Do they work? Are they safe? Are there ethical concerns?
No doubt you, or someone you know, has sought answers to these questions and more surrounding the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the United States.
Join expert Concordia faculty and healthcare professionals for the “COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar” as they discuss the current status and implications of the vaccines.
The webinar will consider:
- The prevalence of COVID-19 within Concordia’s neighboring communities (Ozaukee County and Ann Arbor)
- Current trends and new variants
- The vaccine process
- Vaccine hesitancy
- The safety and effectiveness of these vaccines
Whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or not, this webinar will arm you with the information needed to make smart and godly decisions for your own health and to speak knowledgably within your congregations, at work, or among your peers. If you have specific questions or concerns about the vaccine as it relates to your personal health, please contact your primary care provider.
“Concordia University upholds values for life, health, and wellness, and this has been our emphasis throughout the pandemic,” said Senior VP of Strategy and University Affairs Gretchen Jameson, EdD, who will serve as facilitator for the panel discussion. “Our expert faculty—true servant leaders–have led our campus response. Their expertise on the science, the medicine, and the ethics of the COVID-19 vaccine will help our community and the Church as, together, we continue to support one another through these incredible days.”
Event details
This event is open to all, but is especially pertinent to church groups and community members within Wisconsin and Michigan. No registration is required.
COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar with Concordia University
February 23 | 11 a.m. Central/12 p.m. Eastern
Panelists
Gretchen Jameson, Ed.D. (Host)
Senior VP, Strategy and University Affairs, CUWAA
Dr. Gretchen Jameson will serve as the host for the evening’s discussion. She has an earned doctorate from the University of Southern California, and has held several leadership positions within Concordia University, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and her own startup PR firm, which served multiple high-profile clients. In her role as Senior VP for CUWAA, she has led the university’s COVID-19 communication response efforts.
Leah Dvorak, Ph.D.
Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs and Professor of Biology, CUWAA
Dr. Leah Dvorak holds a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She teaches human anatomy and neuroscience to students in Concordia’s health care programs. She is the co-author of an introductory neuroanatomy textbook and has numerous publications focused on Parkinson Disease, developmental biology and embryonic pattern formation, and teaching and learning in higher education.
Beth Griffin, M.D.
Emergency Medicine Director, Ascension Wisconsin
Dr. Beth Griffin specializes in emergency medicine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has over 20 years of experience in the field. She graduated from Medical College Of Wisconsin with her medical degree in 2001. Dr. Griffin has led the COVID-19 response for Ascension All Saints Hospital, where she leads as the medical director of the emergency department.
Christie Hansard, RN, BSN
Parish Nurse Representative, Michigan District, LCMS
Christie Hansard has served as parish nurse for over 14 years. She is an RN with a BSN from Oakland University. She also serves as the LCMS Michigan District Parish Nurse Representative and is the chair of the LCMS Parish Nurse Council. She is employed at the Michigan District as the Case Manager for Mental Health Resources for Commissioned and Ordained Church Workers. She is also a member of the Michigan State University Care Management conference committee. Hansard is currently in her second year of Deaconess studies at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
Pollyanna Kabara Ed.D., MS, PA-C
Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies and Assistant Professor, Concordia University Wisconsin
Dr. Pollyanna Kabara has served as a physician assistant at Children’s Wisconsin for 20 years. She remains current with COVID-19 updates from CDC and the WI DHHS, and implements her public health knowledge and clinical expertise in her role as a member of the CUW COVID Vaccine Taskforce.
Justin Speck, Ph.D. MB (ASCP)
Assistant Professor, Concordia University Wisconsin
Dr. Justin Speck is an assistant professor within the School of Arts and Sciences at Concordia University. He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. His teaching interests include microbiology and medical microbiology.
Ernest Stremski, M.D., MBA
Professor, Concordia University Wisconsin
Dr. Stremski is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician who is the medical director of CUW’s Physician Assistant program. He teaches pharmacology in the Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, and Nurse Practitioner programs at Concordia.
Rev. Kevin E. Voss, D.V.M., Ph.D., F.C.A.
Director of the Center for Bioethics and Professor, Concordia University Wisconsin
Dr. Kevin Voss is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Bioethics at Concordia University Wisconsin. He teaches philosophy, bioethics, and ethics. Dr. Voss has a PhD in Health Care Ethics, is an ordained Lutheran minister, is a Fellow of Christian Apologetics, and was a practicing dairy veterinarian.
— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Ann Arbor and Wisconsin. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.
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