Perspectives on being both a DR and a patient

[Guest kodackmoment]

Hi everyone,

 

I have come to greatly respect all the input on these boards, and I find myself now in much need of some perspective.

 

Much like many of you, I have worked very hard my entire life with the dream of entering medical school. This past september i got diagnosed with MS. This was a HUGE SHOCK. Even though I managed to submit applications to a handful of schools. . . I have since been in enormous doubt as to whether or not I can take on this challenge plus med school.

 

I've been told to not let the illness dictate my life, but my mind is slave to it, and I cannot separate myself from my disease (mentally I mean, of course physically it's impossible). I don't know how to handle the uncertainties of my condition. I've had four interviews, and what should be an exciting time of hopefully waiting for positive outcomes, I am terrified of an acceptance. (I'm not assuming I'll get any but it's a possibilty none the less). . .

 

Do any of you have any perspectives of dealing with illness, coping with it and moving past it? Do you think it's possible for me to still pursue my dream . . .

 

My sincerest thanks

[Guest driedcaribou]

Wow.. I don't really have any advice to say except to pursue your dream despite the illness.

 

 

You have my support.

[Guest mintchoco]

I definitely say go for it too!

 

For me, it was my recent diagnosis of a chronic illness that really motivated me to give medicine a try (something I had considered in highschool but kind of gave up on for various reasons during the years in University). I think it was really the perspective I saw as a patient being treated at the hospital, by the specialist, etc, that gave me the motivation I need to pursue this.

 

Yes, who knows how 10 years down the road MS will affect you. But you could also walk out on the street later today and get hit by a car and die. So go for your dream!

[Guest Kirsteen]

Hi there,

 

Good on you, and best of luck with the upcoming round of acceptances.

 

In terms of MS and your career, (and although you may have considered some of the counter-arguments already) I'd say go for it. The future is a great unknown, so why not live each day to the fullest? If that involves pursuing your dream career in medicine, your health is compliant, and you are accepted to even one of those four medical schools, then there seems to be little reason why you shouldn't. Also, taking an optimistic view, during the course of your career it is possible that advances may be made in the field of MS that could benefit you and your patients; thus MS, and its possible effects on your later career, may become moot.

 

You're not entirely alone in your concern, either. Others who may enter medical school even without any known medical conditions may also have concerns that may be a little smaller, but perhaps similar to your own. For example, although I'm interested in surgery, I often wonder how a career in that field would be impacted were I to lose the use of my hands, for example, if they became arthritic? (My mum has the beginnings of arthritis in her fingers.) It's interesting, but since launching into this field and eyeing a career as a doctor, I've found that I've become a lot more mindful of my health and function. For example, although I previously happily launched myself off the odd tower in Australia with some elastic attached to my ankles, or white-water rafted down class IV rapids in Colorado that were booby-trapped with old gold-mine rebar, I'm not quite so eager to go bungy jumping and the like now--the bod means a lot more to me these days.

 

No matter, all the best to you and good luck during the coming weeks. I look forward to reading your good news.

 

Cheers,

Kirsteen

[Guest coleflower]

I will say that having MS will increase the challenge for you, but it is still possible. My uncle was diagnosed with MS while in med school (30ish years ago mind you). He ended up being limited in terms of which aspects of medicing he could do, but had a short fulfilling career nonetheless. He is now very disabled, but I know that when my aunt puts him in a care facility for the odd weekend "off", he is treated very well beacuse all the nurses remember him from his doctor days.

Anyway, this is all to say it is possible and you should not let MS get in the way of you living your life the way you want to.

Good luck

[Guest Jackie Nicole]

Hi there,

 

I'm going to agree with what everyone else has said to you so far. Go for it! I look forward to reading about your good news.

Best of luck,

Jackie

[Guest blinknoodle]

I, too, have been diagnosed with a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder (a genetic disorder, in this case). I know there is a phenotypic variability that won't truly surface until adulthood, which is scary. I've known that I've had it since I was a child, although my symptoms have been relatively minor so far. My mom and grandmother have it too, and although I know that not all medical specialties are for me, I am still pursuing medicine. I think about it too, but look at my those affected in my family, and know that it hasn't prevented them from doing too much (although neither is in a medical field). I realize I may have extra difficulties during certain times (ie. long shifts), but it's not something I am unprepared for.

 

Keep up your positive spirits! Pursue it if it is what you want to do.

 

-blinknoodle

[Guest kodackmoment]

My goodness,

 

I'm so touched. Thank you all so very much for your words of encouragement and comfort. It's an incredible motivator to know that I am not alone in my persuits of medicine, and life in general, at a young age with a chronic illness.

 

I will keep you all updated, and also look forward to hearing your good news as well.