LEWISTON — “Understanding and Managing Pain” will be the topic of the fourth installment of a six-part mini-medical school educational series sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute. The program will be offered on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Open to the community, the mini-med forums explore a variety of topics, often providing information about the latest breakthroughs and debates in medical science and how these issues relate to an individual’s health. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend the programs.

The series takes 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.

The Oct. 28 presentation will feature pain specialist Dr. Adam Owen of the Central Maine Pain and Headache Center.

Whether caused by injury, illness, sickness, disease or surgery, pain is a subjective perception that must be objectively assessed and diagnosed. Owen will discuss the different types of pain, medications and alternative therapies used to relieve pain, and issues such as drug tolerance and dependence.

Upcoming mini-medical school presentations are:

Nov. 4: ­ “Welcome Home: The Patient-Centered Medical Home,” with Dr. Edmund Claxton Jr. of the Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program.

Claxton will discuss the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a model that facilitates integration of health care services for patients. The presentation will explain how the PCMH 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.

When medical illness/disability are experienced by elders, it is common to have issues and concerns including mood changes, adjusting to loss of independence, changes in memory and other issues. The presentation will focus on the process of identifying, coping with and treating these adjustment issues.

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

The Oct. 28 program will be offered in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building, adjacent to CMMC. Due to CMMC’s construction-renovation project, 12 High Street can no longer be accessed from the hospital via the enclosed walkway. Those attending the presentation should enter the building through the 12 High Street entrance.

All mini-med presentations are being presented at no charge.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.