Brubaker Takes Yearlong Position in New Zealand

The Houghton College Health Center's head physician, Dr. David Brubaker, will be absent from Houghton for the 2010-2011 school year. Brubaker accepted a yearlong position from Global Medical Staffing (GMS) to work in a general practice in Hastings, New Zealand. According to its website, GMS has recruited, screened, and placed nearly 3,000 doctors around the world, specifically in areas that lack sufficient medical care, since 1994. The work, though not missions related, is service-oriented.

Replacing Brubaker for the year is Dr. Douglas Mayhle, a Houghton resident. Mayhle is not only familiar with the area as a local, but has worked previously in the Houghton Health Center under Dr. Prinsell. He comes to the Health Center from Dansville, New York, where he worked in the emergency room at Noyes Memorial Hospital. Health Center staff members Gail Smith, R.N., Janet Findlay, R.N., and Tammie Kelley, receptionist and insurance coordinator, reported the transition to be a smooth one and mentioned that they continue to keep in touch with Brubaker.

To the staff, Brubaker spoke of his work with GMS as a three-fold opportunity. Through GMS, he could experience work in the world of general practice, an area he left when he originally came to Houghton as a staff member. In western New York, this type of work would have been difficult to keep short-term. This position abroad also gives Brubaker and his family the chance to experience a new setting and culture. According to Brubaker's nephew and current Houghton junior Luke Doty, GMS provides each doctor with salary and travel expenses, as well as housing and a car for the duration of his or her service. Smith expressed Brubaker's hope that this temporary job in general practice would enable him to better serve and interact with Houghton students upon his return. The practice in Hastings is a large one, employing several physicians. Smith, Findlay, and Kelley reported that though Brubaker's schedule is tight, he enjoys his new work and is content with his decision. The Brubaker family has been able to enjoy New Zealand, despite the hectic schedules involved. Following a busy seven-day week, the family was recently able to take a weekend vacation and become better acquainted with the island.

When in Houghton, Brubaker also works in the Biology department, teaching a class in Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P). Recent Houghton graduate Professor Brittany (Ioset) Houseman '10 is teaching the class in his absence. As a student, Houseman took the class from Brubaker, and then continued on as his Teaching Assistant. She reported the Fall 2010 class to be one of the largest A&P classes ever held here at Houghton, and mentioned that Brubaker worked with her as she transitioned to this new role in the classroom. Houseman also maintains contact with Brubaker while he is in New Zealand. In the Biology department, Brubaker has also worked with Professor Matthew Pelletier, Professor James Wolfe, Professor Jamie Potter and Professor Aaron Sullivan.

In addition to Brubaker, several other Houghton faculty members are also absent, taking semester or yearlong sabbaticals. Sabbatical is a more formal absence, authorized by Houghton in order for tenured faculty to be renewed, intellectually and otherwise. Professor Cameron Airhart and Professor Gary Stith are absent for the Fall 2010 semester. During the Spring 2011 semester, both Professor B. David Benedict and Professor James Zoller will be in Asia as scholars for the Fulbright Program, which chooses its recipients according to leadership potential and academic merit. Professor Benjamin Lipscomb, though working part time, will also be on sabbatical for the entire 2010-2011 academic year.