The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) programme for the MiniMed 2012/2013 Open Lecture Series will begin this evening (Wednesday, 24 October). The series of health lectures are open free of charge to the public and will be held on the last Wednesday of every month from October 2012 to March 2013 (excluding December).

Topics that will be explored during the lecture series include, cyberchondria: the internet and self-diagnosis; maintaining healthy skin in youth and older age; the ageing eye: maintaining vision throughout life; and an insight into a pre-hospital emergency care service (which will be given by paramedics from the Dublin Fire Brigade). The lectures will be delivered by Ireland's leading healthcare experts.

"The Mini-Med Open Lecture Series is an informative and entertaining public education seminar series developed for people who are interested in learning more about health and the delivery of healthcare in Ireland. In an age of increased patient participation and greater health awareness, the MiniMed Open Lecture Series affords people the opportunity to learn more about topical health related issues from leading experts," said Dr Kevin McGuigan, Director of the RCSI MiniMed Open Lecture Series.

The RCSI MiniMed Open Lecture Series is free of charge; however registration is essential in order to guarantee a place. Previous lecture series have attracted widespread public interest with demand for places far outstripping availability.