J Natl Med Assoc
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Over the past three decades, the term Mini-Medical School (MMS) has been used to describe programs offered by schools of medicine, which provide health education to the lay public and health career exposure to youth. The University of Maryland School of Medicine has operated an MMS program since 2001. The purpose of this study was to assess the sociodemographic characteristics of MMS participants and the impacts of this program on their health. ⋯ The health information provided by the MMS program is well-received and even anticipated by its participants. It has empowered them to care for themselves and for others by making them educated consumers and health advocates in their community. The MMS program should work with the School's community partners to make this resource more widely accessible, particularly to populations experiencing the most health disparities.
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Currently, IOP reduction is the only way we can help reduce or even stop glaucoma progression. Due to higher rates of blindness in vulnerable poorer groups with decreased access to expensive medications, safer, uncomplicated cataract extraction/refractive lensectomy and microinvasive trabecular bypass surgery should be considered earlier. We need more studies with randomized controlled clinical trials comparing earlier cataract surgery and trabecular bypass to medical, and laser therapies in order to reassess our algorithm for treating enlarged lens-related glaucoma in adults over the age of 50.