Technology is playing an increasingly valuable role in helping doctors and patients deal with medical conditions – a topic that will be explored Tuesday, Feb. 21, in a seminar “Engineering and Medicine— the Heart of the Matter” that is part of the National Engineers Week observance by California State University, Fresno.

The university’s College of Engineering will present the free public seminar from 6 to 7:30 p.m.: at Woodward Park Regional Library (944 East Perrin Ave.) in Fresno.

Dr. Sanjay Srivatsa and Mr. Christian Dose, experienced medical professionals, will describe the role of advanced technologies and engineering in medicine, and in particular focus on PaceMaker Technologies.

Srivatsa is an interventional cardiologist with California Heart Medical Associates in Fresno. He graduated from the University of Cambridge, England, and completed his board certification in internal medicine in Cambridge and London, England. He completed his residency in internal medicine, and fellowships in both cardiology and interventional cardiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, interventional cardiology, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.

Dose is a clinical specialist for Medtronic, a medical technology firm that provides lifelong solutions for people with chronic disease. Medtronic offers products, therapies and services that enhance or extend the lives of millions of people. Each year, 5 million patients benefit from Medtronic’s technology, used to treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders, and vascular illnesses.

Dr. Ramakrishna Nunna, Fresno State engineering professor, said this seminar will help demonstrate the importance of an engineering education in such fields as medicine.

“Routine visits to doctor’s offices typically involve interacting with technology.” Nunna said. “Computers and electronics are used extensively in diagnosis and treatment of all kinds of ailments. One remarkable application of technology is in the treatment of heart disease. Thousands of people in today’s society wear pacemakers and other monitoring technologies.”

The seminar is part of the College of Engineering’s observance of National Engineers Week 2006 under way Feb. 19-25.

On Wednesday (Feb. 22), an Industry Display and Open House will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: in the Engineering East Foyer and Patio. It will be followed by a second seminar, “Engineering and Entrepreneurship,” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Kremen Education Bldg. Room 140.

On Friday (Feb 24): a reception for engineering students with Dr. Andrew Hoff, dean of the College of engineering, will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m., in Engineering East, Room 152.

On Saturday and Sunday (Feb 25-26): the E-Week Saturday Academy will be held on the Fresno State campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, Engineers at the Mall will be held – Fresno Fashion Fair (4841 N First St from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

The festivities began Feb. 20 with the opening of a month-long exhibit at the Fresno County Library’s main branch located at 2420 Mariposa St. in downtown Fresno. The exhibit will run to March 21.

For more information on National Engineers Week or about Fresno State’s College of Engineering, call 559.278.2500 or visit the following Web sites:

National Engineering Week 06 at Fresno State press release -http://www.fresnostatenews.com/2006/02/EngineersWeek.htm

http://www.eweek.org/ http://www.engr.csufresno.edu/

(Copy by University Communications student-intern Megan Jacobsen.)