DocTalks 2009-2010

DocTalks is a public outreach program about health topics sponsored by the University of Minnesota Medical School—Duluth Campus.  These live discussions are free and intended for the public.

All DocTalks begin at 7:30 p.m. in Room 142 of the School of Medicine at UMD, 1035 University Drive. Parking is in the Maroon Lot B across from the school.

More information about this lecture series is available by contacting Dr. Janet Fitzakerley, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical School Duluth (218-726-7012; jfitzake@d.umn.edu).

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Busting the Myth of “Death Panels” -- Frank Talk about Death and Dying in Duluth
click for poster...

“Phrases like ‘death panels’ have distorted and obscured the truth about end-of-life care,” says Charles Gessert, MD, MPH, St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic. Gessert (left) will lead a panel that will address how individuals and families respond and react to death and end-of-life scenarios. He will present real-life stories that illustrate how others have made decisions about end-of-life for themselves and loved ones.

Dr. Gessert will be joined by two other SMDC physicians: Dean Fox, MD, an expert in hospice and palliative care, and Vincent Ohaju, DO, a trauma surgeon. Dr. Fox (top) will talk about how individuals react to the prospect of dying when they face a long term illness; and Dr. Ohaju (bottom) will address how patients and families face end-of-life issues in intensive care. All of the physicians are eager to talk about the topic in context of today’s healthcare debate.