March 3, 2000
UW Health Sciences Open House 2000 set for April 7 and 8
It’s been three years since the University of Washington’s last Health Sciences Open House, and this year’s free two-day event promises an array of new exhibits that will intrigue adults and young people alike.
Around the theme of “Step into the Future,” the UW Health Sciences Open House 2000 will highlight the latest advances in medical research, patient care and teaching, as well as offer information on exciting careers in health care.
The Open House takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 7, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. It includes 85 exhibits located throughout the public areas of UW Medical Center and the adjoining Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Center, at 1959 N.E. Pacific, Seattle. The complex is located just west of Husky Stadium.
High school student groups will comprise most of the visitors on Friday morning; the public is encouraged to attend on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. More information is available at http://depts.washington.edu/hsnews/ or by calling (206) 543-4767.
Many of the 85 exhibits will feature computer-based, high-tech and interactive presentations. Examples include:
o A virtual reality helmet that allows the wearer to enter a virtual environment, being investigated as a means of pain control for burn patients.
o Surgical innerspace, a demonstration of the tools used in minimally invasive surgery
o Computer-controlled mannequin to provide training in anesthesia
o Innovative treatment for heart failure: advanced technology that helps patients remain active while awaiting a heart transplant
o Brain Power, a group of interactive exhibits that illustrate the workings of the brain
o Genetic abnormalities viewed through the microscope; seeing the difference between males and females by looking at their cells
o Diagnostic imaging: the various tools available to the radiologist, including mammography, MRI, ultrasound and CT scan
o Protecting your head, protecting your heart: information on gun safety and bicycle helmet safety
o Airlift Northwest: information on emergency air ambulance service in Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho and western Canada
o Wellness Center, sponsored by the School of Pharmacy, offers body-fat measurements, blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, bone density checks and information on immunizations and herbal products.
o Tours of UW Medical Center’s extensive art collection will be offered, at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Friday, and 10:00 a.m. and noon Saturday.
The Open House highlights the work of one of the nation’s top health sciences complexes and related agencies:
o The UW receives the most federal funding for medical research of any public university in the country;
o The UW School of Medicine is ranked number one in the country in training of primary-care physicians and is ranked number 11 in research;
o The UW School of Nursing is ranked number one in the country;
o UW Medical Center has regularly been ranked among the top 10 medical centers in the country and was the first institution awarded the status of Magnet Hospital by a top nursing organization;
o Harborview Medical Center, operated by the UW, is the region’s only level-1 trauma center, serving a four state region. It has one of the largest burn centers in the country.
