By Nana Amma Intsiful //
The Microbiology Public Health Film Festival returned to Hood College for its third year, bringing students and community members together to discuss vaccines, smallpox and public health.
Mark Chee, an assistant professor of biology at Hood, organizes the program. The event was hosted by the Department of Biology and co-sponsored by the Center for Global Studies.
This year’s film was “Jenner’s Marvellous Medicine,” a 2010 documentary about Edward Jenner and his contributions to the development of the smallpox vaccine. The film was followed by a panel discussion focused on vaccines and what panelists described as “the greatest discovery in modern medicine.” The event also recognized International Microorganism Day.
Jenner tested the world’s first successful smallpox vaccine in 1796. Centuries later, the World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated.
Chee chose the film to recognize the 230th anniversary of Jenner administering the first smallpox vaccination. He also wanted to emphasize the importance of vaccines and remind people of the dangers of diseases that are now less common.
Smallpox was a serious disease, with about one in three people who became infected dying from the disease. Survivors could be left with scars or blindness.
“People don’t see these diseases often, they may forget how serious they can be,” Chee said.
Chee said learning about smallpox can help people understand the importance of vaccination. Modern vaccines undergo clinical trials, safety testing and ethical review before being administered to the public.
“Prevention trumps cure,” Chee said.
Chee said one of his goals for the film festival was to bring scientists and community members together. He wants students to learn outside the classroom while giving community members opportunities to ask questions and hear from experts about science and public health.
The festival also encourages two-way communication, Chee said, allowing scientists to explain their research while listening to questions and concerns from the public.
For students, the event provides an opportunity to hear directly from experts and learn about current research outside of their regular coursework.
Chee believes students can learn from hearing directly from people working in the field. He also hopes discussions about diseases such as smallpox can help people understand the importance of preparing for future public health challenges.
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