University Health Services Looks to Interim Director

By Becky Trout
News Editor

Dr. John Kennedy, the former director of University Health Services, has retired from this position this year, opening the way for a partial reorganization during an interim year at Davison Health Center.

Physician Associate (PA) Sandy Frimel has been appointed interim director, although Dr. Kennedy will continue to see patients on Wednesday afternoons this year.

"I think it was a wise decision to create an interim year," Frimel said. "It gives the University and the department a chance to look and assess."

"We’re really pleased to have Sandy Frimel while we explore options," said Dean of Student Services Mike Whaley. The Health Services Department reports to Whaley.

Kennedy said that after he announced his decision to retire over a year ago the Administration decided to examine the organization of the Health Center.

The Administration considered outsourcing, a plan in which health services would be provided by an independent group not associated with the University. Wesleyan received an outsourcing proposal from Middlesex Hospital.

According to Kennedy, Amherst outsourced its medical center last year. If outsourced, University health workers would no longer be employed by Wesleyan.

"Fortunately, the University decided last winter that wasn’t what was wanted," Kennedy said.

Instead, the current reorganization is focusing on an attempt to make the Davison Health Center more user-friendly for students.

"Right now we’re at the brainstorming stage," Frimel said. "I’m very interested in student input and in any suggestions — in terms of what they think would work better."

Most students are generally pleased with the Health Center but several offered suggestions.

"I would like to know which door to come in at what time," Mike Berlinski ’00 said.

"When you are staying there, there’s no TV, no form of entertainment," Jed Stiller ’01 said.

One change already enacted is the transfer of the director’s administrative duties from a doctor to a PA. Kennedy estimates that the administrative duties occupied 25 percent of his time.

"We want to use the medical professionals in the best possible way and let the MDs act as doctors," Kennedy said.

Five doctors are currently employed at the Health Center on a part time basis. This allows for the rotation of on call duties, as one doctor is on call at all times. Frimal, as a PA, and two nurse practitioners also see patients. Barbara Dedman was hired this year as a new nursing supervisor.

"It’s going to take a while to all shake out but we’ve got really good people," Kennedy said. "I think this is going to be a real success."

Kennedy is only semi-retired; he will continue to see patients weekly and take a turn serving on call.

"Now he gets to be the doctor," Frimel said. "I think that will be a lot of fun for him."

"You bet," Kennedy responded. "I didn’t mind the administrative duties but now I’m glad to pass them on to someone else."

Kennedy now has the time to explore other interests. He is taking a class, "The Natural History of Autumn," through the Graduate Liberal Studies Program and said he is enjoying the privacy of his East Haddam residence.

During his 10 years at Wesleyan, Kennedy attained widespread popularity within the Wesleyan community.

"He’s really nice and helpful," said Samantha Smith ’01.

"He’s wonderful, that’s all I can say," said Medical Aide Connie Scott.