Article Detail

October's Think Outside the Lunch Box to Discuss "The Flu and You: What to Know and How to Prepare"

Posted: Friday, September 28, 2012

In 2009, when the H1N1 pandemic swept across the globe, the event dominated news headlines, and public health authorities urged Americans to get vaccinated against the virus. While the flu receives much less attention in a typical year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to one in five Americans contract the flu each year, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized for flu-related complications.

The University of Evansville’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series will begin the 2012-13 academic year with “The Flu and You: What to Know and How to Prepare,” a presentation by Payal Patel-Dovlatabadi, assistant professor and director of UE’s Public Health Program.

Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi will speak at noon on Thursday, October 4, in the Blue & Gold Room on the first floor of Old National Bank’s headquarters in Downtown Evansville. The event is free and open to the public.

“Influenza season is fast approaching and there are many misconceptions about this virus and its treatment,” said Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi. “I will present basic preparations for the flu and also discuss my research regarding the prescribing behavior of primary care physicians for influenza. My research states that antibiotics are often misprescribed for the treatment of influenza, which contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance — a serious public health concern.”

Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi joined the University of Evansville faculty in 2011. Her research interests include health policy issues, lifestyle factors and nutrition, effects of disasters on mental health, and disaster preparedness in general. She holds a DrPH in public health management, an MPH in health care organization and policy, an MBA in health care management, and a BS in psychology, all from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

UE’s Think Outside the Lunch Box Faculty Speaker Series is in its third year and is typically held the first Thursday of every month.

“One of the great things about an institution of higher learning such as the University of Evansville is our intellectual capital — our faculty’s depth of knowledge on a wide variety of subjects,” said UE President Thomas A. Kazee. “This series is a tremendous opportunity to partner with the community and share expert perspectives on current issues.”

Dr. Patel-Dovlatabadi will speak for about 30 minutes, with 15 minutes allotted for questions and answers. Attendees are welcome to eat lunch during the presentation. There is a restaurant conveniently located in the Old National Bank lobby.

Share this article:

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Email Icon Google Icon