Studies have shown that the thirst for credible health-related information is steadily growing. Over the years there has been a steady rise in the number of people collecting health information from the internet, television and radio. And while the desire one has to broaden their knowledge around health is commendable, their sources of information can sometimes be faulty.

This was one of several reasons behind the development of the Morehouse School of Medicine Mini-Medical School at the National Center for Primary Care in 2004.

The curriculum designers developed a series of workshops and lectures that would create an interactive environment for exchange between MSM’s expert researchers and attendees.

Meeting for 2-hours every Tuesday for eight weeks, the classes provided attendees with an introduction to health disparity issues impacting communities without the technical medical jargon of a medical school program.

Instructors included Dr. David Satcher, Interim President of MSM and Dr. George Rust, Interim Director of NCPC.

This interactive program, held in the auditorium of the NCPC, proved to be a great success as 84 people received certificates of completion in the inaugural year. In 2005 the number of graduates increased to 102, with many of them returning from the first year.