Critical thinking is the topic at SUNY Orange lecture series
MIDDLETOWN — Nationally recognized lecturer, radio broadcaster, podcaster, Steven Novella, MD, is coming to SUNY Orange to speak on science-based medicine and critical thinking. This is the 2013 lecture in the College’s Shep and Edna Pryluck Distinguished Lecture Series which is sponsored by the SUNY Orange Foundation.
The presentation is free and open to the public and will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in Orange Hall Theatre which is located at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues, Middletown.
Much of the myths and misinformation sound true and seem to make sense. But do they really? Because you are the one who is ultimately responsible for your own health, it is critical to understand the accuracy of medical information and to break down the growing body of misinformation and discover the truth about everyday health and well-being.
"You should challenge all of your beliefs and, wherever possible, try to rely upon a consensus of authority or primary sources in order to check out everything that you think you know to be true," notes Novella, an academic neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine, who has built his career educating patients, the public, students, and professionals about the highest standards in medical science and practice.
In addition to being the host of "The Skeptics' Guide" podcast, he is the president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society. He is the author of NeuroLogicaBlog, a popular science blog that covers news and issues in neuroscience, general science, scientific skepticism, philosophy of science, critical thinking, and the intersection of science with the media and society. He is also a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a founding fellow of the Institute for Science in Medicine.
Novella has a regular column in the Skeptical Inquirer - The Science of Medicine, is a medical advisor to Quackwatch, and an associate editor of the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine. Novella is a senior fellow and director for the Science-Based Medicine project of the James Randi Educational Foundation as well as being a practicing physician with a specialization in neuromuscular disease. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University.
As owners of Pryluck’s Pharmacy in Middletown, Edna Pryluck and her late husband Shep came to know generations of families throughout the community. Their generous contributions to SUNY Orange symbolized their commitment to the community, and their gifts allowed the college to endow the Distinguished Lecture Series and to create a scholarship designed to benefit students demonstrating financial need and studying in SUNY Orange’s nursing program.
Additional information is available by contacting Cultural Affairs at 845-341-4891, cultural@sunyorange.edu or on the Web site, www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.