Cara Suglich, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, was sick with a sore throat and fatigue when she went to the Student Health Services. She underwent a strep culture and a test for mononucleosis, and when both came back negative she was diagnosed as having a virus. When the symptoms continued, Suglich returned to SHS but received the same diagnosis.

Suglich's symptoms persisted for seven months. Eventually she went to Aurora Sinai Hospital where she was diagnosed with mononucleosis.

"I was sick for seven months," she said. "I was in and out of the hospital all because someone couldn't diagnose mono.

"That's just not right."

According to Keli Wollmer, SHS clinical coordinator, SHS is "a full-functioning family practice clinic with urgent care capabilities."

"We are able to care for a wide range of patients and health care issues," Wollmer said.

There have been complaints from students, however, about not receiving proper care for illnesses as simple as strep throat or mononucleosis.

College of Arts & Sciences sophomore Brittany Earl had been sick for two weeks with a sore throat and feeling miserable.

"I was so sick that I missed classes. I never miss classes," Earl said.

Not being near her regular doctor, Earl went to SHS.

"They said it was just a cold and to buy cough drops and drink hot tea, stuff I already knew. When I wasn't getting better I called my doctor back home and he gave me a prescription (for strep throat) over the phone," Earl said.

Not all students who go to SHS have poor experiences, however. Some said they received good service from the doctors and physicians assistants and would return for further medical care.

Cory Johnson, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, went to SHS for cold-like symptoms.

"I had a cold, and I just wanted pills. They wrote me a prescription for something, I don't remember the name of it, and I filled it," Johnson said.

"They were really nice to me; they didn't make me wait around. The person that I saw gave me her card so I could call her personally if I had any more problems," Johnson said.

Wollmer said SHS is open to receiving complaints.

"I do not know how many patients are dissatisfied with Student Health Services," Wollmer said. "We take all complaints seriously and investigate as necessary."

However, students like Suglich and Earl haven't complained to them.

Any comments or complaints can be directed to SHS in the comment boxes provided; students can also e-mail [email protected] or call a student patient advocate to file complaints.