Applicants with disabilities/TBI

[LdotBlake]

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Hello all my question pertains to admissions committees and applicants with disabilities.

As a former high school and college football player, my body and head have taken a lot of pain. In my junior year of high school, I had a mild concussion. In the march of 2011, I suffered another head injury this time more severe. I split the right side of my head open (temporal lobe region) in a freak weight room accident and had to get 9 staples to suture the wound. October in the same year, I got another concussion in a game after making a handful of hard tackles (I played safety). I quit football after that. This past June of 2013, I was in an accident and struck the same region of my head again. (I feel like I should be dead).

I've seen a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist and my general MD, and they see no major issues with me physically, mentally or cognitively following MRIs, CTs, and psych testing. I have another year til I graduate, my GPA isn't great at all (~2.8), and am going to take the PCAT in the spring. I honestly feel like since the head injuries, I've been more prone to depression and anxiety. I also find it takes me longer to chunk large amounts of material and grasp concepts compared to my peers. I've been on a variety of meds, (Vyvanse, Lexapro, Trazodone, Strattera) but no longer take any of them anymore because I feel like I don't need them anymore. However, cannabis has definitely helped a lot for the migraines I get at least every month and has helped me remain optimistic through this dark chapter in my life. Not an everyday smoker, but I like to toke up every once in a while when I have no work to do.

Anyways, how do adcoms look at students with possible mental/cognitive disabilities? Are they even considered? If you took the time to read all this, thanks.

One Love

 

[Jessica1992]

Hello all my question pertains to admissions committees and applicants with disabilities.

As a former high school and college football player, my body and head have taken a lot of pain. In my junior year of high school, I had a mild concussion. In the march of 2011, I suffered another head injury this time more severe. I split the right side of my head open (temporal lobe region) in a freak weight room accident and had to get 9 staples to suture the wound. October in the same year, I got another concussion in a game after making a handful of hard tackles (I played safety). I quit football after that. This past June of 2013, I was in an accident and struck the same region of my head again. (I feel like I should be dead).

I've seen a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist and my general MD, and they see no major issues with me physically, mentally or cognitively following MRIs, CTs, and psych testing. I have another year til I graduate, my GPA isn't great at all (~2.8), and am going to take the PCAT in the spring. I honestly feel like since the head injuries, I've been more prone to depression and anxiety. I also find it takes me longer to chunk large amounts of material and grasp concepts compared to my peers. I've been on a variety of meds, (Vyvanse, Lexapro, Trazodone, Strattera) but no longer take any of them anymore because I feel like I don't need them anymore. However, cannabis has definitely helped a lot for the migraines I get at least every month and has helped me remain optimistic through this dark chapter in my life. Not an everyday smoker, but I like to toke up every once in a while when I have no work to do.

Anyways, how do adcoms look at students with possible mental/cognitive disabilities? Are they even considered? If you took the time to read all this, thanks.

One Love

I believe they would still consider you if you have a strong application otherwise. A GPA of 2.8 might be a little lower, even with a very good reason. If you find it takes you a little longer to understand material, pharmacy school may not be for you. I highly doubt they have disability exceptions like many undergrad schools do such as having more time for a test and such. Your best bet would be to email a few admission advisors and tell them your story and see what they think - they know a lot more than any of us!

 

[LdotBlake]

I believe they would still consider you if you have a strong application otherwise. A GPA of 2.8 might be a little lower, even with a very good reason. If you find it takes you a little longer to understand material, pharmacy school may not be for you. I highly doubt they have disability exceptions like many undergrad schools do such as having more time for a test and such. Your best bet would be to email a few admission advisors and tell them your story and see what they think - they know a lot more than any of us!

I honestly believe that even with my injuries I will be able to get it done. Time management and support has helped me bounce back mentally. Just gotta kill the pcat then apply.

 

[deleted480308]

Failing a drug test will be a bigger deal than medical history. Remember it's not legal everywhere

 

[LdotBlake]

Failing a drug test will be a bigger deal than medical history. Remember it's not legal everywhere

Obviously, another 10 years and I think it will be legal in most states. 😎 I'll be clean when a drug test comes around. I can detox marijuana out my system in 5 days. Pretty sure that once I get admitted they'll do preliminary drug testing. I'll probably quit/take a four year break once I get in or until I get comfortable with the course load.

 

[The Asklepian]

I can detox marijuana out my system in 5 days. Pretty sure that once I get admitted they'll do preliminary drug testing. I'll probably quit/take a four year break once I get in or until I get comfortable with the course load.

