University Employees' Clinic Handles Physicals, Sicknesses for Over 3000

Though little known to most members of the University, the Employees' Clinic in the Hygiene Building does work fully as important as that of the Students' Medical and Surgical Clinic. In the college year of 1941-32 more than 3000 regular employees of the University made a total of 9,031 visits to the Clinic for illness or injury and for physical examinations.

Founded in 1932 by Dr. Alfred Worcester, the Clinic has a short history. Dr. Arlie V. Bock, Henry K. Oliver professor of Hygiene, successor to Dr. Worcester, expanded the Clinic in 1935 to its present size. At the present time, the personnel inclues a full-time nurse and secretary, and two doctors, Bryant L. Decker. M.D., physician, and Robert R. Linton, M.D., surgeon.

"Student Menace" Cases Watched

Care of industrial cases is one of the primary functions of the Clinic. If, for instance, an employee of the Maintenance Department were injured at work, he immediately would go to the Employees' Clinic. Any extra costs would be borne by the Maintenance Department where the accident occurred.

The Clinic gives "student menace" cases special atention. Any waitress or other dining hall employee who has a communicable disease, such as a cold, is considered a monace to the health of the students. With advice and pay from the Clinic, the patient must stay off the job until recuperation is complete. When an employee has been ill, before he can return to work he must submit to a checking over by the doctors at the Clinic.

Clinic Checks New Help

A physical examination is required for every prospective employee of the University, but only a small percentage of those seeking jobs are prevented from being hired because of their health. Dining hall employees, who are in constant contact with food must, undergo yearly physicals. On the whole there is close supervision of working conditions by the Clinic aided by cooperation from all department supervisors.

The University Employees Clinic was the first of its kind to be approved by the American College of Surgeons, an honor for which Dr. Seth Fichet, surgeon, who did a great deal for the Clinic in its early days, was chiefly responsible. In order to retain this seal of approval, it must annually satisfy certain requirements.