"I use them," says one senior, who has chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. "I very often can't get out of my room. I go to someone in mental health. They are confidential when they call my room and leave a message."

Disparities

Still, there must be a reason for the widespread lack of confidence among students, as evidenced by the 80 interviews. There appears to be a canyon of difference between what doctors see as excellent care and what many students perceive as inadequate and careless treatment. Many of those treated well say they were either surprised or just lucky.

DeLellis, who was treated promptly for her fever, says the care is somewhat random because her twin sister, Susan, went to UHS the next day with similar symptoms and was told nothing was wrong with her.

"I trust UHS," Katherine says, "My sister doesn't."

And no matter how much doctors stress the high quality of care at UHS, an overwhelming majority of the 80 students either knew someone who had been misdiagnosed or had been mistreated themselves.

Some students, particularly those who are originally from the Boston area, say they use other doctors. Many students say they return to UHS only because it is convenient.

From a missed case of gastrointeritis, to a wrongly set broken thumb, to an unnecessary cast on their leg, students are replete with horror stories.

Jason S. Martin '94 was lifting something when he pinched a nerve in his back and collapsed to the floor. Three friends carried him to UHS.

"The doctor asked me if I was allergic to anything," says Martin. "I said aspirin and penicillin. But he gave me a shot of Demerol which causes a reaction in people allergic to aspirin and penicillin. I went into a spasm."

Martin says he had a severe reaction, collapsed to the floor and couldn't open his eyes. A day and a half later he was able to go home where he says he slept for three days.

"I thought of taking action, but my mom dissuaded me because everything worked out all right in the end," Martin says.

And some female students interviewed say they are displeased with UHS's women's health care.

A first-year student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says when she went to UHS after spending the night vomiting, the first thing her nurse practitioner did was administer a pregnancy test.

"It was embarrassing and inappropriate but I didn't have the strength to protest," says the first-year. "That kind of thing really embarrasses you. You don't want to go back."