Aging and Medical Science: A Mini Medical School to Prepare for Life's Second Half

Since 2002, UC Davis has opened the doors of its School of Medicine each winter and spring to give an opportunity for area individuals to attend classes focused on normal human aging and avoidance of the diseases we associate with aging. Classes are taught by top academic physicians and scientists, and instruction is at the level of a first or second year medical student.

Although the program is ideally geared for the foresighted middle ager and novice senior, there are no age limits for Mini Medical School. "Students" have ranged from their twenties to nineties, and have included curious younger individuals and vigorous older adults. The common bond is a passion for understanding the science of aging well.

In twelve hours of concentrated and interactive classroom learning over six consecutive Saturday mornings, the myths about aging - that aging somehow hurts, or that we become witless, sexless curmudgeons in our oldest years - are shattered. Students learn the difference between usual aging and normal, healthy aging. Students learn about the extraordinary knowledge we have gained through a half century of eye-opening studies of how our organs and minds change with time.

There has never been tuition to attend Mini Medical School. But we do ask for commitment. Students must physically attend all classes to earn their diploma (yes, there is a graduation ceremony). More importantly, students must bring their curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to share their lifes experiences. And old age jokes must be left at home.

Mini Med classes are held on the main UC Davis campus in Davis (between the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento), and some years on the Sacramento campus. Classes may seem technical at times, and are not for the squeamish; a lecture covering cataract surgery means showing cataract surgery. Aging and Medical Science is not a health fair. It is medical school.

Category:

Education