LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a six-part “mini-medical school” educational series beginning in March.

The series was developed to provide the community with current information on various healthcare 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 series, which is open to the community, 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 series will begin on Wednesday, March 12, with “Understanding the Human Heart” with science instructor Kim Emery and nursing instructor Shannon Packard, both from the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions.

They will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the heart, the impact of exercise and diet on cardiac health and the effects of commonly prescribed medications. The presentation will include SimMan, a life-like simulation model.

All programs will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Pettingill Hall, Room G52 at Bates College.

The remaining sessions include:

March 19, “Sustaining Behavior Health Change” with psychologist Deborah Taylor, PhD. She will talk about the importance of sustaining behavior change that has a positive impact on health.

March 26, “Medical Errors” with Dr. Larry Hopperstead, chief medical officer at CMMC. He will discuss how medical errors occur and what healthcare providers do to prevent them. He will also outline steps that patients can take to help assure that errors do not occur.

April 2, “Viruology” with Lee Abrahamsen, a virologist who teaches bacteriology, virology and cellular and molecular biology at Bates College. The presentation will feature an overview of common viral illnesses.

April 9, “Current Trends in Treatment of Vascular Disease” with Dr. Alan Ingraham, a vascular surgeon with Central Maine Vascular Surgery. He will talk about state-of-the-art treatments for diseases that affect the circulatory system.

April 16, “Stress, Depression, Inflammation and Metabolic Changes” with Kathy Lowe, PhD, an instructor at Bates College. She will talk about the relationship between stress, depression, inflammation and metabolism, the biological chemical reactions that sustain life.

Anyone wishing to register for the program or seeking more information should call 795-8240 or e-mail [email protected].