Date: April 10, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, April 10, 2007 – The Governors State University Library will host “Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America’s Women Physicians,” an exhibit illustrating the work of America’s women physicians. The exhibit runs from April 25 through June 6, 2007. The university library is one of 61 libraries across the nation and only one of two in Illinois to host the exhibit.
"This special exhibit is sponsored by the National Library of Medicine and the American Library Association,” explained Lydia Morrow Ruetten, co-coordinator of the event at Governors State University. “It honors the lives and achievements of women in American medicine by exploring the themes of accessing medical education, challenging barriers, caring for vulnerable communities, advancing research, and transforming the way medicine is practiced.”
In addition to the exhibit, the University Library is also sponsoring and coordinating programs developed and presented by individuals, professional associations, educational institutions, and community organizations which both compliment and enhance the themes explored by the exhibit.
According to Morrow Ruetten, many of the programs highlight the achievements of individual women physicians of the past including several who served during America’s wars. Other programs review the personal histories of women currently in the health professions as well as career opportunities in medicine, finding quality healthcare information, book discussion groups, film showings, and a blood drive.
Special presenters include Mercedes Graf, Ph.D., an independent scholar, author, consultant, and former professor of psychology at Governors State University and Dr. Sharon Harris-Ingram, who was originally from Park Forest and who now practices in central Illinois. Dr. Constance Edwards, professor of nursing at GSU, Debra J. Kakuk, associate professor and the Health Sciences Librarian at College of DuPage, and Mary S. Konkel, associate professor and head of Technical Services at the College of DuPage Library will also offer insight and information on topics related to women in the health professions and medical research.
“We are excited to be able to offer such a variety of activities exploring the exhibit’s theme. The opportunities offered through the exhibit will help foster learning and discussion and increase interest in healthcare professions,” added Morrow Ruetten.
For a complete schedule of the programs and for more information, visit www.govst.edu/library/exhibits or call (708) 534-4116. Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.
