Video About Future Addiction Treatments Debuts at State Museum

As part of its centennial celebration, the Indiana University School of Medicine has collaborated with the Indiana State Museum to produce a seven-minute video called "Tomorrow's Medicine." The video, which addresses nicotine addiction and lung cancer, began its run in the museum's Tomorrow's Indiana gallery on August 16 and will be shown through the end of April 2004.

"Tomorrow's Medicine" is an attempt to make elementary and middle school children aware of the problems they could face in the near future if they become addicted to nicotine. There is also information on addiction treatments that may be available to patients in the year 2030, based on current research being conducted at Indiana and Purdue universities.

D. Craig Brater, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine, says, "We hope by weaving a story about the future of medicine with a public health message, we can convey the message that no matter what future cures arise, tobacco use will harm health."

After its eight month stint at the Indiana State Museum, the video will air at several other museums. Creators hope it will be an effective way to warn of the hazards of nicotine addiction. Nicotine dependence may cause lung cancer and other respiratory related illnesses.

September 20, 2003