Broward College Launches Memorial Healthcare System Lecture Series

“From AIDS to Zika: Balancing Public Health Emergencies and Patient Centered Care”

Pembroke Pines, FL. (December 2, 2016) – Broward College recently hosted the inaugural Memorial Healthcare System Lecture Series in Medical Ethics at the Performing and Cultural Arts Theatre (PCAT). Members of the community were given insight into the approach local medical professionals and elected officials have taken for public health emergencies such as Zika.

“Frank Sacco, along with expanding the Memorial Healthcare System and brand, was known for his passion for patient centered care in providing compassionate, effective and appropriate care for patients,” said Henry Mack, Broward College associate dean of academic affairs, who launched the series to honor Frank Sacco, retired Memorial Healthcare System president and CEO. “The lecture series hopes to provide the space within which clinicians, community members, and students can debate ethical matters and then grow in their ability to provide care that is compassionate and effective.”

The panelists included Dr. Paula Thaqi, director for the Florida Department of Health, Broward County; Kimarie Stratos, JD, senior vice president and general counsel for Memorial Healthcare System; Dr. Michael Hurlburt, assistant professor of philosophy and medical ethics, Broward College; and Marty Kiar, Broward County mayor, commissioner and property appraiser-elect. Each explained how their respective organizations and agencies react to potential outbreaks and other situations.

Dr. Ken Goodman, founder and director of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, and co-director of ethics programs, served as moderator for the spirited discussion. The lecture focused on the challenge of balancing public health emergencies with patient-centered care.

The conversation ranged from the thought process behind identifying issues, communicating them to the public and how resources are allocated. The audience of medical professionals, students, faculty and other inquiring members of the community were then given the opportunity to ask questions.

The series will continue each semester, focusing on various health topics facing South Florida. For more information on the Memorial Healthcare System Lecture Series in Medical Ethics, please email hmaklaki@broward.edu.
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