Dozens of family physicians are expected to attend three Central Ohio educational events on one weekend next month to discuss current topics that can affect their practices.

The highlight of the three events is the Ohio Family Medicine Symposium on Research and Education, which will provide a forum for physicians to share best practices in family medicine education.

There are also planned presentations on original research and opportunities to network with family medicine colleagues.

"It's a forum for our family physicians to learn about research," said Erin Jech, director of meeting services for the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians. "There will be (sessions) on improving colon cancer screening, simulated training (and) exercise in medicine."

Approximately 50 to 60 physicians are expected to attend the event.

A second event scheduled for that day is the family medicine student retreat, which will feature discussions on men's health, women's health/OB-GYN, geriatrics and adolescent health/pediatrics.

A major session will focus on the concept of patient-centered medical home. Many in the medical field are recognizing that "medical homes" may be the key to getting better value from the U.S. health care system.

"This old-fashioned yet thoroughly modern blend of personalized, comprehensive care that family physicians have been offering for decades will be discussed along with how coordinated care that capitalizes on new technology helps patients make sense of the increasingly complex health-care system," according to event organizers.

Ted Wymyslo of Family Medicine Dayton will lead that discussion.

Another session scheduled is "A Week In the Life of a Family Physician," during which a panel of three practicing physicians will share what type of procedures and patients they encounter in a week in their practices and how they balance their personal life with the demands of their work.

The panelists are Ryan Kauffman, Sherri Morgan and Lora Sorg.

The third event is the chief resident workshop, which is targeted toward new medical residents.

Discussion topics include work hour regulations, ways to reduce personal stress, techniques to resolve conflicts and innovative methods to motivate others.

All three of the events, which comprise the OAFP's "mega spring event," are scheduled for April 17 at the Embassy Suites Dublin.

More information about the events and registration information can be found at the OAFP Web site at www.ohioafp.org.