Symposium Addresses Medical Monitoring As Litigation Remedy

CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Environmental Health will host an interdisciplinary symposium on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, to discuss the success and lessons that can be learned from the Fernald community research project.  

"The Fernald Medical Monitoring Program was an effective remedy in litigation concerning environmental health hazards. Community engagement with state and federal agencies resulted in successful remediation of the site and the creation of the Fernald Preserve,” explains Susan Pinney, PhD, professor of environmental health at UC and Fernald study epidemiologist. 

Registration is $25 and required by Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011. Registration will not be accepted the day of the event. Continuing medical education credit is available. 

The symposium will include afternoon topic breakout sessions and morning keynote addresses from Johnny Reisling of the U.S. Department of Energy; Robert Wones, medical director for the Fernald Medical Monitoring Program, professor of internal medicine at the UC College of Medicine and vice president of medical affairs at UC Health University Hospital; and Greta Lee Splansky of Boston University and the Framingham Heart Study. 

The Fernald Medical Monitoring Program and the Framingham Heart Study will serve as key illustrative examples during the symposium. The Fernald Medical Monitoring Program was the United States’ first and largest legally mandated comprehensive medical monitoring program, and provided medical follow-up to people living near a former uranium processing plant. The Framingham Heart Study—which began in 1948  and included more than 5,200 men and women—identified many of the major cardiovascular disease risk factors known today and provided valuable information on the effects of these factors such as blood pressure, blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, age, gender and psychosocial issues.

Researchers will also talk about increased opportunities for new knowledge when data and biospecimens are shared and the accompanying stewardship responsibilities. Community advocacy and outreach will also be addressed. 

Event registration includes a continental breakfast, box lunch and beverages. For more information, visit: eh.uc.edu/ceg/pdf/SymposiumBrochure.pdf.