What does race mean to the human body? How much variation is there really? Is it medically important – and what does it mean in terms of predicting who will get sick and why?

These questions will be answered at the first session of a provocative, new seminar series on controversial issues in molecular medicine on Friday, Jan. 27. Hosted by the Wayne State University Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics and open to the public, the “Hot Topics in Molecular Medicine” series will take on a number of issues that apply to everyday living.

John Kamholz, M.D., Ph.D., a WSU professor in the Department of Neurology and the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, will openly discuss the concept of race and what it means to doctors, scientists and patients at the Jan. 27 event. Race is a contentious issue that is often based on the physical attributes, cultural ideas and social status of human beings. But in the medical arena, scientists are struggling to understand why certain diseases are more or less prevalent within certain racial and ethnic groups.

Researchers are looking at whether it is scientifically meaningful to measure the differences between racially and geographically distinct groups and to determine the significance of the results.

This seminar series, which will be held on the last Friday of each month, is free and open to the public. Questions and debate are encouraged. A catered reception at which participants can continue discussions with the speaker and other members of the center will follow.

“Genes, Race and Disease: Are We Really That Different?” will be at 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, in Jaffar Auditorium, Scott Hall, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit. Complimentary valet parking will be provided at the University Health Center Garage, off of St. Antoine, just south of Canfield.

With more than 1,000 medical students, the WSU School of Medicine is among the nation’s largest institutions of its kind. Together with its clinical partner, the Wayne State University Physician Group, the school is a leader in patient care and medical research in a number of areas, including cancer, genetics, neuroscience and women’s and children’s health.