Student Health and Support Services

Student Health Service

The University of Chicago student health services has two components, the Student Care Center (SCC) for general medical care and the Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS) for services ranging from short term psychotherapy to study skills counseling.

Student Care Center (SCC)

Location: 5841 South Maryland, Suite R100 (just west of Goldblatt Lobby)

Hours: 8 a.m. -4 p.m. M-F (Saturday 8-11 a.m. at DCAM walk-in clinic)

Telephone Numbers:

Physician appointments: (773) 702-4156

Medical advice (student care nurse): (773) 702-1915

Physician-on-call (urgent care*): (773) 702-6840

Health Education: (773) 702-1451

Services:

The University of Chicago Student Care Center (SCC) provides primary health care services to University students. Students are encouraged to choose a primary care doctor when they first arrive on campus. In addition to primary care, the SCC provides several specialty services including nutrition counseling, health education, immunizations, and gynecologic care. Routine dental and eye care are not provided.

Health Eduation:

Gynecology:

Immunizations:

Student Advisory Board:

Payment and Insurance:

All medical visits to the SCC are covered by the student health fee, which is billed as part of the quarterly fee structure (about $110 per quarter). If warranted, SCC physicians will also make referrals to specialty services within the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics. The health fee does not cover specialized and emergency care, laboratory tests, outside referrals, x-rays and hospitalizations. All students are required to carry a health plan beyond the student health fee. Students may choose a student medical plan offered by the University, or they may waive this plan if they are already covered by another policy (i.e. their parents’ or spouse’s policy). You will receive a brochure describing the SCC and its services, the student health fee, and the student medical insurance plan in greater detail. Student insurance is always under construction, so consult these other publications for specific information about rates, plan options, and coverage.

Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS)

Location: 5737 South University Avenue

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F

For appointments: (773) 702-9800

Therapist-on-call: (773) 702-3625

The Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS) provides short-term professional counseling to all University students. All services are covered in full by the Student Health Service fee. Visits are strictly confidential; no information is released to anyone outside SCRS without a student’s written permission, except in life threatening emergencies. Students may seek counseling at SCRS for any problem that causes them distress, including difficulty dealing with academic pressures, burn-out, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and marital difficulties. Many different forms of counseling are offered, such as support groups and counseling for individuals, couples, and families. The clinic can also make referrals to outside resources.

You can call to arrange an intake interview in which you provide information about yourself and your reasons for seeking counseling. Urgent cases are handled immediately. You do not need an appointment during a crisis.

SCRS also offers marital counseling. Spouses of students can be covered at the clinic by paying a separate Student Health Service fee. Counseling for unmarried couples is available if at least one member is a registered student or is covered by the University Health Service. The clinic also offers family counseling. In addition, the Department of Psychiatry provides a range of services for a fee.

Niteline

Telephone: (773) 702-8600

Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week

Niteline, a University student volunteer service, is a confidential telephone hotline that you can use for any reason. Its volunteers are trained in reflective listening and provide an empathetic ear to callers in all situations ranging from minor calamities to major breakdowns. In addition to supportive listening, Niteline volunteers provide information and resources for a multitude of issues. Other hotlines available in the city of Chicago include In Touch at 312-996-5535, which is run by UIC from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Student Ombudsperson

Location: Lower Level of the Reynolds Club (RC 008)

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. M-F

Telephone 702-8422

The Student Ombudsperson is a salaried, part-time official appointed by the President of the University to one year term in this office. The role of the ombudsperson is to investigate specific grievances brought to the office by both undergraduate and graduate students when other routes of mediation have failed. He or she is expected to determine the facts in each case, to refer complaints to the appropriate departments of the University, to suggest remedial steps in the settlement of a complaint, to work with the student and the administrator or faculty member in seeking a satisfactory solution, and to call attention to injustices or abuses of discretion.

Any information given to the ombudsperson is kept strictly confidential. If the problem is particularly sensitive, permission is obtained from the student before their situation is related to other University officials. If a case suggests a need for changes in university rules, procedures, or policies, the ombudsperson directs his or her recommendation to the appropriate policy-making body.

Security

Contrary to what you’ve probably heard, Hyde Park is NOT as intimidating as its reputation suggests. In fact, it’s actually one of the nicest communitites on the South Side. However, it IS part of a major urban area so security is an important issue. The University and its surroundings are patrolled by the University Police as well as the Chicago Police Department. In addition, your own common sense goes a long way toward living safely in Hyde Park.

University Police

On-campus dial 123, Off-campus dial (773) 702-8181

Location: 5555 South Ellis Avenue

The University Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on campus and throughout the Hyde Park-Kenwood neighborhood. The campus police patrol the area within the following borders: Lake Michigan to the east, Cottage Grove Drive to the west, 47th Street to the north, and 61st Street to the south.

