Thyroid diseases focus of Tuesday’s Science Cafe

UNMC endocrinologist Whitney Goldner, M.D., and head and neck surgical oncologist Russell Smith, M.D., will talk about thyroid issues at the next Omaha Science Cafe at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St.

Using an ultrasound machine that projects onto a screen, Drs. Goldner and Smith will show a normal thyroid and a thyroid nodule. They will discuss hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.

Dr. Goldner is an associate professor of medicine in the division of diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism in the department of internal medicine and the endocrinology fellowship program director at UNMC. She specializes in thyroid and neuroendocrine tumors and runs a weekly medical management clinic for thyroid cancer patients.

Dr. Smith is professor and vice chairman of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at UNMC. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery for head and neck tumors and is co-chair for the American College of Surgeons’ thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound course.

Science Cafes involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older) and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period.

Pizza will be provided by The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people. For more information about Science Cafes, click here. Podcasts of previous Science Cafes also are available on the website or available for download on iTunes.

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