STORIES

From the President's Desk

Academic Senate

Calendar of Events

Exhibitions

Credits

Archives

New Health Service Director Looks for Increased Student Involvement

California State University, Chico's new Student Health Service director hopes students will see the Health Center as a valuable resource and not simply as a place to go when they get sick.

Pedro Douglas took over as director in January, replacing Tom Beckman, who retired in August 2000.

"Many students are apprehensive about seeking appropriate health care," said Douglas. "They frequently delay or avoid going to the doctor. But the health center is here to assist students in addressing their health issues in a proactive manner."

Douglas said the center has services and information for students to help them create a healthy lifestyle, but many students aren't aware of the full benefit of the Student Health Service until their junior or senior year. "I would like to see students make full use of the services offered," said Douglas. "My experience has been that once students graduate they realize how convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective the health care they received was. It would be great if incoming students possessed that knowledge."

Nine students currently sit on the university's Student Health Advisory Council, but Douglas would like to see even more involvement by students. "Students considering medical school or health-related careers should know that work done in conjunction with student health centers is viewed very positively."

Douglas is also hoping to work more closely in the coming months with the campus Wellness Center, operated by the Psychological Counseling Center, and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center, under the direction of the Student Activities Office. "My overall goal is to maintain the high quality of care offered by an outstanding group of professionals, and to educate and involve students," he noted.

Prior to coming to Chico, Douglas was assistant director and business manager for the Florida International University Health Care and Wellness Center in Miami for two years. He was business manager of Student Health Service at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, for nine years.

Douglas earned a B.S. in management science from Kean University and an M.S. in organizational management from Central Connecticut State University.

Some of his volunteer activities have included serving as an adviser to Greek organizations and mediator for student disputes at Florida International University.

Joe Wills