Mini Medical School
The Mini Medical School at Lehigh Valley Health Network is an annual community program that offers you a chance to gain in-depth, current medical knowledge from experts.
As a teaching organization, Lehigh Valley Health Network includes education as part of its mission, and our doctors and other medical staff members serve as the Mini Medical School faculty. They educate you — in layman's terms — about diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive topics in clinical medicine and scientific research.
Our annual four-week, interactive educational series is for high school students and lifelong learners with an inquiring mind. A medical or scientific background is not needed and you won't have to write a paper or take a final exam. Although you won't graduate with a medical degree, you will learn about the medical techniques being used by our own surgeons. You'll even have a chance to review actual case studies, test your surgical skills in our Surgery Education Center and participate in extracurricular events.
Tuition is free. Registration is now closed.
Technology Dreams: Surgery’s Innovative Frontier
Technology is rapidly changing the way we work, play and communicate. It’s also changing the face of surgery. By achieving stunning levels of detail, precision and safety, robots, lasers, scopes, 3-D imaging and other innovative technologies allow Lehigh Valley Health Network surgeons to offer their patients new hope and healing. You can take a behind-the-scenes look at some of these remarkable advancements during this four-week, interactive series. Along the way, you’ll review actual case studies, watch videos and even test your surgical skills in our Surgery Education Center.
April 4, 11, 18, 25
6:30-8 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest
Registration is closed.
This is not an accredited course or associated with the University of South Florida.
Session 1, April 4
Shedding Pounds and Gaining Hope
People who are significantly overweight are at risk for a variety of serious health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. When eating smarter and exercising more doesn’t take off excess pounds, minimally invasive weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be an option. Discover how the latest laparoscopic techniques allow Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) surgeons to offer their patients the chance for a healthier life.
Speaker: T. Daniel Harrison, DO, General Surgery
Session 2, April 11
Meet Our Cancer-Fighting Robot
Thoracic surgeons treat chest diseases such as lung and esophageal cancer, chest wall cancer and pleural cancers. Find out how the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System plays a major role in the treatment of these conditions. Guided by LVHN’s skilled surgical team, the robot’s 3-D imaging and extreme maneuverability result in more effective and accurate tumor removal, smaller incisions, shorter recovery times and improved overall patient outcomes.
Speaker: Michael Szwerc, MD, Chief, Thoracic Surgery
Session 3, April 18
Advances in Neurosurgery: Precisely What Patients Need
“It’s not brain surgery,” is a phrase commonly used to describe something simple. That’s because actual brain surgery is incredibly complex. The highest level of expertise and precision is required to perform delicate and intricate procedures on the brain, spine and nervous system. Learn how LVHN neurosurgeons are using advanced technology to help identify and treat neurological impairments while minimizing trauma to surrounding nerves and tissue.
Speaker: P. Mark Li, MD, PhD, Chief, Neurological Surgery
Session 4, April 25
When Seconds Save Lives
Whether it’s the result of a car accident, fall, gunshot wound or some other sudden event, every second counts when someone arrives in the hospital with traumatic injuries. Decisions and treatment must be immediate to give patients any hope for recovery. Find out how LVHN trauma surgeons utilize next-generation materials and techniques to assess damage, stop bleeding, mitigate ongoing injuries and save lives.
Speaker: Joseph Stirparo, MD, Trauma Surgery