10/27/2017
Dear Dalhousie Health Services,
I've been sick in bed for three days. I've had a raspy cough, fever and body aches. I was so sick that my friends and family told me to go to the university clinic.
This summer I was diagnosed with GERD, which causes acid to burn my larynx and vocal cords. It also causes my vocal folds to close so I cannot breathe.
I had a bad episode of heartburn last night, and burning in the back of my throat. The doctor wouldn't even consider this as a factor in what I'm experiencing right now.
I explained my virus symptoms to the doctor as well and she swabbed my mouth. She told me it could be strep throat because it's contagious and a lot of students are getting it this time of year.
I asked for a doctor's note because I host two weekly radio shows and as a journalism student, have to do five interviews this week.
She refused to give me a note and said I could do my work all at once on Sunday, because "these viruses tend to last 5-7 days". She also said I should go to class with my illness.
Doctors like these are the reason why contagious viruses get passed on and students are stressed. Dalhousie should employ people who take people's physical and mental health seriously and do everything they can to reduce the chances of contagious viruses being transmitted.
I spend thousands of dollars a year to attend this university. I expect to be treated fairly when I'm sick.
Thanks a lot,
Nader Nadernejad
