The current Undergraduate Student Government campaign has introduced many important issues. Several tickets have established Ritenour Health Center/University Health Services as one of their platforms.

After attending a recent debate, we were appalled at the number of inaccuracies which were stated by some of the candidates.

The Student Health Advisory Board acts as a liaison between the clinicians and staff of University Health Services (UHS) and the students of Penn State. Our board publishes information concerning the Health Center, is an advocate for students' comments and conduct several patient satisfaction surveys, among other things.

Upon Mr. William Asbury's (Vice President for Student Services) request, we have participated in the UHS strategic plan and also its external review, which was conducted by four prominent members of the health field. Obviously, we are quite involved with the functioning of University Health Services and that is why we would like to clarify several statements made by the candidates.

For the past three months, a committee from UHS (including one student from our Board) has been interviewing candidates for the position of physician-in-charge of the Women's Health Department.

In February, University Health Services extended an offer to a physician whose major interest is in gynecology. Currently, we are awaiting her decision. Upon staffing this position, the department will have three nurse practitioners and one physician.

It is not easy to find physicians willing to practice gynecology in a college health facility. They usually see routine cases, provide little or no obstetrical care and the salary is lower than that which can be made in private practice.

However, the clinicians we have in the Women's Health Department are excellent. Our Board has received many, many compliments about them. The selection committee is trying to find a physician who has an exemplary background, a dedication to the college woman, and who will provide the same type of caring, compassionate service which is currently given.

The statement that women are not adequately informed of the side-effects associated with the use of birth control pills is ludicrous. Before women are able to schedule an appointment for oral contraceptives, they are required to have attended one Peer Contraception Education Program.

This session introduces women (and men) to all forms of birth control, their effectiveness rates, proper usage and possible risks. When women schedule an appointment for contraceptive services, they are asked to provide a complete medical history. This information can alert the clinician to any predispositions to side-effects of "the pill" which the patient may have.

During the visit for contraception, the clinician and a nurse each explain, in detail, how "the pill" should be taken, its risks and possible side-effects. This information is also reinforced with an educational brochure.

To ensure that women on birth control pills are not experiencing any difficulties, they are required to have a six month check-up, where any signs or symptoms of side-effects are noted and discussed. The statement that the Women's Health Department does We hope that this information has clarified some of the issues which have surfaced concerning University Health Services and specifically, the Women's Health Department.

It is our hope that in the next USG campaign, candidates will research their platforms and not disseminate inaccurate information.