Questions, comments, or complaints about the operations of the University Police should be directed to the Watch Commander or supervisor on duty by calling the dispatcher at 123 from campus phones or 702-8181. During business hours, calls may also be directed to the Director or an Assistant Director at 702-8190. Formal complaints may be filed against a member of the University Police by any of the above means or by contacting the Committee on University Security. Complaints may also be initiated by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students in the University or a member of the Dean-on-Call staff.

Emergency phones

More than 135 emergency phones are distributed throughout Hyde Park. These phones, easily identified by their white covers, provide a direct line to the University Police dispatcher who can pinpoint your location and send officers to your aid. In an urgent situation, a car will be on the scene in most cases in less than two minutes. If you are being followed, turn on every white phone in your path so the police can track your movement. The University Police dispatcher can also summon city police, ambulance and fire-fighting assistance. (Note that the University of Chicago does not operate its own EMS service.)

Umbrella Coverage

In addition to daytime campus buses, the extensive evening bus system, and the late night vans, you can request "Umbrella Coverage" from University Police. Do not hesitate to use this service! Whenever you feel uncomfortable walking anywhere within the patrolled area, call the University Police dispatcher at 123 from any campus phone or by dialing 702-8181 from off-campus. You can also phone the police ahead of time if you know that you will be walking in an unsafe area late in the evening. University security will dispatch a car to follow you as you walk to your destination. They do not let you ride in the car in order to avoid becoming a free taxi service.

Whistle-Stop

This is a Hyde Park community program. Many students and residents in the neighborhood carry whistles. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, or you see someone else in such a situation, blow your whistle. Others will hear this and join in (and call campus security), hopefully scaring away any perpetrators. Absolutely do not hesitate to blow your whistle if you feel threatened - it’s better to look foolish than to become a victim! Whistles are available at the University Police Office (56^th & Ellis).

Bicycle Registration

Bicycle theft is one of the more common crimes committed at the University of Chicago. It is difficult to track down a stolen bike, but it is impossible for the campus police to help if you have not registered your bicycle with them. It is a relatively quick process that requires a stop by the campus police station on 56th and Ellis Avenue to provide serial numbers and descriptive data. The University Police will give you a sticker to put on your bike and they will also register your information with the Chicago Police.

Hospital Security

(773) 702-6262

The medical center maintains its own security force which handles situations within the hospital buildings. They can be a handy resource for getting into locked areas of the hospital after-hours (areas to which you are specifically permitted, of course.) You’ll need to show your hospital ID to use this service.

Minority Student Programs

William McDade, MD/PhD, Class of 1990, serves as the faculty advisor to the Pritzker chapter of Student National Medical Association (SNMA). SNMA is an organization interested in the health of minority communities. Its main goal is to educate students and physicians about the problems of minorities, the recruitment and continued support of minority medical students, and service projects which can improve the health status of surrounding minority communities. Dr. McDade is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, a member of the Medical School Admissions Committee, MSTP Admissions Committee, and the Graduate Affairs Minority Committee. Dr. McDade and other minority faculty, in spite of their busy schedules, are always willing to mentor, advise, and support students.

The Director of Student Programs, Rosita Ragin, is the administrative advisor for SNMA and serves as the medical school’s representative to the Minority Affairs Section of the AAMC and the Thirteen School Consortium. She assists with minority recruitment for the medical school and summer programs by attending recruitment fairs and conferences throughout the year, often with the assistance of minority medical students. She is the program director of the Chicago Summer Science Enrichment Program (CSSEP), which is partially funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Minority Medical Education Program (MMEP).

The CSSEP, guided under a consortium of four medical schools which includes Rush Medical College, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, and Northwestern School of Medicine, has four years of funded support. The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is the managing school for the consortiums’ program and the fiscal agent for the Robert Wood Johnson grant. While each medical school’s program has as science-review curriculum, the University typically works with students who are pre-med. The program is designed to strengthen understanding of scientific principles in key areas in preparation for the MCAT, as well as to enhance students’ competitiveness for medical school admission. Major clinical and problem-based learning components are included. The Dean of Students and the Director of Admissions provide numerous admissions and interviewing workshops throughout the program. If you are interested in working on this program, contact Damien Dawson at [email protected].

The National Institutes of Health’s Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH/NHLB), the Pritzker School of Medicine and the Division of the Biological Science co-sponsor a program to provide medical students or talented undergraduates with an opportunity to obtain an in-depth experience of independent scientific research in a laboratory setting. Ten of the sixty positions in the Pritzker Summer Research Program are funded by the NIH/NHLB for minority students.

Alumni Association Programs

The Biological Sciences Division and the Medical Alumni Association was established in 1934 to serve students, faculty, and alumni of the medical school and the Division. The Association exists, in part, to promote scientific and cultural relations among its members. The Association, joining the Dean of Students’ Office, begins the academic year with receptions at which faculty and alumni welcome medical and graduate students to campus. "Medicine on the Midway"’ is the quarterly publication of the alumni association. It highlights the activities of graduates of the Biological Sciences Division and current University events.

