Anyone with a missing limb/amputation/disability?

[Stubs101]

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I know the way I phrased the topic sounds confusing, but I just wanted to see if anyone on the SD forums has a disability such that they are missing a limb. I only have one arm, but nevertheless have always wanted to become a physician and recently was accepted into medical school (in Texas).

Anyways, I just wanted to see if anyone is in the same boat as me. Although I have absolutely no fear of the trials I will face while becoming a doctor (and hopefully a surgeon), I have started to think in depth regarding the challenges that will come. I did a search but could only find posts regarding quad/paraplegics and blind individuals (which are definately inspiring, esp. the stories regarding the blind.). I'll also post this question in the Medical School forums but wanted to see what everyone thinks!

P.S. I have an above-the-elbow amputation on my non-writing arm (thank god because I feel my writing hand as a long of dexterity).

P.S.S. Not to sound boastful or anything like that; but, if someone is in the same boat as me and their motivation is dwindling because of their "disability," look at how others (including me) have managed to find success over their "disability." And feel free to pm me so I can tell you what methods I used to overcome mine both physically and mentally.

 

[123165]

My nephrologist that I saw while going through *gasp* kidney tests lost an arm in a water skiing accident

 

[stoppushingit]

To the OP: I admire how you want to pursue this career despite your disability and congratulations on the acceptance!

I have a friend in med school now who is confined to a wheelchair (permanent paralysis), but that's the only case I know of personally.

 

[christvida]

congrats! i'm still waiting to hear from the texas schools. what school were you accepted to?

 

[Stubs101]

hey guys, thanks for the responses. so far i have been accepted to a&m. if any of you are going to the reception on the 20th, let me know. anyone else have any experiences?

 

[DrBowtie]

There was a radiation oncology resident at the local program here with one arm. He didn't seem to have very many issues and was well adapted.

Good Luck!

 

[cubbbie]

I read a news story about how University of Wisconsin recently had a blind MD grad. I think Duke had a deaf MD grad. I don't know either of them personally.

There was a kid in my college rock climbing gym class with one arm, and he was waaaay better than any of us.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

There was a radiation oncology resident at the local program here with one arm. He didn't seem to have very many issues and was well adapted.

Good Luck!

There's a huge difference from being a radiation oncologist and a surgeon when disabled with one arm.

Lots of congrats to the OP and you seem courageous with great aspirations. I don't want to doubt you but seriously how can you do surgery with one arm? Are there prosthesis that have such fine motor skills and dexterity to not inhibit your performance?

 

[cubbbie]

There's a huge difference from being a radiation oncologist and a surgeon when disabled with one arm.

Lots of congrats to the OP and you seem courageous with great aspirations. I don't want to doubt you but seriously how can you do surgery with one arm? Are there prosthesis that have such fine motor skills and dexterity to not inhibit your performance?

Dude -- surgery is all robots these days. It's like playing a video game!

Although, I might agree here somewhat. OP -- do you worry that patients might not be willing to go under your knife?

 

[Stubs101]

Without a doubt, surgery (if I were to even pursue it) would be the most difficult challenge to face. I am probably being very naive (and a little too optomistic) when I say I could see myself doing surgery. However, from the less serious surgeries I have seen, it seemed that it might be feasible for me to operate with the help of other doctors and nurses. In specific, I kind of want to go into some type of reconstructional surgery where I would hope that my own ability to perform on my patient would be extremely inspiring. I also really enjoyed once watching an intravenous radiologist and a speciality like that would be feasible.

With the way technology is advancing today, the idea feasible prosthesis isn't too far off. My major concern is cleansiness and whether all necessary measures could be taken with the use of a prostheis. In the end, I guess parts of me just want to overcome the challenge and be an integral part of the surgery room.

Thanks for the responses guys, please keep them coming.