DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Light-Eater Residence Halls Newsletter, October 4, 1971 | 1971-10-04 Light-Eater Vol. II, Number 2, Page 1

Transcribe
Translate

Light-Eater Residence Halls Newsletter, October 4, 1971

1971-10-04 Light-Eater Vol. II, Number 2, Page 1

"Serving the University of Iowa Residence Halls"

LIGHT-EATER

Volume II, Number 2   Iowa City, Iowa   Monday, October 4, 1971

Single Copy 10 cents


Student health is your confidential doctor

By ROGER LINEHAN

LIGHT-EATER News Editor

"This is a student service, and we report to nobody, " states Dr. Robert Wilcox, Director of the University of Iowa Student Health. "The University gives us X number of dollars and we spend it and tell them nothing."

This is Wilcox's counter to the feeling running among some students who feel that his department is performing another parental function and that the student's parents and others will be informed of his file at Student Health.

Wilcox says emphatically, "It is not a paternal arm of the University. That's all over. We want to see everything--if you're spaced out, go the clap or knock up your mother--we want to help.

"We won't give any sensitive information to anybody over the telephone, only to you. You must name anybody else who is to receive information about you and you must put this in writing."

He continues by explaining that only in cases of serious conditions would the service notify the family, "You are the one who will contact your parents if you want them to know."

But, maybe if you are being treated, you ought to give your parents a chance to react to your situation. I have only had parents reject a child once in my 20 years here."

Concerning the "excuse" statement required by some instructors for illness absences, Wilcox informs that Student Health "only signs the statement. The instructors get nothing else. We don't want to get involved in the excuse-writing business, but we will because we don't want to see the students get crunched."

The director emphasizes that "Our first concern is for the student. We want to be the student's doctor--that is all. As I said, we'll see anything. I want this to be the first place the student will come and get care immediately."

He explains that Student Health has the facilities of the University General Hospitals, Psycopathic Hospitals, or any areas needed to assist the student and that the student will be referred or transferred to the appropriate one immediately if needed.

This assistance is not limited to current University students he says, "If a student's concern is a friend that is tripped out, haul him in and we'll get help.

All you have to do is call the Infirmary nurse--24 hours a day--and she'll put you in touch with the proper assistance."

Money is not a problem according to Wilcox. "No one need concern themselves with money. Nobody goes without treatment because of a lack of funds. Somehow or another, we'll take care of it."

However, he adds to that, "We can't corral people who don't want treatment...that's out."

CONTINUED PAGE 2


In This Issue
New dorm office       Page 3
Carr football ratings  Page 6

Saving...

"Serving the University of Iowa Residence Halls" LIGHT-EATER Volume II, Number 2 Iowa City, Iowa Monday, October 4, 1971 Single Copy 10 cents Student health is your confidential doctor By ROGER LINEHAN LIGHT-EATER News Editor "This is a student service, and we report to nobody, " states Dr. Robert Wilcox, Director of the University of Iowa Student Health. "The University gives us X number of dollars and we spend it and tell them nothing." This is Wilcox's counter to the feeling running among some students who feel that his department is performing another parental function and that the student's parents and others will be informed of his file at Student Health. Wilcox says emphatically, "It is not a paternal arm of the University. That's all over. We want to see everything--if you're spaced out, go the clap or knock up your mother--we want to help. "We won't give any sensitive information to anybody over the telephone, only to you. You must name anybody else who is to receive information about you and you must put this in writing." He continues by explaining that only in cases of serious conditions would the service notify the family, "You are the one who will contact your parents if you want them to know." But, maybe if you are being treated, you ought to give your parents a chance to react to your situation. I have only had parents reject a child once in my 20 years here." Concerning the "excuse" statement required by some instructors for illness absences, Wilcox informs that Student Health "only signs the statement. The instructors get nothing else. We don't want to get involved in the excuse-writing business, but we will because we don't want to see the students get crunched." The director emphasizes that "Our first concern is for the student. We want to be the student's doctor--that is all. As I said, we'll see anything. I want this to be the first place the student will come and get care immediately." He explains that Student Health has the facilities of the University General Hospitals, Psycopathic Hospitals, or any areas needed to assist the student and that the student will be referred or transferred to the appropriate one immediately if needed. This assistance is not limited to current University students he says, "If a student's concern is a friend that is tripped out, haul him in and we'll get help. All you have to do is call the Infirmary nurse--24 hours a day--and she'll put you in touch with the proper assistance." Money is not a problem according to Wilcox. "No one need concern themselves with money. Nobody goes without treatment because of a lack of funds. Somehow or another, we'll take care of it." However, he adds to that, "We can't corral people who don't want treatment...that's out." CONTINUED PAGE 2 In This Issue New dorm office Page 3 Carr football ratings Page 6