"Wake the Blog!" Looking forward in 2016 . . .

International Congress on Medieval Studies
12-15 May 2016
The society will sponsor two sessions focusing on epidemics in the Middle Ages at this year's Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo conference:

Epidemic Diseases: Medieval Witnesses


Presider: William H. York, Portland State University

The Disappearing Leper and Clandestine Christ: Understanding a Theological Topos in Bonaventure’s Life of Saint Francis of Assisi

Mark M. Lambert, University of Chicago

Diagnosis of Plague in Gui de Chauliac’s Chirurgia Magna

Meagan S. Allen, Indiana University, Bloomington

Bone, Stone and Text: Jewish Responses to the Black Death

Susan L. Einbinder, University of Connecticut

Epidemic Diseases in the Middle Ages: Twenty-First Century Understandings

Presider: Monica H. Green, Arizona State University

Plague Diffusion within and out of Europe’s Uplands

Ann G. Carmichael, Indiana University, Bloomington, Emerita

Is that Plague Image Really an Image of the Plague? Tackling the Digital Disconnect between Medieval Witnesses and Twenty-First Century Understandings of Epidemic Diseases in the Middle Ages

Lori Jones, University of Ottawa

The Rise and Fall of a Historical Plague Focus: The Case of Ottoman Anatolia

Nükhet Varlik, Rutgers University, Newark

New Roles
This year the mantle of Medica's presidency passes to William H. (Harry) York, Portland State University. Of course, most of you know Harry as he has admirably filled the position of Medica's vice president for many years. But for those who haven't met him as yet, Harry is an independent historian in Oregon and author of Health and Wellness in Antiquity through the Middle Ages (2012). His current research focuses on animal health and veterinary medicine in medieval and early modern Europe. Harry will officially assume the role of president at Medica's annual business meeting at Kalamazoo.

While I will be stepping down as president of Medica, to assist with the coming year's transition, I will be reversing roles with Harry and staying on as the interim vice president. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the constant support and friendship you have shown me over the years. It has been both a great privilege and a pleasure serving as the society's president. Thank you.

You can congratulate Harry on his new position at the reception Medica is hosting at this year's conference. It's also a great opportunity to relax and share your thoughts with others interested in medieval medicine, so please come and bring your friends.

One Final Note
Moving Medica's listserv is on the agenda for this year. Please bear with us as the logistics for the best method of maintaining communication with the society's members and friends are still being worked out. 

To ensure that our records are accurate and up-to-date, if you haven't done so already, please take a moment and send your name, affiliation, mailing address, and email address to me at lmkeyser@gmail.com. We don't want to lose you! And many thanks to all of you who have already been in touch.

Cheers,
Linda


Linda Migl Keyser, Ph.D.
President, Medica