The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine at Hope College will examine alternative therapies that complement conventional health care on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Maas Center.

The public is invited. Admission is free. Dr. Donal O'Mathuna of Mt. Carmel College of Nursing of Columbus, Ohio, will present "An Evidence-Based Approach to Complementary Therapy." He will discuss the limitations and problems with conventional health care, and will then examine the need to evaluate alternative complementary therapies before promoting them. He will present examples of such therapies in five general categories: scientifically unproven therapies; scientifically questionable therapies; life energy therapies; quackery or fraud; and complementary therapies such as spirituality in health care.

O'Mathuna holds a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy and a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry. He teaches courses in chemistry and medical ethics at Mt. Carmel College of Nursing. He serves as a contributor, editorial board member and reviewer for several nursing and alternative medicine journals.

The Distinguished Lecture Series in Sports Medicine is designed for health care professionals with an interest in physically active patients, and is intended for students, educators and clinicians alike. It is co- sponsored by Holland Community Hospital, GRSportsCenter and the college.