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.).

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).

 

[i61164]

A person at my school has a below the knee amputation, but she wears a prosthesis and you can hardly tell. I think the events surrounding that amputation played a significant part in her chosen profession.

 

[Dr. McDreamy]

i certainly don't doubt your ability to become any kind of doctor you want...except for maybe a surgeon. as long as you have the brains and the grades, having one hand should be irrelevant to becoming any other kind of doctor. after all you only need one hand to write a prescription! i'm only saying this because logically, your only usefulness in the OR during your 3rd and 4th years (and even your intern year) is as another pair of hands. you will be holding retractors for hours, holding 40lb obese limbs for hours, and after all that, if you're lucky, maybe throwing a few stiches. And next to everyone else with 2 hands you will be at a distinct disadvantage in these tasks.

I dont know anyone in my med school with this kind of disability, but i have no doubt it should not get in the way of being a doctor. and i'm not saying that it is impossible for a person with only one hand to become a surgeon...but the cards are stacked against you. would you be happy being any other kind of doctor? think about this seriously before you embark on this road. perhaps talk to some surgeons and see what they think. njmd could probably shed some light on this.

 

[DrMom]

duplicate thread in pre-allo, so closing.