neurology, UCSF Fresno
 
Although the human brain is a remarkable and complex organ, many illness patterns can be detected just by watching how people talk, move and behave. Join us on a fascinating journey of learning as Dr. Stecker discusses common disorders affecting the nervous system and their prevention and cure.

Session 5: Oct. 3
Tell Me What’s Bothering You: A World Tour of Emergency Medicine
Presenter: Xian Li, MD
Fellow, UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine Education Fellowship Program
Former Volunteer, Doctors Without Borders
 
No one plans to go to the emergency room, but you never know when you or a loved one may need to call 911. Knowing what to expect if you have to visit your local emergency room can help everyone navigate the sometimes chaotic realm of “medicine’s front door.” Dr. Li has spent time on the front lines in some of the world’s most under-resourced emergency departments and will share his insights about the core values and general approach that physicians take to emergency care regardless of setting.

Dermatology by the Decade
Presenter: Greg Simpson, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF Fresno
Director, UCSF Fresno Division of Dermatology
 
Changes in a person’s skin can represent many things and sometimes the age of the patient provides additional clues to the diagnosis. We’ll explore common and rare conditions for each age group and their potential treatment options. In this session, diseases that are prevalent right here in Fresno as well as a collection of unusual dermatology syndromes from international settings will be discussed. 
 
Session 6: Oct. 10
Simulation in Medical Education: Hands on Experiences
Presenters:
Stacy Sawtelle Vohra, MD
Director of Education, UCSF Fresno Clinical Skills Lab
Director, UCSF Fresno Department of Emergency Medicine Residency Program
 
Stuart Maxwell, MD
Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF Fresno Department of Emergency Medicine,
Technical Director, UCSF Fresno Clinical Skills Lab
Medical Director, Emergency Department, Community Regional Medical Center
 
Transitioning from medical student to physician requires deliberate practice of medical decision making and procedural skills prior to taking care of real patients. If you have ever  wondered how doctors practice responses to real-life situations, this session is for you. Lecture participants will experience firsthand the application of high-tech simulation in medical education and will have the opportunity to interact with high-fidelity mannequins and task trainers used to train medical students and physicians.