Symposium focused on Pontiac's resources to be held on campus

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

Oakland University is set to host a symposium focused on the resources and services available in the city of Pontiac. “Health, Education and Oakland County: Capitalizing on Pontiac’s Assets,” will spotlight the role of the region’s hospitals and universities in helping the historical city overcome persistent economic challenges.

OU President Dr. Gary Russi will deliver welcoming remarks and Dr. Robert Noiva of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine will keynote the symposium, the second in a special series aimed at helping Pontiac regain prosperity.

Dr. Noiva, associate dean for medical education and associate professor of Biomedical Sciences, will discuss the economic benefits the medical school is expected to bring to the region. An experienced leader, Dr. Noiva has been recognized nationally for his contributions in the medical education field. Prior to joining OU, he served as director of Medical Biochemistry at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and helped lead educational outreach efforts aimed at K-12 students.

County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is expected to share ideas on how Oakland County can help Pontiac through supportive services and burgeoning initiatives, such as Medical Main Street, a unique alliance of universities, heath care institutions and life science companies designed to spur investment in the region.

Local leaders in health care and education will field questions from audience members during a series of panel discussions. Panelists include a pair of CEOs from Pontiac-based hospitals. David Sessions, of Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan and Clarence Sevillian of POH Regional Medical Center will offer insights, along with a representative from St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, also located in Pontiac.

Additionally, representatives from Oakland University, Oakland Community College and Baker College will discuss issues in higher education, while Interim Superintendent Jon Brown will be on a panel focused on challenges facing the Pontiac School District.

The forum will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, in the Oakland Center on OU's campus. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To pre-register, call (248) 857-7525 or e-mail pontiacsymposia@gmail.com.

For more information about Oakland's medical school, view the website at oakland.edu/medicine.