INDIANAPOLIS – Brian Primack, MD, PhD, didn’t start out his academic career in medicine. In fact, his undergraduate degrees are in English literature and mathematics.
It was only after pursuing a master’s degree in human development and psychology that he trained in family medicine. Today, much of Dr. Primack’s research blends together his interests in education, literature and psychology to consider how media and technology influence health.
“There are so many concerns we have about behavior that starts in adolescence, from substance use to mental health to eating behaviors. I became very interested in trying to leverage some of what I knew about education and development to improve the health of those across the country,” said Primack.
“I believe media and technology are a double-edged sword; many people study only the positive effects, while others focus on the negative effects. I recognize media and technology as a spectrum. In some ways, media provide challenges for health and healthcare. In other ways, it may be able to help.”
Dr. Primack is a pioneer in the study of media, technology, and healthcare, and his work has substantially influenced international dialogue and policy. At the University of Pittsburgh, he is the dean of the Honors College; professor of medicine and pediatrics and the director for the Center of Media, Technology, and Health.
Some of Dr. Primack’s research looks at newer forms of tobacco use, like e-cigarettes. He’s also interested in direct to consumer advertising and how social media affects mental health.
At the October 12 Somerset CPAs and Advisors Executive Leadership Speaker Series, Dr. Primack will break down media influences on youth and adult health outcomes. He plans to use specific examples and case studies showcasing how media and technology have been involved in affecting young patients in major ways.
“I think we often underestimate the media’s power and the different techniques it uses,” said Primack. “I hope people come away from this presentation with a better understanding of how media affects their daily lives and their families’. We don’t need to know every detail about new media, but knowing and understanding the strategies will hopefully empower physicians to immediately address issues with their patients in a practical way.”
Held twice annually, the Somerset CPAs and Advisors Executive Leadership Speaker Series is supported by gifts from Somerset CPAs and Advisors and the Kelley Physician MBA class of 2016. These talks feature prominent experts who address some of the most pressing issues in healthcare today.
The fall event will take place on Friday, October 12 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Hine Hall Auditorium on the IUPUI campus, located at 875 W. North Street.
It is free and open to the public, particularly the greater Indianapolis healthcare community.
Visitor parking is available in the North Street (819 W. North St) and Tower (875 W. North St) garages for a nominal rate.