In my 13 years in college health, I’ve helped students manage everything from chronic illnesses with no insurance coverage, bouts with the flu, depression, and the list goes on. After I treat them and get them connected to other campus and community resources, a common sentiment from students is they wish they had known about us sooner. So I want to take this opportunity to welcome all the new Knights and extend an open invitation to come see us, no matter how big or small your health concern might be.

Every year UCF participates in the survey. It consistently shows that students nationwide see stress, anxiety, sleep, cold and flu as their top impediments to academic success. We can help with all those things. UCF students are very fortunate to have the breadth of physical and mental health services that we have on our campuses, which include a comprehensive Counseling and Psychological Services department and state-of-the-art recreation center.

Our Health Center at 4098 Libra Drive next to the Chemistry building is staffed by professionals skilled in college health. What that means is that our health care providers practice prevention and are knowledgeable about the health risks facing college students and interventions that have a positive impact on their life. Whether it’s challenges with alcohol or drugs, a cold, weight loss or anxiety, our professionals are readily available to help students no matter what life throws at them. We also have two pharmacies on campus: at the Health Center and in Knights Plaza just west of the CFE Arena.

I expect your to-do list is already miles long, but make sure you add “Go to the Health Center” to that list. You will be glad you did.

James Schaus is a family medicine physician with and associate director of clinical services. He is also an assistant professor at UCF College of Medicine. His research concentrates on reducing risks of alcohol use in the college population and other aspects of preventative college health.

The panel included doctors, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, registered nurse, physician assistant, pharmacist and dietician. In addition to the medical professionals, students were also able to address their academic concerns with an academic advisor from the Office of Pre-Professional Advising who specializes in pre-medical and pre-clinical advising.

“My favorite part of the event was being able to ask questions one-on-one with the health professionals that attended and hear their experienced advice,” Brittany Johnson, a Health Sciences Pre-Clinical major said. “It isn’t every day that students are able to interact with health professionals and ask them for their insight on questions that we have. This event proved to be an educational and enjoyable event.” 

Health Services will continue to fulfill this mentoring role for students by hosting the event in the spring and fall semesters.

“As college health professionals, it is important that we not only care for our students physically and mentally, but that we help meet their academic needs as well,” said Dr. James Schaus, medical director of Health Services. “This event is one way we can further their academic progress by clearing up questions about our jobs and what it takes to achieve these positions.”

Health Services is a department in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.