LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a daylong “Mini-Medical School” seminar on Saturday, Nov. 17, in the chairmen’s rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

The program is part of a new series being developed to provide the community with current information on various health care issues.

“Presenting mini-med schools is a growing trend among research universities and medical schools across the country,” said Cindie Rice, director of outreach, prevention and wellness at CMHVI. “Such programs offer the public the chance to learn about developments and issues in medicine from doctors, researchers and other healthcare professionals.”

The Nov. 17 lecture series is open to the community. The series will allow participants to learn about the latest breakthroughs and debates in medical science and how the issues might relate to their own health. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend the programs.

The one-day event is a prelude to an eight-week series that will start in the spring. Upcoming topics will include metabolic syndrome, genomics, sports medicine, errors in healthcare and current topics in heart disease.

The Nov. 17 program will feature the following:

9 a.m., welcome and introductions, CMHVI Medical Director of Outreach and Prevention Dr. Burgess Record.

9:15 to 10 a.m., “Taking Charge of Your Health Care by Using Evidence-Based Information,” Maureen Fournier, medical librarian at Central Maine Medical Center.

10:15 to 11 a.m., “Current Issues in Public Health,” Angela Westhoff, executive director of Healthy Androscoggin.

11 a.m. to noon, “Mastering Migraine Headaches,” Dr. Daniel Lalonde, pain medicine specialist, Central Maine Pain and Headache Center, Auburn.

Noon to 1 p.m., lunch provided.

1 to 2 p.m., “Healthy Nutrition through the Holidays,” Sharon Kuhrt, MSN, president of the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions.

2 to 3 p.m., “Managing Stress,” Marcy Covey, CMMC Wellness Center personal health counselor.

Anyone wishing to register for the program or seeking more information should call 795-8243 or e-mail [email protected].