Acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency During Interviews

[viper930]

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As the title explains, I, like many other Asians, lack at least 1 copy of the ADH gene. As a result, I get flushed (but not drunk) after 1-2 drinks. While some people just choose to never drink at pre-interview socials, I feel like you kind of come across as too serious/rigid if you drink zero at a social event (especially if said social is held in a bar, as many are). Obviously getting tipsy or trashed can and will kill your chances at getting ranked highly at the program, but will I still be perceived negatively if I am just flushed but actually sober and behaving completely appropriately?

 

[gutonc]

As the title explains, I, like many other Asians, lack at least 1 copy of the ADH gene. As a result, I get flushed (but not drunk) after 1-2 drinks. While some people just choose to never drink at pre-interview socials, I feel like you kind of come across as too serious/rigid if you drink zero at a social event (especially if said social is held in a bar, as many are). Obviously getting tipsy or trashed can and will kill your chances at getting ranked highly at the program, but will I still be perceived negatively if I am just flushed but actually sober and behaving completely appropriately?

I would personally perceive you as Asian. Which is the same way I would have perceived if you hadn't been drinking.

As long as you don't get loaded it will be fine.

 

[Retro Virus]

This is the SDNest thread.

 

[member77077]

Ha! I like the "I perceive you as Asian" response.

If you really don't want to be flushed, just grab a glass of wine or beer, but don't drink it or barely sip it. You'll still look like you're drinking but most people won't pay attention as to whether or not you actually are.

 

[Aphtalyfe]

As the title explains, I, like many other Asians, lack at least 1 copy of the ADH gene. As a result, I get flushed (but not drunk) after 1-2 drinks. While some people just choose to never drink at pre-interview socials, I feel like you kind of come across as too serious/rigid if you drink zero at a social event (especially if said social is held in a bar, as many are). Obviously getting tipsy or trashed can and will kill your chances at getting ranked highly at the program, but will I still be perceived negatively if I am just flushed but actually sober and behaving completely appropriately?

Take Pepcid AC (famotidine) 20-40mg 30min before event. Works for me and many of my friends. (I'm Asian)

 

[C5toC9]

Just nurse it

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Why not just get a non-alcoholic drink if you're worried about it?

 

[viper930]

Why not just get a non-alcoholic drink if you're worried about it?

Because it feels weird not having a drink when everyone is having drinks. Also, I'd be trying to be someone I'm not because I enjoy having a few drinks and having a good time. If we weren't "constantly being evaluated" I really wouldn't care. I'd just prefer not to be falsely evaluated as someone who got trashed at the social when that's far from the case.

Regarding the Pepcid comment: Yeah I'll probably end up doing something like that. It's worked for me in the past a little but not as much as some others have claimed.

 

[septoplasty]

Because it feels weird not having a drink when everyone is having drinks. Also, I'd be trying to be someone I'm not because I enjoy having a few drinks and having a good time. If we weren't "constantly being evaluated" I really wouldn't care. I'd just prefer not to be falsely evaluated as someone who got trashed at the social when that's far from the case.

Regarding the Pepcid comment: Yeah I'll probably end up doing something like that. It's worked for me in the past a little but not as much as some others have claimed.

So get some tonic water or get a coke with a lime wedge, thus simulating the effect that you're drinking when you're not actually.

Then you can even have a couple and people will think you can really hold your liquor.

This whole pre-interview dinner drinks thing is going to be an issue for me too, especially considering how I've found a new craving for duuuurty martini's and kamikaze's.

 

[anonperson]

Because it feels weird not having a drink when everyone is having drinks. Also, I'd be trying to be someone I'm not because I enjoy having a few drinks and having a good time. If we weren't "constantly being evaluated" I really wouldn't care. I'd just prefer not to be falsely evaluated as someone who got trashed at the social when that's far from the case.

Regarding the Pepcid comment: Yeah I'll probably end up doing something like that. It's worked for me in the past a little but not as much as some others have claimed.

You sound overly neurotic. I don't think any of my co residents or myself have ever commented on an applicant NOT having an alcoholic drink at the pre interview dinner.

 

[BADMD]

Relax. Have the drink of your choice. If they look at you negatively because you aren't drinking alcohol, then you probably don't want to spend the next X number of years with those drunks.