UC Merced health director eyes health center improvements

UC Merced senior Mony Chim has noticed a difference at the student health services center since its new medical director came on board.

Chim said Dr. Brandon Boggs is approachable and a good people-person. "I'm glad he's there," the 23-year-old said. "He's been really helpful."

Boggs began to work at UC Merced as the university's first full-time medical director during this past spring semester. He worked as an emergency room physician for 10 years and as a medical director of an emergency department for about seven.

Boggs, who is originally from Merced, was also a medical director of a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center as well as a private practice physician.

"This was an opportunity to be able to work at home," Boggs said, who still does a few shifts as an emergency physician at Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale.

Director aims for growth

Boggs hopes to improve and expand the health center.

He said the center is working with the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and could receive its accreditation within two years or less.

Boggs also hopes to implement a program to ensure that quality health care is delivered to every student by monitoring whether the center is meeting its standards and how it is doing compared to similar facilities on other campuses.

Additionally, Boggs wants to broaden the medical services that are available for students. The center currently offers men's and women's health services, travel exams, sports physicals and treatment of injuries.

He hopes to bring in doctors with different specialties to expand the care at the center. "The students should be able to receive as much as possible here on campus," he said.

Under his direction, Boggs said, the center will also work toward increasing health awareness on campus and establishing health-related outreach programs in the community.

The center typically sees between 40 and 45 students per day when the semester is in full swing, he said.

Chim has been to the center several times.

Two weeks ago, he had an appointment because he had a back injury. He's scheduled for another center visit today.

He said he's been satisfied with the medical services he's received at the center. The only thing the center needs to work on is its customer service, he said.

"I don't know what else can improve," Chim said.

Reporter Yesenia Amaro can be reached at (209) 385-2482 or yamaro@mercedsunstar.com.