‘Transplant Surgery and Identity’: A Discussion Among Pioneers with Unusual Combinations of Interests, Skills and Talents

MEADVILLE, Pa., May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Using recent advances in transplant surgeries as a focal point, distinguished professionals involved in this quickly changing field will explore how we communicate about identity — through medicine, books, art, films and journalism — in a public discussion presented by Allegheny College and held at the Carnegie Science Center at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.

“It is difficult to imagine issues more timely, more complex or, frankly, more fundamentally human than those raised by the powerful advances in reconstructive transplant surgeries,” said Allegheny College President James H. Mullen Jr. “We are thrilled to be able to conclude Allegheny’s Year of Health programming — a campus-wide effort during the 2008-2009 academic year to explore health across the disciplines — with such a fascinating conversation.”

Beyond bringing the voices of internationally known experts together, “Transplant Surgery and Identity” represents an unusual opportunity for members of the public to participate in this discussion. Aside from Internet-based activities, it may be the first such opportunity.

Moderated by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette health and science reporter David Templeton, the discussion will include five experts.

• Carla Bluhm, visiting assistant professor of psychology at Allegheny College and author of “Someone Else’s Face in the Mirror: Identity and the New Science of Face Transplants,” which she co-wrote with Nathan Clendenin, Allegheny class of 2007.
• John Broughton, associate professor of psychology and education, Teachers College, Columbia University.
• Allen Furr, department chair and professor of sociology, University of Louisville.
• Mark Roth, senior staff writer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• Dr. Stefan Schneeberger, president, American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation.

In addition, guests will be invited to respond to excerpts from “Facing the Future: the First Face Transplant,” a documentary film directed by Michael Hughes about the first face transplant, which was conducted by French surgeons in 2005 on Isabelle Dinoire.

This event is free, but seating is limited. For more information, call (814) 332-6755. To reserve seating online, visit www.allegheny.edu/forms/689. For directions and visitor information, visit the Carnegie Science Center Web site, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org.

About Allegheny College:

Allegheny College is a national liberal arts college where 2,100 students with unusual combinations of interests, skills and talents excel. The 32nd oldest college in the nation, Allegheny will celebrate its bicentennial in 2015. Counted among the nation’s top-performing colleges, Allegheny’s reputation is based upon assessments of student achievement, program quality, graduation rates and the post-graduate success of its alumni.

About the Carnegie Science Center:

A leader in science and technology education, the Carnegie Science Center is one of four Carnegie museums in Pittsburgh. Opening its doors to the public in October 1991, the Science Center inspires curiosity and connects science and technology to everyday life. It attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year and is one of the top science centers in the country. Visitors interact with more than 400 hands-on exhibits, a four-story Omnimax Theater, interactive planetarium, a real submarine, three live demonstration theaters and the world’s largest science of sport exhibition.

A national liberal arts college where 2,100 students with unusual combinations of interests, skills and talents excel.

SOURCE Allegheny College