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 October.

The series will take the form of an ongoing case study following a hypothetical patient facing health care issues commonly  confronted by the elderly. In this case, the patient has been injured in a fall and as a result faces various medical challenges.

Open to the community, the series will explore a variety of topics, often providing information about the latest breakthroughs and debates in medical science and how these 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, Oct. 7 with “Slow Medicine” featuring Dennis McCullough, M.D., author of “My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing ‘Slow Medicine,’ The Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones.”

McCullough’s presentation will focus on the fastest growing group of seniors, those over age 80, who have the highest likelihood of benefiting from care that is more
measured and reflective, balancing thoughtfully the separate, multiple
and complex issues of late-life.
This demographic group has more interaction with the medical system and uses more resources per capita than any other age group, creating a spiraling demand for health care services.

He will make his presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bates College Muskie Archives, 70 Campus Ave.

McCullough appears through the auspices of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. Following his presentation, McCullough will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase.

Other installments in the series include:

Oct. 14: ­ “A Day in the Life of an Emergency Department,” with Lanny Oliver, M.D., medical director of the Central Maine Medical Center Emergency Department. The case study presentation will examine the care process for a senior who has sustained an injury in a fall.

Oct. 21: “Spinal Injuries in Seniors,” with orthopaedic surgeon Michael Regan, M.D., of Central Maine Orthopaedics in Auburn, and physician assistant Ryan Card of Central Maine Spine Center in Auburn. The presentation will look at spinal injuries typical of the older patient as well as why they happen, how they are treated and their long-term consequences.

Oct. 28: ­ “Understanding and Managing Pain,” with pain specialist Adam Owen, M.D., of the Central Maine Pain and Headache Center. Owen will discuss the different types of pain, medications and alternative therapies used to relieve pain, and issues such as drug tolerance and dependence.

Nov. 4: ­ “Welcome Home: The Patient-Centered Medical Home,” with Edmund Claxton Jr., M.D., of the Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. Claxton will discuss the patient-centered medical home, a model that facilitates integration of health care services for patients. The presentation will explain how the model helps to pull together the multiple
factors associated with complicated care, including end-of-life issues.

Nov. 11: ­ “Mental Health in the Golden Years,” with Deborah Taylor, Ph.D., associate director of the Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. The presentation will focus on the process of identifying, coping with and treating adjustment issues when medical illness/disability are experienced by elders.

Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to call 795-8448 or e-mail [email protected].

All programs except the Oct. 7 presentation will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Pettingill Hall, Room G65, at Bates College. All presentations are offered at no charge. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.