February 3, 2010

SIU Cancer Institute Event Addresses Communication between Patients and Physicians

A free public event for cancer patients, their families and caregivers that will provide advice to enhance patient communication with physicians will be held Thursday evening, February 18, in Springfield.  The title is “Can We Talk?  Tips for Communicating with Your Doctor.”

This program is presented by SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine in partnership with Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital.  It begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Wedeberg Conference Center at Memorial Medical Center, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield.  Registration and refreshments will begin at 6 p.m.  Funding support has been provided by National City Bank.

The guest speaker, Carole Kenner, D.N.S., dean of the School of Nursing and assistant dean of Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, has more than 30 years of experience in health care.  She also is the author of many textbooks.

Kenner will focus on how to -- effectively ask questions; organize your doctor’s visit; keep records of medications, vitamins, physical problems and concerns; provide successful communication strategies about pain, tests, medications; and maintain physical and emotional health.

Pre-registration is encouraged.  Cancer patients, families and caregivers may register on-line at www.siumed.edu/cancer/ or call 217-545-7493 weekdays.

The event is part of SCCI’s continuing free Community Cancer Wellness Education Program.  The mission of SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute is to serve the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer care needs through a comprehensive approach of education, research and patient services.  The Institute’s Web site is www.siumed.edu/cancer and its phone number is 217-545-6000.

-30-