Mini-Med School updates public

Want to get medical advice without taking off your clothes?

Perhaps the Mini-Med School offered by the University of South Florida College of Medicine is for you. The annual event is free and features physicians, teachers and researchers talking about state-of-the-art medicine.

The school helps the college stay "involved in the health of our community. We are a part of the town," says Dr. H. James Brownlee Jr., chairman of the department of family medicine and one of the speakers.

The Mini-Med School is 7 to 9 p.m. on March 4 and March 11 at the Tampa Performing Arts Center, Louise Lykes Ferguson Hall, at 1010 N MacInnes Place in downtown Tampa.

Brownlee speaks the first Monday on how to get the most out of a doctor visit.

He wants patients to be their own advocates and take responsibility for their health care. Schedule regular appointments, arrive early and bring specific questions, he says.

"Women who have significant male others should strongly encourage them to seek out medical care. Men come in . . . and I'm having to play catchup ball" because they stalled seeking help for troubling symptoms, Brownlee says.

Brownlee suggests editing queries during a checkup because of time constraints. Although USF doctors have seen lists as lengthy as 39 items, the idea is to set priorities and, if necessary, schedule followup appointments, Brownlee says.

For their part, doctors must be prepared for the "doorknob question" -- the zinger asked by the patient when the physician's hand is on the doorknob to exit. "Often it's the key question," he says. "With men it is typically erectile dysfunction." Depression-related symptoms are also common, because the subject is difficult for many patients to bring up.

To avoid followup appointments and delays, those taking medications should bring the name, dose, frequency and refill information for each, Brownlee says. Or show the doctor the actual pill bottle label. Brownlee says to also inform your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, including herbal supplements.

And do not be afraid, he says. It's counterproductive.

"People over 50 do not want to have a colon exam. I end up having to talk them into it" and use time better spent on care.

The sixth annual Mini-Med School will be hosted by Dr. Robert Daugherty, dean of the USF College of Medicine.

Other speakers and topics will include Keiba Shaw on exercise, the advisability of body scans from Dr. Martin Silbiger, taming epileptic seizures, information on heart attacks and more.

For more information or registration, phone (813) 974-3300. Or send name, address and daytime phone number via fax to (813) 974-5422.

Registration is also available at the Mini-Med School Web site at www.hsc.usf.edu/minimed.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.