Mini-Med School, Bereavement Classes At Griffin

DERBY — The fall 2009 session of Griffin Hospital’s popular “Mini-Med School” course will begin Thursday, September 17. The free course, which will be conducted over ten consecutive weekly sessions by various Griffin Hospital physicians who serve as faculty, will meet Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 pm in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center. The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants on November 19.

The course is specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, providing a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention. Each weekly session will be divided into two hourlong presentations on different medical topics with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers. 

This is the sixth time Griffin has offered its Mini-Med School course, which covers the following topics: anatomy and physiology, primary care, cardiology; endocrinology; orthopedics; pulmonary disease; gastroenterology; nephrology; neurology; oncology and hematology; otolaryngology; ophthalmology; gynecology; urology; rheumatology; dermatology; and general surgery. This course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit. 

There is no fee to participate in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited. To register, go to the Griffin Hospital website at www.griffinhealth.org or call InfoSource at 732-1511.

In other news, beginning in September, Griffin Hospital will offer a support group for anyone who is experiencing grief resulting from the loss of a loved one. The eight-week, leader-facilitated groups will provide grief education and emotional support to participants. The afternoon group begins on Tuesday, September 15, and will meet on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4 pm.

Complete meeting schedules are available online at www.griffinhealth.org. Due to the limited capacity, registration is required; call the Reverend Jo Clare Wilson at 732-1100.