VCU news

By Cassie Williams Jones

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center continues its free educational seminar series this summer featuring experts who provide important health information and answer questions on a variety of current topics in health care. 

The following seminars will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Education and Library Complex, 1800 Lakeside Ave. All seminars are free and open to the public, but registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call (804) 828-0123 or visit vcuhealth.org/seminars. 


This event has been canceled. 
Thursday, June 19, 2014 
Fatty Liver Disease: More Prevalent in Children 

Thursday, June 26, 2014 
Basics of Breast Reconstruction 
Even though advancements in treatments for breast cancer have increased the number of breast-sparing procedures available, nearly one-third of breast cancer patients still require a mastectomy. Santosh Kale, M.D., from VCU Massey Cancer Center, will talk about the different breast reconstruction options available and when the right time is to have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. 

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 
Finding Balance: New Technology for Knee Replacement 
Successful knee replacement requires three things — soft tissue balance, proper implant position and leg alignment. Previously, surgeons had to rely on their experience and feel to judge these factors. But now the use of nanosensors is helping to optimize the pressure and tension in knee replacements to make them work better. Gregory Golladay, M.D., from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will discuss sensor-assisted knee replacement surgery and how the technology is helping improve outcomes for patients with knee implants and replacements. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014 
Forgiving Ourselves and Others for Better Health 
It’s known instinctively that holding grudges and seeking revenge are costly to one’s physical and mental health, relationships and spiritual life. But what exactly is forgiveness, and how can we do it better and quicker? Everett L. Worthington Jr., Ph.D., from VCU Department of Psychology, will talk about why forgiveness is important for our well-being and how to help others who are struggling to forgive. 

Thursday, August 7, 2014 
Deep Brain Stimulation: Restoring Balance to Broken Circuits 
Deep brain stimulation has proven to be effective in the treatment of movement disorders, including essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. More recently the innovative surgical technique has been used to treat patients with dementia and memory loss. Kathryn Holloway, M.D., from VCU Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center, will discuss how deep brain stimulation can be used to restore balance and help patients with neurologic and psychiatric disorders that are beyond the reach of medications. 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014 
You Don’t Have to Live With Foot Discomfort 
When someone’s feet hurt, they hurt all over. Whether suffering from bunions, hammertoes or heel pain, patients do not have to live with the discomfort. Simon Mest, M.D., from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will discuss ways to take better care of your feet as well as the latest advances in the treatment for diabetic foot wounds.