October 13, 2014

Wayne State's Center for Peace and Conflict Studies hosting discussion on nuclear, biomedical and environmental challenges

Andrew S. Kanter to present Eugene Perrin Health Sciences and Peace Lecture on Oct. 23

Wayne State University's Center for Peace and Conflict Studies presents the Eugene Perrin Memorial Lecture in Health Sciences and Peace at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, Green Lecture Hall.

Andrew S. Kanter, MD, assistant professor of clinical biomedical informatics and clinical epidemiology at Columbia University, will deliver a lecture focusing on nuclear and environmental challenges and the hope for a sustainable future.

In addition, Dr. Kanter can answer questions on the related challenges of global pandemics, such as Ebola, and the role of medical informatics in controlling these threats.

"The Perrin Lecture deals with compelling bio-medical threats to planetary survival," said Frederic Pearson, the director of Wayne State's Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. "These days with concerns about the proliferation of nuclear weapons, climate change, and lethal disease menaces, having up-to-date expert opinions and prescriptions is crucial for an informed public."

Kanter frequently speaks to medical students and healthcare providers about not only caring for patients, but for our planet as a whole. His message is inspirational to the next generation of health professionals. He most recently focused on the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons at presentations to the United Nations and other interdisciplinary venues.

Dr. Kanter launched a chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) at UCLA in 1982 and has been involved with the organization since then, serving as President of the National PSR in 2012. "We also feel that medical students and health care practitioners will want to know more about PSR," said Pearson.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking $7.50 at Lot 37 on Canfield between John R and St. Antoine.

Dr. Eugene Perrin graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1953 and served on the Medical School faculty for over four decades. He was a devoted advocate of peace and social justice and a long-time member of PSR. His family established the Eugene Perrin Endowed Lectureship in the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies to attract renowned figures who study health in relation to peace and conflict resolution.

For further information contact Barbara Jones, 313-577-3518; barbaraljones@wayne.edu.

The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015, develops and implements projects, programs, curricula, research and publications in areas of scholarship related to international and domestic peace, war, social justice, arms control, globalization, multicultural awareness and constructive conflict resolution.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 28,000 students.

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