Hot on the Trail: The Life and Death Realities of Forensic Medicine
Learn about this 2008 Mini Medical School
In 2008, the health network held a session after interest in television crime shows, such as CSI, spiked to an all-time high. Entitled "Hot on the Trail: The Life and Death Realities of Forensic Medicine," the four-week Mini Medical School was a big hit. It examined the role of forensic pathologists, what happens during an autopsy, how different disciplines collaborate to solve crimes, and how evidence helps put criminals away and helps save the innocent. Here's a look at the agenda:
Session 1
Uncovering the Clues
Learn the truth about what forensic medicine is and isn't. Case studies will explain how doctors and pathologists identify the cause of death or treat the patient. Find out how Lehigh Valley Health Network gets involved in the patient's or victim's case, what's involved with a trauma alert, who is part of the trauma team and how evidence is collected.
Speakers:
Samuel Land, M.D., forensic pathologist
Michael Pasquale, M.D., chief, Division of Trauma
Brian Mongrain, R.N., trauma core nurse
Session 2
Partners in Detecting Crime
Discover who forensic pathologists work with to make the case, including the roles of the coroner and police at the crime scene. Also, take an in-depth look at what happens during an autopsy.
Speakers:
Barbara Bollinger, M.D., forensic pathologist
Scott Grim, Lehigh County coroner
Trooper McClean K. Peeke, Pennsylvania State Police, Forensics Services Unit
Session 3
Putting the Pieces Together
Solving a crime involves the collaboration of different fields. Learn about S.A.F.E. (sexual assault forensic examiners) and how they gather evidence in these sensitive situations, new developments in DNA analysis and the role of the laboratory in drug testing.
Speakers:
Barbara Fadale, R.N., SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner)
Elizabeth Evans, D.O., emergency services physician
Joann Sell, Health Network Labs
Trooper Rob Clark, Pennsylvania State Police, Harrisburg
Kenneth Mayberry, forensic scientist, Pennsylvania State Police
Daniel Brown, M.D., forensic neuropathologist
Session 4
The Verdict Is In
Find out how the district attorney uses the work of forensic scientists to put away criminals and save the innocent. Visit the Forensic Sciences Exploration Expo and take a tour of the new morgue.
Speakers:
Matthew S. Falk, Chief Deputy D.A., Lehigh County District Attorney's office
Steven M. Luksa, First Assistant D.A., Lehigh County District Attorney's office
Diane M. Marokovitz, Chief Deputy D.A., Grand Jury Supervisor, Lehigh County District Attorney's office
Stephen Van Natten, Chief of Prosecutions, Lehigh County District Attorney's office
Another recent Mini Medical School session, "Follow Your Gut: Today's Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract," was also popular with the community. Students learned about advances in diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. During the course they followed an imaginary patient, learning about more symptoms at each session. By the final class, they were ready to make a diagnosis. Here's what students learned during that Mini Medical School.
Session 1
What Goes In Must Come Out
Learn how the digestive system normally works—and what to do when it doesn't.
- Experts explain common symptoms, what causes them, when and how to self-treat and when to call the doctor
- An overview of diagnostic tests and procedures
- Introduction to the endoscopy lab, where doctors use the latest technology to look inside your body
Speakers:
Carl F. D'Angelo, M.D., chief, Divison of Gastroenterology
Sean R. Lacy M.D., gastroenterologist
Linda L. Lapos, M.D., colon-rectal surgeon
Session 2
Ups and Downs of the Upper GI System
Learn about risk factors, causes, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of common diseases of the stomach and esophagus, including:
- GERD (acid reflux)
- Celiac disease
- Gallstones
- Peptic ulcers
Speakers:
Ronald J. Bross, M.D., gastroenterologist
Scott W. Beman, M.D., surgeon, General Surgery Residency Associate Program Director
Session 3
The Lowdown on the Lower Tract
An in-depth look (with pictures!) at the final 25 feet of the digestive tract. Topics include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Diverticular disease
- Polyps and colon cancer
Bonus! Technology Expo
Sponsored by Olympus, this expo before the session and during the break provides an up-close-and-personal look at today's advanced technology, including bedside testing of hospital patients.
Speakers:
Tanveer M. Imam, M.D., gastroenterologist
Robert J. Sinnott, D.O., chief, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Peter E. Fisher, M.D., M.B.A., chair, Department of Pathology
Session 4
Change Your Life, Save Your Life
A comprehensive overview of gastric bypass surgery (bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery), including:
- Eligibility requirements
- Preparation phase
- Surgery risks and potential complications
- Managing life after surgery
Plus: How to avoid our doctors!
What you need to do to prevent many gastrointestinal disorders. Topics include:
- Genetic testing
- Nutrition
- Lifestyle and behavior changes to avoid GI problems
Speakers:
Theresa A. Piotrowkski, M.D., bariatrician and medical director, Weight Management Center
Peter F. Rovito, M.D., surgeon
John Wolf, M.D., family medicine physician
Tara Namey, certified genetics counselor
William Whipple, registered dietitian
Course content for all Mini Medical Schools is designed for adults, although we also welcome high school juniors and seniors. At the end of the fourth session, participants earn a certificate of completion. Tuition is FREE but registration is required as space is limited.
If you are interested in the schedule for upcoming Mini Medical School sessions or learning more about topics, call 610-402-CARE.
This page last updated 3/7/09 09:12 AM
