- Joined
- Oct 13, 2005
- Messages
- 49
- Reaction score
- 43
So it seems people want an update - I received my M.D. in February from the Caribbean school into which I transferred. I successfully passed both parts of Step 2 on first attempt (including a 47 point improvement on CK from my barely-passing score on Step 1) and received my ECFMG certificate.
After interviewing at and ranking 5 programs, I ended up matching to a great neurology advanced program, but sadly I have been unable to secure a prelim spot and will likely have to soon give up the spot. I will soon sit for Step 3 and will be reapplying in the fall. I believe that I will be able to improve upon my application approach (I have everything ready to reapply on Sept 15 plus a slew of A's in demanding electives, my degree and my ECFMG, vs. waiting for scores to come in early October last year) and will hopefully be able to make it happen this year.
My dismissal was based on not meeting certain academic standards, not simply because I was late a few a times - some of the circumstances may have not been entirely fair, but that's how life is sometimes and I'm not gonna dwell on that or get defensive at this point.
I do not have a "dependence" on stimulants in the clinical sense. I suppose I may have a reliance upon medications for optimal performance, but then again they are FDA approved and very effective for multiple conditions (they also treat my sleep disorder). I don't believe that the committee held the fact that I took prescribed medications against me when deciding to not give me another chance - that suggestion goes far beyond the unfairness I received during the process, and it is of course illegal to dismiss a student because he takes indicated and prescribed medications.
And yes, physicians are allowed to take controlled substances as long as it doesn't affect their ability to perform safely. In fact, there are physicians practicing today who are on prescribed methadone maintenance. I had required drug tests for my clinical rotations, and the clerkship coordinators all knew I took prescribed stimulant medications (I suppose I could have gotten an "all-clear" from a lab physician if I wanted to keep it private, but nobody ever displayed any negativity toward me whatsoever about it). Plus, with my stimulants I never had any problems transitioning to my night float weeks.
All I got - I'll keep you posted.
Sent via the SDN Mobile app
After interviewing at and ranking 5 programs, I ended up matching to a great neurology advanced program, but sadly I have been unable to secure a prelim spot and will likely have to soon give up the spot. I will soon sit for Step 3 and will be reapplying in the fall. I believe that I will be able to improve upon my application approach (I have everything ready to reapply on Sept 15 plus a slew of A's in demanding electives, my degree and my ECFMG, vs. waiting for scores to come in early October last year) and will hopefully be able to make it happen this year.
Is it normal for schools to dismiss people for something like tardiness? Do you think his dependence on amphetamines to do his job played a roll at all in his dismissal? Are people allowed to practice while using controlled medications? Like somebody on stimulants or a doctor on pain meds? What are the rules about this?
My dismissal was based on not meeting certain academic standards, not simply because I was late a few a times - some of the circumstances may have not been entirely fair, but that's how life is sometimes and I'm not gonna dwell on that or get defensive at this point.
I do not have a "dependence" on stimulants in the clinical sense. I suppose I may have a reliance upon medications for optimal performance, but then again they are FDA approved and very effective for multiple conditions (they also treat my sleep disorder). I don't believe that the committee held the fact that I took prescribed medications against me when deciding to not give me another chance - that suggestion goes far beyond the unfairness I received during the process, and it is of course illegal to dismiss a student because he takes indicated and prescribed medications.
And yes, physicians are allowed to take controlled substances as long as it doesn't affect their ability to perform safely. In fact, there are physicians practicing today who are on prescribed methadone maintenance. I had required drug tests for my clinical rotations, and the clerkship coordinators all knew I took prescribed stimulant medications (I suppose I could have gotten an "all-clear" from a lab physician if I wanted to keep it private, but nobody ever displayed any negativity toward me whatsoever about it). Plus, with my stimulants I never had any problems transitioning to my night float weeks.
All I got - I'll keep you posted.
Sent via the SDN Mobile app
Last edited: