Features

The director of the University Health Service for more than 25 years, Ralph Manchester has provided medical guidance to University leaders responding to the COVID-19 crisis ever since President Sarah Mangelsdorf first convened the Coronavirus University Response Team, or CURT, last February.

He developed and oversees a complex, extensive, and continually evolving COVID-19 testing program for students; a contact tracing collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department; and the case of every student at the University who is placed in quarantine or isolation.

With the help of his staff of about 70 health care professionals, Manchester also monitors the intake of Dr. Chat Bot data for students and faculty and staff, and they perform the individual follow-ups as needed. As autumn settled in, Manchester also arranged campus flu shot clinics for faculty, staff, and students.

Manchester is recognized nationally for his skill in responding to health crises: his swift action and skilled management during past measles and norovirus outbreaks were cited by the American College Health Association this summer, when they honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.