Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 11, 1 November 1986 — Dr. Sabin Featured at Kauai Symposium [ARTICLE]

Dr. Sabin Featured at Kauai Symposium

Dr. Albert B. Sabin, father of the oral polio vaccine, heads a distinguished faculty of physicians, humanists and social scientists who will convene in a five-day symposium Mar. 16-20, 1987, at the Sheraton Poipu Beach Hotel. They will discuss historical, social and psychological aspects of epidemic disease in an attempt to explain the major changes wrought by A1DS to the fabric of our society. Eaeh day's session begins at 8:30 a.m. Of special interest on the evening of Mar. 18 will be the presentation of Terence Knapp's award-winning play , "Damien," with Mrs. Aldyth Morris, who wrote the play, on hand for commentary and discussion. During the day, the symposium will feature the topic matter: "Fruitful and Populaee Islands," with retired educator Gabriel I and Dr. Richard Kekuni Blaisdell among the panelists. Dr. David J. Elpem of the non-profit Kauai Foundation for Continuing Education, whieh is coordinating the symposium, notes that almost 2 million Americans are infected with the virus A1DS. "lt is only through the perspectives of historical, humanistic and scientific recordings that we ean begin to understand the present devastation," according to a precis (concise summary of essential points, statements or facts) released by Dr. Elpem.

"Because of the complexities of the problems implicit in a pandemic, a symposium cannot hope to solve all of them. But it ean help to bring solutions nearer through meaningful discussions by scholars drawn from many disciplines," Elpem noted in his release. "A presentation of societal,psychological, eeonomie and governmental aspects is also essential in understanding the impact of a pandemic both from the national and international point of view," Elpem eoncludes. The symposium is organized with these principles in mind. It endeavors to present the best knowledge available by assembling distinguished workers from many fields in an attempt to clarify needed research and action for the present and future. Physicians, dentists, all other health professionals, educators and the interested lay public are invited to the symposium. There will be a fee whieh has not yet been set. Details are still being worked out for the five-day function. Particulars may be obtained by contacting Elpem at Kauai Foundation for Continuing Education, P.O. Box 3650, Lihue, Hawaii 96766. The telephone number is 245-1507. Pandemic is defined as "occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population."