Managing infectious diseases: Brauman-Bell Lectureship offers a closer look
The recent Ebola outbreak has created a heightened awareness of the fact that infectious diseases are often just a plane ride away — and it has health care providers taking a closer look at how communicable diseases are managed.
Dr. Michael T. Osterholm will discuss “Infectious Diseases in a Crazy Modern World,” during the biennial Brauman-Bell Alpha Omega Lectureship presented by Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
During the lecture, he will describe the major factors contributing to the emergence of infectious diseases as well as the common features of pandemics such as H7N9 influenza, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome — MERS — and West Africa Ebola. Discussion will delve into how the international public health community and global political leadership need to reconsider the approach to the prevention, control and treatment of emerging infections.
Osterholm is director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, where he also serves as professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences and the College of Science and Engineering and adjunct professor in the medical school.
In 2005, the Department of Health and Human Services appointed Osterholm to the newly established National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity. From 1975 through 1999, Osterholm served the Minnesota Department of Health in various roles, including state epidemiologist. He has led health-related investigations with global implications, including investigations into foodborne diseases, the association of tampons with toxic shock syndrome, the transmission of hepatitis B in health care settings and HIV infection in health care workers.
A member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the Council of Foreign Relations, Osterholm is an international leader on preparedness for health concerns ranging from influenza pandemics to biological warfare.
Attendees are invited to a reception at 4 p.m. The lecture will run from 4:30-6 p.m. on the sixth floor of the dental school. The program is free for TAMBCD faculty, residents and students. There is a $35 fee for dentists and a $25 fee for dental hygienists, assistants and lab technicians. One-and-a-half hours of continuing education credits are provided.
In 1992, the Dallas alumni chapter of Alpha Omega International Fraternity presented a $10,000 contribution from Dr. Alfred W. Brauman to TAMBCD, establishing the Brauman-Bell Alpha Omega Lectureship. The lectureship was named in honor of TAMBCD alumni Dr. Welden E. Bell ’34 and Dr. Alfred W. Brauman ’38. It exists to biennially invite a nationally distinguished individual in the area of oral health; medicine as it relates to oral health; dental and craniofacial research; and/or oral health education to address faculty, students, alumni, staff, practicing dental professionals, medical professionals, community members, and guests.