The BSD and Medical Alumni Association provide support for the annual Senior Scientific Session, a unique program designed to give graduating medical students the opportunity to present the results of research they have conducted during medical school. The Alumni Association is engaged in other key activities for senior students, including providing a lunch on Match Day, providing listings of alumni who are willing to serve as contacts for information about residency locations, and working with the Dean of Students’ Office in sponsoring the Divisional Academic Ceremony.

Resources for Parent Students

This section provides information for parents and parents-to-be. The first part lists students who can share their experiences and knowledge about parenting in medical school. The second section identifies supportive faculty members, and the third section provides information on cay care and child services in Hyde Park.

STUDENT RESOURCES

The following is a short list of parents who are willing to be consulted regarding their choices and experiences as students.

Jon Davison (Class of 2002) and Vicki Sheridon-Davison

--Entered medical school with a 10-month old

--Contact info: [email protected],

Tom Lancaster (Class of 2002)

--Son was born 4 weeks after classes began first year

--Contact info: [email protected].

Alyna Chien (Class of 2001)

--Entered 1st year with a 5 month old; Had 2nd child Aug '97.

--Contact info: [email protected]

Chemen Denny (Class of 2004)

--Entered medical school with a 7-year-old son

--Contact info: [email protected]

FACULTY RESOURCES

The following is another short-list of faculty who are willing to be consulted regarding their choices and experiences as parents with medical careers.

Halina Brukner, M.D., Internal Medicine. Two [email protected].

Deborah Burnet, M.D. Med/Peds. Two children. [email protected].

Lainie Ross, M.D., Ph.D., Peds and Philosophy. Two children. [email protected]…

Kathleen Kelley, M.D., Child Psychiatry. Two children. [email protected]…

John Flaherty, M.D., Infectious Diseases. Five children. [email protected]…

DAY CARE AND CHILD SERVICES

Day Care Centers

Akibna-Schecter Jewish Day School, 5235 S. Cornell Ave., 773-493-8880

Ancona Nursery School, 4770 S. Dorchester Ave., 773-924-2356

Chicago Care Society, 5467 S. University Ave., 773-373-3000

K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Nursery School, 5039 Greenwood Ave., 773-924-1237

Parent Co-op for Early Learning, 5300 S. Shore Dr., 773-684-6363

U of C Laboratory Nursery School, 5750 S. Woodlawn, 773-834-1911

Little People Learning Center, Inc., 5650 S. Woodlawn, 773-955-9942

Williams Day Care Home, 5318 S. Kimbark, 773-324-3737

Tot-Lots

Bixler Park and Playground, 57th and Kenwood Ave: a popular meeting place for University parents and kids.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S Kenwood, 773-643-4062, (annual fee; open three mornings a week from the Fall through Spring).

Story Hours

57th Street Bookstore. 1301 E. 57th St., (773) 684-1300

Chicago Public Library - Blackstone Branch, 4904 S. Lake Park, (773) 747-0511.

Nursing services

La Leche League

--Contact info: : Betty (773) 775-6092

Medela Breastpump Rentals - Cheryl Renz (also an MD at UCH) — (773) 268-1845.

University Athletic Facilities

For University facilities, you will need to show a valid U of C ID. Temporary lockers are available free of charge (bring your own lock) or you can rent lockers to use on a quarterly basis.

Henry Crown Field House

Location: 5550 S. University Ave.

Telephone: (773) 753-4680

Hours: Mon-Fri, 7am-12 midnight; Sat, 9:30 am-8 pm; Sun, 12 noon -8 pm

Note: These hours change quarterly so call first for details.

Features a 6-lane, 200 meter running track; facilities for tennis and basketball; 7 multi-purpose courts for either handball, racquetball, or squash; an additional 3 courts for stationary bikes; areas for fencing and wrestling for varsity teams only. They also have a multi-purpose room for badminton and other sports. Also, there are free weights, a weight circuit, and cardiovascular machines, including rowing machines, stationary bikes, stairclimbers, and ellipse gliders.

Stagg Field

56th and Cottage Grove

Outdoor 440-yard running track and tennis courts

Ida Noyes Swimming Pool

Location: 1212 East 59^th Street, Lower Level

Telephone: (773) 702-0475

Hours: Vary by quarter. Pick up schedules in Ida Noyes Room 106

This is a small pool (four lanes, 20 yards long) but it works for now until the new athletic complex is completed.

Midway Plaisance

This is the grassy strip just south of 59^th Street where IM sports compete (soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, etc.) It’s also a great place for jogging, home to a new permanent ice skating rink, and I’ve even seen people use it as a driving range.