After seven years at the College, Dr. Jeff Benson is no longer serving as college physician and director of the health center.
In an e-mail sent to students, Dean of Student Affairs Tim Foster discussed Benson's contributions to the campus, but did not elaborate on Benson's departure.
Foster highlighted Benson's commitment to the health of students, as well as his willingness to talk to staff members about their personal health concerns. Foster also emphasized Benson's role in making Bowdoin smoke-free and in planning Bowdoin's response to public health emergencies.
In a later e-mail to the Orient, Foster offered no additional information regarding Benson's departure.
"Dr. Benson is leaving the College to pursue other professional opportunities," Foster wrote.
A staff member at the Dudley Coe Health Center said she was unaware of further information regarding the physician's departure. A phone call to Benson's home found that his phone number was no longer in service.
Foster's e-mail also discussed the current arrangements at the Dudley Coe Health Center in light of Benson's leaving. Foster assured students that they will continue to have access to the "highest quality care." For the spring semester, Benson's duties will be shared by Dr. Jeffrey Maher, who was Benson's back-up, and Dr. Tim Howe, who served as Bowdoin's contracted physician for 10 years.
Nat Herz contributed to this report.