The doctor is still out.
And it’s not certain when Dr. Michael Farber will be back at Bakersfield College’s Student Health Center.
Last spring, Farber used up all of the hours his contract would allow before the end of the semester, and the Kern Community College District would not permit him to finish the fiscal year.
According to Angela Guadian-Mendez, interim dean of students, Farber’s contract is still being worked out by the district.
“Contracts in the district are always being worked out,” said Guadian-Mendez.
Farber’s contract has been handled annually, which is why his contract is being handled at the district level, said Mendez.
Many BC students are concerned that there is no campus doctor currently available.
“We’re being cheated,” said Mike Castillo, 30, nursing major. “What’s the point of paying the health fee? We should get the care promised.”
Others fear emergencies for which BC will be unprepared.
“Anything can happen. So many people come here,” said Debra Robertson, nursing major.
Ana Gonzales, 17, nursing major concurred.
“You’ll never know when you need a doctor,” she said.
Other students recognize a need for a campus doctor on a day-to-day basis.
“There are people in sports, and people with personal issues, or people who need regular check ups,” said Shamall Tharpe, 27, nursing major.
Some suggest alternatives to bringing back Farber.
“If there’s a problem, then why can’t they just assign someone else?” said Billy Joel, 19, mechanical engineering major.
BC doctor still absent
September 24, 2008