'Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health' book signing and lecture - Sept. 27, 2012

Thursday, Sept. 27
4:30-5:30 p.m., book signing reception; 5:30-7 p.m., lecture
Wendy Williamson Auditorium

Alaska WWAMI Distinguished Lecture Series presents H. Gilbert Welch, M.D., M.P.H.

Welch, professor of medicine with the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Research, is a general internist whose research focuses on the problems created by medicine's efforts to detect disease early: physicians test too often, treat too aggressively and tell too many people that they are sick.

Most of his work has focused on overdiagnosis in cancer screening-- in particular, screening for melanoma, cervical, breast and prostate cancer. He is the author of the books, "Should I be Tested for Cancer? Maybe Not and Here's Why" and "Overdiagnosed: Making People Sick in the Pursuit of Health."

Joining Dr. Welch are distinguished guests, Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society and author of "How We Do Harm: A Doctor Breaks Ranks," and Dr. Kimberly Allison, director of breast pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and author of "Red Sunshine."

All three authors will also speak at the "Cancer for Primary Care: Shifting Perspectives on Evidence and Advocacy" conference on Friday, Sept. 28, at the Providence Cancer Center.

Sponsored by the UAA Alaska WWAMI School of Medical Education, UAA College of Health, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Center Alliance, American Cancer Society, State of Alaska and the UAA Campus Bookstore. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the WWAMI website.