COLLEGE STATION, Texas (January 14, 2008) - The Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine is hosting the 4th annual Mini-Medical School this spring for Bryan-College Station residents interested in learning current, relevant medical information from some of the college's leading experts. The first session kicks off Thursday, January 17.

The purpose of the Mini-Medical School, planned for six consecutive Thursday evenings in January and February, is to educate community members on current health and wellness topics of interest to local residents of all ages. The program also serves to familiarize "students" with medical terminology, enhance knowledge of medicine and give new insights into medical research.

The Mini-Medical School begins at 6:00 p.m. on all six dates: January 17, January 24, January 31, February 7, February 14, and February 21. Sessions will be held in Lecture Hall 1 in the Joe H. Reynolds Medical Building on Texas A&M's west campus. "Students" can attend informative lectures by outstanding College of Medicine faculty on bioterrorism, heart disease, mental health resources, chronic disease management, current treatments of stroke and osteoporosis.

"The Mini-Medical School allows us to invite members of the local community into the classroom to spend some time with our talented faculty," College of Medicine Dean Christopher C. Colenda, M.D. said. "We are highly aware of our responsibility to educate not just our students, but our neighbors as well. This program plays a major role in our commitment to do that."

All lectures will be approximately 45 minutes, followed by an open Q&A session. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions at the conclusion of each lecture.

Parking for the Mini-Medical School is available in Lot 72 in front of the building for $1 and refreshments will be served. Attendance is free, but seats are limited so the favor of an RSVP is requested and recommended. For more information about the Mini-Medical School or to RSVP, please visit http://medicine.tamhsc.edu/mini-med/index.html or contact Brenda Long at 979-845-3432.