The UAMS Partners in Health Sciences/Partners in Behavioral Health Sciences (PIHS/PIBHS) Programs have a way to communicate directly with your students during the regular academic year. We do this by using interactive television  (ITV) communication technology, i.e. two-way audio, two-way video in real time (questions can be asked and answered both ways).  The UAMS Telemedicine network connects UAMS with about 40 distant sites throughout the state, i.e. the Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) and the Rural Hospitals of the UAMS Office of Regional Programs, Community Hospitals, Community Colleges and other institutions (see attached list for the ITV site nearest you).  In addition, we sometimes “connect” to high schools in other states and countries, e.g. in the past we have involved students in: Montana, West Virginia, Florida, California, Louisiana, New York and Taiwan).  These ITV programs are specifically designed for high school students, but middle school students have attended in the past.  It is our pleasure to extend to you an invitation to bring your students to an ITV site and participate in the Fall 2003 PIHS/PIBHS -Telecommunication Outreach Program.

“The Science of Mental IllnesS”: This program will provide students with an overview of the scientific basis for mental illness.  A historical evolution of mental illness will be traced from the people and the developments that gave birth to the fields of psychology, psychiatry and to the multi-disciplinary research, genetics and neuroscience of the present day.  Students will learn about the leading scientific theories of mental illness and how these apply to present-day research and clinical professions.  Dr. White will initiate an enrichment activity that will contain components that can be completed when they return to their classrooms.  This program is designed for high school students and will be especially appropriate for Psychology, Sociology, Research, Biology, Health and Human Development classes.  Presenter: Glen White, Ph.D., is a clinical child psychologist at the UAMS Child Study Center in the Division of Pediatric Psychiatry and an Assistant Professor in the UAMS Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.  Dr. White is a five-time recipient of the Red Sash Award for excellence in teaching of medical students. 

“What students need to know about ADHD”: ADHD is a brain-related condition that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior in school and social settings. It is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood and affects between 4 and 12 percent of all school-age children. About 3 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD. Children with ADHD may experience significant problems such as school difficulties, academic underachievement, troublesome relationships with family members and peers, and behavioral problems.  Different children have different symptoms or problems with ADHD.  Students will learn what research has revealed about children who have ADHD and the resulting problems of inattention or hyperactivity, as well as the long-term impact ADHD can have on adolescents and adults.  You will hear what ADHD is, what it is not, what treatments and interventions work best in children, and how to think of their behavior in a more positive way.  Presenter: Glen White, Ph.D., is a clinical child psychologist at the UAMS Child Study Center in the Division of Pediatric Psychiatry and an Assistant Professor in the UAMS Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.  Dr. White is a five-time recipient of the Red Sash Award for excellence in teaching of medical students. 

“TUMORS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS: MALE COMPARED TO FEMALE” (Sponsored by a grant from the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation):  The tumors of the male reproductive system which threaten young men are the cancers of the testis whereas the tumor which threatens older men is cancer of the prostate gland. Cancer of the testis has received news coverage because of Lance Armstrong's story. Cancer of the prostate gland also has been news worthy because of some of the well-known individuals who have it such a UA Athletic Director, Frank Broyles. The focus of this presentation will be on tumors of the testis and the prostate gland compared to tumors of the ovary and the cervix. Tumors of the gonads, testis and ovary, are very interesting because they arise in germ cells which by nature have wide developmental capabilities. For example, there is one type of cancer of the testis which produces placental tissue and these young men, therefore, can give a positive pregnancy test. Another type of testicular cancer is called "embryonal carcinoma" because it has thousands of microscopic structures in it which resemble early embryos. In a tumor arising in the germ cells of the ovary known as a "dermoid cyst" one can find pieces of skin, hair, retina, cartilage, bone and teeth.  Cancer of the cervix and cancer of the prostate gland are important, life-threatening diseases, both of which can be effectively screened for and diagnosed early enough to ensure cures. All of these situations will be presented, illustrated and discussed in relation to both biological principles and preventive medicine.  Presenter: Bob Burns, Ph.D., Professor/Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, UAMS and National Cancer Institute Research Career Development Awardee.

“Careers in Behavioral Health Science”: Do you know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?  Are you curious about what careers exist in the areas of psychology, psychiatry, pharmacy, social work and other behavioral health fields? This program will consist of several short presentations from a panel of behavioral health professionals: psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, pharmacist, and a nurse.  They will discuss their career paths, their educational preparation and how they came to do what they do today.  Each presenter will allow time for questions and discussion.  This course is appropriate for high school or older middle school students in the following classes: Health Professions, Psychology, Biology, Sociology, Human Development, Anatomy and Physiology, and other health care oriented classes.  Presenters: Psychiatrist – JoAnn Kirchner, M.D.; Psychologist – Terri Miller, Ph.D.; Social worker – J. Chris Rule, LCSW; Pharmacist – Teresa Hudson, Pharm.D.; Nurse – Laura Rule, BA, RN C.

“What Students Should Know About Depression”: Recent community-based studies have revealed that a third or more of all Americans will experience a mental health disorder within their lifetime, and depression is considered one of the most common disorders.  In 1999, the US Surgeon General reported that suicide is the third leading cause of death in persons 15-24 years old.  This seminar will examine the etiology, identification, risk factors, course, interventions, and treatments for depression.  Frequently, the first episode of a depressive illness occurs during late adolescence and early adulthood, although it is becoming increasingly common to see younger children diagnosed with depression, especially in high-risk populations.  Despite the fact that effective treatments exist for this illness, many times it is never discovered and often goes untreated.  Reasons for this include a lack of knowledge concerning the nature of these disorders and available treatment options, the stigma and shame sometimes associated with mental illness, as well as financial barriers to receiving health care.  The first step in overcoming these obstacles is recognition of these disorders and education about what can be done.  Presenter: JoAnn E. Kirchner, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the UAMS Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and former recipient of a Veteran’s Administration HSR&D Career Development Award.  Dr. Kirchner is a psychiatrist with expertise in the early detection of depressive and alcohol disorders and she has received local and national recognition for her clinical, teaching, and research endeavors.  The primary focus of her research and clinical work is the education of primary care providers about the management of mental health disorders and educating school personnel and students about depression and alcohol use.   

“The Effects of Tobacco on the Structures of the Head and Neck – A Live Demonstration”: The normal anatomy of the major structures of the head and neck will be demonstrated with live endoscopic visualization of the ear, nose, mouth, and throat. Photos of abnormalities identified on exam of affected patients will demonstrate the effects of tobacco smoke and smokeless tobacco on these structures. Tobacco induced diseases (non-cancerous and cancerous) of these areas will be demonstrated. The student will be able to see first hand how tobacco exposure alters the normal appearance and function of these important structures leading sometimes to irreversible disease, disfiguring surgical procedures and death.  Anatomical changes associated with cancer of the head and neck will be demonstrated and discussed reinforcing the need to avoid tobacco exposure and thus prevent its potentially devastating, disfiguring and debilitating side effects.  PRESENTER: Samuel B. Welch, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.O.A., Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

"ANGER, VIOLENCE, AND COPING IN ADOLESCENTS":  Anger and sadness are normal emotions experienced by everyone, but violence and depression are extremes that can be devastating to anyone touched by them.  In recent surveys of Arkansas high school students, 23% of adolescents reported carrying a weapon to school, and 33% having been involved a fight with others.  The number of students affected by violence is larger still; and when a school shooting occurs, it impacts us all.  Understanding anger and depression is an essential part of reducing violence in the schools.  This seminar will attempt to highlight the underlying problems beneath violence and aggression by looking at how anger and depression both are linked to hopelessness and an “I don’t care” attitude.  Discussion will focus on ways in which positive coping and peer support can help make a difference in schools.  Presenter: T.J. Raney, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and the director of psychological services for the Adolescent Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  His research interests focus on emotional and behavioral disorders common in adolescents, especially eating disorders and anger/violence in teen-agers.

Below is your copy of the master schedule for the Fall 2003. Note: Broadcasts are offered to all technologically "active" sites in the UAMS Telemedicine network, but not all sites necessarily accept all broadcasts.

All Broadcasts are from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (CST)