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Many expected to attend Mini-Med School by Cindy A. Abole Public Relations Lowcountry residents will have an opportunity to enrich their medical knowledge and empower themselves to make sound, informed decisions regarding their health, thanks to a new community education program promoting good preventive health. MUSC's Mini-Med School will feature a variety of health education topics delivered by some of South Carolina's leading medical specialists and world-class researchers. Targeted to both young and old audiences, the program is the brainchild of College of Medicine dean Layton McCurdy, M.D., vice president for medical affairs and Ray S. Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and provost. It follows educational outreach efforts already established at other medical institutions including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and other large cities. The program was instituted here through the Office of Public Education.  The six sessions will take place Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 29 and continue through Nov. 3. Topics will feature maintaining a healthy heart; Alzheimer's and mental health; sexuality in middle age; making ethical medical decisions; using new technology for preventative medicine and mental wellness and illness for today. “We have an obligation to serve our Lowcountry community with the best of our talents and expertise,” McCurdy said. “The program helps to reinforce our belief that MUSC is the state's foremost medical institution.” For the past three years, medical doctor and syndicated radio talk show host Linda Austin and the Office of Public Education has sponsored a similar series of traveling health education seminars at various South Carolina campuses and academic centers throughout the state.  The lecture and Q & A program have attracted a healthy mix of college students and the public featuring cardiology, psychiatry and other medical scientific topics. The program was extended to schools in Orangeburg, Florence, Clemson, Greenwood and Conway. “The lectureship is built to provide a discovery message for South Carolina's public,” said Austin, an associate professor of psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Disorders. “Essentially, it helps to inspire and empower individuals within each community to be proactive when it comes to maintaining good health.” Austin is the host of statewide and national preventive medical education program featuring the weekly radio series, “What's On Your Mind?” In addition, Austin also produces the public service announcements, “An Ounce of Prevention” series.  The presentations will be held at Baruch Auditorium on Calhoun Street. MUSC will provide validated parking for program participants. Registration for the program is limited. To register or for more information, contact the Department of Public Education at 792-5802.