The Health Center at Brandeis University came under immense criticism last week during a forum in the Shapiro Campus Center. Although the Health Center Advisory Committee, which moderated the discussion, was eager to hear suggestions, the assembly members voiced complaints and shared mostly negative experiences. It would be unfair to say that some of the complaints were unjustified, because patient satisfaction is the most important part of any health care service. Yet, the objections did not reflect any specific failings of the Health Center, but rather the frustrations of being sick."Brandeis students work very hard, and a debilitating illness such as mono or strep can be very frustrating," said Kathleen Maloney, Nursing Director at the Health Center. "Hearing there isn't a quick fix just adds to the frustration. I think some complaints are due to lack of knowledge."

One of the most common complaints that students have is that they are misdiagnosed. The Health Center serves a population that, for all practical purposes, is generally healthy and presents approximately the same types of medical issues. For this reason, the nurses are very confident in the diagnoses as they examine the 30 to 60 students that come into the Health Center every day.

Unfortunately, antibodies that indicate a specific illness may not become detectable until the second or third weeks of illness. A student may have flu-like symptoms for a week, but blood tests are not useful until seven days after. For instance, with bronchitis, the cold or flu comes first, and after the cough persists for a week, it is then called bronchitis.

During the forum, it seemed that many students were concerned about their confidentiality being breached or being judged by the staff; especially when it came to pregnancy or other sexually related topics, for example.

This is a valid concern. Questions about private sexual life should only be asked when absolutely necessary. Most often the "have you ever ." questions are not being asked out of curiosity, but rather as a part of your regular checkup for your protection.

Medical providers are only curious about student's sexual activity "because it is an important piece of the history," Maloney reiterated. Some STD tests may be indicated depending on the type of answer you provide. But being completely honest is the only way to receive effective treatment.

Students also have a responsibility in the treatment process. When symptoms begin to emerge, it is crucial to seek the Health Center right away so that you can receive proper advice for staying healthy. Symptoms that go untreated for too long a time may turn into a serious issue that is difficult to treat.

Some time ago, a friend of mine sprained his ankle during intramural basketball. He decided not to go the Health Center and instead, used ice to treat the injury himself.

The next day, his foot was purple and very enlarged. When he was finally X-rayed, it showed that he had broken his ankle. Instead of seeing the Health Center right away, which would have made that diagnosis and helped with a cast, he was further injuring the ankle.

The Health Center strives to improve the lives of students and has undoubtedly caused more good than harm. Medicine is an imperfect science, and any medical facility would be prone to the same risks and failures as the Brandeis Health Center.

Moreover, the forum meeting only included a handful of students, probably less than 1 percent of the school population.

The other majority believes that the Health Center is working at its full potential and is providing a very excellent service. Maloney read me a thank-you letter from a student thanking them for their competent and comforting care. "It is very rewarding to hear students say, 'I feel better." We should be so lucky to have a staff and facility that provide competent medical resources.