- WHAT: The Texas Medical Association (TMA) unveils
a Spanish-language translation of its popular History of Medicine exhibit, “Deep
Roots: Botanical Medicine From Plants to Prescriptions,” with a special Dia de
los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event. Dia de los Muertos is a celebrated holiday
in Mexico and other regions.
The TMA History
of Medicine Gallery special event features the debut of the new Spanish
translation of the display (which is in English), as well as interactive
activities including tincture tasting, games, and refreshments.
The “Deep
Roots” exhibit examines herbal and
folk medical remedies, their prominence, and their interaction with
conventional prescribed medicine.
- WHEN:
Wednesday, Nov. 1, Dia de los Muertos, 9 am-2 pm. (Exhibit is open 8:15 am-5:15pm
as usual.)
- WHERE: TMA building, 401 W. 15th St., Austin; first floor, Robert
G. Mickey History of Medicine Gallery
- WHO: Visitors interested in herbal and folk
medical remedies and how they interact with conventional prescribed medicine.
“Offering Spanish translation of this exhibit is significant, as cultural
competency in medicine continues to be an issue in health care,” said E. Linda
Villarreal, MD, an internist in Edinburg and a member of the TMA Board of
Trustees. “Because of our diversity in Texas and in all geographies, any
program that starts to close that cultural competency gap is so very important.”
Dr. Villarreal also serves on the board of the TMA Foundation, TMA’s philanthropic arm, which
funded the exhibit’s Spanish-language translation with a $2,800 grant.
“Offering ‘Deep
Roots: Botanical Medicine From Plants to Prescriptions’ in Spanish will
allow more visitors to understand the importance of talking with their
physicians about herbal or folk remedies they are taking,” Dr. Villarreal
explained. “Often, these substances can interact with our patients’ prescription
medications, or affect chronic conditions. Add to that the risks of adulterated
or contaminated supplements purchased from unscrupulous manufacturers, and one
can understand why it’s vital that patients must openly communicate with their
doctors about these issues.”
TMA’s “Deep Roots” exhibit features many displays as well
as several audio recordings of experts’ comments detailing the history of using
plant-based and alternative medical therapies.
The exhibit continues through September 2018. Admission
is free, and viewing appointments are not necessary.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation,
representing more than 50,000 physician and medical student members. It is
located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the
state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
The TMA Foundation raises funds to support the public
health and science priority initiatives of TMA and the Family of Medicine.
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Contact: Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512)
656-7320; email: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org
Marcus
Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 650-5336; email: marcus.cooper[at]texmed[dot]org
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Last Updated On
February 12, 2020
Originally Published On
October 30, 2017