The University of Nevada, Reno's International Medical Fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, will host its first William Gelfand Distinguished Lectureship series at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6. The first distinguished guest, Dr. Thomas Cesario, will be speaking about the "History and Future of Infectious Diseases."

"The lectureship allows members of our fraternity and members of the community to become educated on medical issues affecting our everyday lives," Chris Carrete, vice president of programing for Phi Delta Epsilon, said. "Additionally, it is a fantastic way to bring together great minds to discuss medical topics."

Medical forums and discussions have been part of Phi Delta Epsilon since its inception in 1904. The fraternity is focused for pre-medical students to learn more about the world of medicine and engage in the community. Lectures were originally named after Dr. Aaron Brown, the founder of the medical fraternity.

"The lectures were started to provide the fraternity a means of increasing their medical knowledge through lectureship," Riki Aquino, president of Phi Delta Epsilon, said. "Dr. Brown envisioned an educational gathering that would promote the highest scientific and educational standards in the practice of medicine, medical teaching, and research."

The ongoing lecture series was recently renamed the William Gelfand Distinguished Lectureship following the passing of Dr. William Gefland, a longtime Phi Delta Epsilon member. Past discussions have included Dealing with Death and Dying, Immunization, and Sleep Study topics.

"I'm really excited to hear about the medical advances on fighting infectious diseases as well as getting a better understanding on how infectious diseases function," Aaron Greenblat, vice president of finance for Phi Delta Epsilon, said. "I think this lecture will bring new and exciting information which will expand our understanding of how our bodies become susceptible to and fight against infectious diseases."

The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in Room 110 of the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center. University students, staff, faculty and medical professionals from the community are welcome. Attendance is free and for each person at the lecture, Phi Delta Epsilon will donate $1 to the local Children's Miracle Network.

Dr. Cesario is a reviewer for the Journal of Infectious Disease, a Fellow for the Infectious Disease Society of America, and professor emeritus for the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Berkley. He taught for 41 years on the topics of medicine. He will be speaking specifically about infectious diseases from the past and what medical professionals may see in the future.

For more information, contact Phi Delta Epsilon at 775-813-9680 or by email at phidereno@gmail.com.