Debating breast cancer
Recent studies have raised doubts on the effectiveness of breast cancer screening, leaving physicians wondering how to communicate the risks and benefits with patients. More and more, patients expect to be involved in their own medical decisions and need information about risk from their doctors. Dr. Suzanne Fletcher discusses the recent controversy and argues that mammography is only part of the story—women need to understand far more about the risks of breast cancer to be able to put the numbers in perspective.

What do you think? HMI World invites reader responses.

Hospital network in India strives for excellence as it grows
After extensive planning, Wockhardt Hospitals is opening a new specialty hospital in Mumbai, India.

“Quality” programs focus on results
Since its inception, HMI has offered programs that help hospitals improve quality. Now, a new product will help organizations tap into this expertise without a full-scale quality management consultation.

Thinking about the unthinkable
Bob Howard, co-chair of the upcoming BioSecurity 2002 conference, explains the history of biological weapons and current defenses against them.

Hospital partnership in Greece to improve clinical quality, training

New program to boost education and patient care in Zimbabwe hospital

U.S., Taiwan exchange lets students see different approach to medicine

Dr. Timothy Brewer receives first Klaus Peter Award

Workshop in Russia teaches infection control and evidence-based medicine

Reception lets HMI partners from China, Germany, and India get acquainted

Teaching medical genetics
A Harvard Macy alum in Mendoza, Argentina writes about her experience initiating a medical genetics component in the internal medicine curriculum.

2002 courses completed
Two Harvard Macy courses in May and June gave medical educators a chance to find support and community as they spurred changes at their home institutions.

Upcoming programs
An alumni symposium will be held in September, and applications are available online for 2003 courses.

In the News
Read about the Institute in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Links to selected news items from the Harvard community, including:

Mammography: Why Is There a Debate?
Harvard Health Letter

Considering What Works: Book Documents Mental Health Care Successes in Poor Nations
Focus Newsletter

Brainy Women: At the frontiers of neuroscience
Harvard Magazine

New Approach to Cervical Cancer Screening Could Save Lives, Billions in Health Care Costs
Harvard School of Public Health

Brain changes in learning measured: Results could aid those with mental illness
Harvard Gazette