Monday, May 4, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 9
End-of-year celebrations cause alcohol concerns
By Lisa Stevens John
jlohn@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
The end-of-the-year celebrations that include alcohol may cause more than hangovers, said one of the University of Kansas'to physicians.
Unintended consequences could put students at risk for difficulties in social relationships, automobile accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, fights, academic difficulties and legal trouble, said Randall Rock, physician and chief of staff at Watkins Memorial Health Center.
"It's a sobering thought," Rock said.
Professionals at Watkins recently
participated in an informal survey, in which they estimated the number of students who came to the clinic with problems associated with alcohol.
One medical-care provider who responded to the survey estimated that about 17 students a week came to Watkins because of alcohol-related problems.
Julie Francis, health educator at Watkins, said it did not take a large quantity of alcohol to change a person's behavior. Statistics show that a 125-pound female may suffer judgment after only one drink, or when the blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.05. After two or three drinks, the blood alcohol concentration may rise to 0.08, the legal limit in Kansas for those
21 years or older, Francis said.
"But for those who are under 21, the legal limit is 0.02." Francis said.
the legal limit is 0.02," Francis said. Alcohol is a concern throughout the year, Francis said. But during finals, there is one more complication.
Rock said drinking was a public- health issue.
"If people are studying for finals, it's not real efficient in helping assist with that," she said.
"We ask everyone to act responsibly and recognize that alcohol is a toxin. Even at moderate levels, it has the potential to be fatal," Rock said.
"This is something that should be factored into everyone's idea of the celebration activity at the end of the semester," he said.
Summer school may be a drag for some students, but for others, it can offer opportunities.
Gregory Leon Frost, program assistant of Minority Affairs, coordinates the Health Careers Pathways Program. The nationally recognized eight-week program focuses on helping disadvantaged students attain their goals of working in a health-care profession.
Program offers path for minorities
"The Pathways program is a stairstep program from the earliest level up to entering into the School of Medicine," Frost said. "It is designed to increase the numbers of qualified disadvantaged students going into the medical professions."
Frost said that during the year, he recruited students from across the nation to participate in the program. He said requirements included a 2.5 minimum grade point average, an interest in a medical career, a disadvantaged background and/or being a member of an underrepresented group in the health field.
Crystal Smith, Kansas City, Kan., senior, participated in the program last year and was selected again this year. She said the experience was worthwhile.
Students also must submit two letters of recommendation, Frost said.
"It's a great program and really beneficial," she said. "I feel really fortunate to have been selected. I wouldn't have applied again if I didn't think it had benefited me."
By Sara Anderson sanderson@kansan.com Kansan staff writer
HSEI II is similar to the first session, but it focuses on strengthening the academic competitiveness of the participants. Students take classes in English, chemistry, physics, calculus and organic chemistry. The second session also deals with helping students develop the survival skills necessary to master the
The program has three sections — the Health Science Enrichment Institute, sessions one and two, and the Pre-Admissions Program. The institute is open to college freshmen and is designed to provide students with an educational background in the medical field.
HSEII includes diagnostic testing, skill development in reading, communication and course work in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and English. The course also emphasizes test-taking strategies, listening and time and stress-management skills.
medical-school environment. Courses are taught by professors or graduate students. Frost said.
"Every Wednesday night, we have a mandatory meeting where we bring in physicians of color from local areas." Frost said. "It helps students to see someone like them already out there. It provides them the opportunity to hear about their experiences in school and sets up role models and contacts for later."
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The project is financed by national grants and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Participating students attend the programs at no cost.
The Pre-Admissions Program is open to college juniors and seniors. The program's goal is to facilitate the entry of disadvantaged students into the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Students prepare to take the MCAT exam through the University of Kansas Medical Center and practice interview skills for applying to medical school.
"It keeps you motivated and makes you think you have a chance," she said. "I was exposed to things I wouldn't have been otherwise. It's a great program."
Smith said the program helped her to focus on her goals.
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