The inactive metabolite of cannabinoid consumption that is screened for accumulates in adipose tissue and will take anywhere from 1 to 3 months for a regular user to test clean. This time greatly differs for each individual because variables like duration and intensity of use, percent body fat, and differences in individual metabolisms all lead to different retention times. As the lipids are metabolized, the compound that accumulated in this tissue is released back into the blood, and will show up in the urine. Drinking a "detox" drink will do nothing to help this situation and drinking lots of water will cause you to fail the specific gravity test because your urine will be too dilute.

Even if you have a recommendation from a physician to use cannabis medicinally, I just want to remind you that it remains a Schedule I drug. It will definitely prevent you from obtaining a job even in states where medical use is accepted; therefore, I think quitting would be a good idea for someone who seriously want to pursue this profession. However, I think this is something you should discuss with your physician, since I am not qualified to give medical advice, nor is it acceptable by the TOS of this forum.

Whatever you choose to do, work hard and take pride in your work. Even if pharmacy isn't something you ultimately pursue, it was not time wasted; not everyone is given the opportunity to pursue science, and I think it is important for students to realize this regardless of their years of education. Again, work hard and good luck in all of your endeavors.

 

[LdotBlake]

The inactive metabolite of cannabinoid consumption that is screened for accumulates in adipose tissue and will take anywhere from 1 to 3 months for a regular user to test clean. This time greatly differs for each individual because variables like duration and intensity of use, percent body fat, and differences in individual metabolisms all lead to different retention times. As the lipids are metabolized, the compound that accumulated in this tissue is released back into the blood, and will show up in the urine. Drinking a "detox" drink will do nothing to help this situation and drinking lots of water will cause you to fail the specific gravity test because your urine will be too dilute.

Even if you have a recommendation from a physician to use cannabis medicinally, I just want to remind you that it remains a Schedule I drug. It will definitely prevent you from obtaining a job even in states where medical use is accepted; therefore, I think quitting would be a good idea for someone who seriously want to pursue this profession. However, I think this is something you should discuss with your physician, since I am not qualified to give medical advice, nor is it acceptable by the TOS of this forum.

Whatever you choose to do, work hard and take pride in your work. Even if pharmacy isn't something you ultimately pursue, it was not time wasted; not everyone is given the opportunity to pursue science, and I think it is important for students to realize this regardless of their years of education. Again, work hard and good luck in all of your endeavors.

I'm aware about all the metabolic pathways of the cannabinoid system. Since I'm not an everyday user (1-2X every week), lean build, and run about 15-20 miles a week, I naturally can detox it faster than most. All those detox drinks they market are BS. As far as it being Schedule I, I gotta disagree. It's been used even before Christ walked this Earth and no one has died from it. While cigarettes and alcohol kill millions around the world, but is still sold at every gas station and grocery store. I think the government is so assbackwards right now. They can't even agree on an healthcare bill so I don't put much stock in the validity of the FDA's scheduling protocols. I know 85% of students here aren't interested in the benefits of marijuana, but I'd rather be patient X that defeats all odds then dead. Pharmacy is my #1 goal. Been that way since I was 15. I got a low GPA because I didn't have as much time to study when I was playing ball, compared to a regular student. If I have to quit along the way then so be it. I digress from this topic since it's a sensitive issue to many.

 

[The Asklepian]

I'm aware about all the metabolic pathways of the cannabinoid system. Since I'm not an everyday user (1-2X every week), lean build, and run about 15-20 miles a week, I naturally can detox it faster than most. All those detox drinks they market are BS. As far as it being Schedule I, I gotta disagree. It's been used even before Christ walked this Earth and no one has died from it. While cigarettes and alcohol kill millions around the world, but is still sold at every gas station and grocery store. I think the government is so assbackwards right now. They can't even agree on an healthcare bill so I don't put much stock in the validity of the FDA's scheduling protocols. I know 85% of students here aren't interested in the benefits of marijuana, but I'd rather be patient X that defeats all odds then dead. Pharmacy is my #1 goal. Been that way since I was 15. I got a low GPA because I didn't have as much time to study when I was playing ball, compared to a regular student. If I have to quit along the way then so be it. I digress from this topic since it's a sensitive issue to many.

If you believe you can detox it faster than most, I won't argue with you, but I will point out that you have no empirical evidence to support your claim unless you have been testing your urine through ELISA and/or GC/MS. I would agree that alcohol and tobacco are much larger problems in our society, but that isn't really the scope of what I was suggesting to you. Regardless of how you or I personally feel, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug. I realize that there are inconsistencies in their logic (i.e. dronabinol is Schedule III), but I am merely pointing out a potential pitfall that could prevent you from achieving your goals.

To your point about "being patient X that defeats all odds than dead", I think that is dichotomous thinking. Maybe I am misinterpreting what you are saying, but to suggest that only the two extremes exist is hyperbole and a bit of an overstatement.

As to your other point about the healthcare bill, it actually did pass despite the Republicans trying to block it 37 times. Not to mention the FDA is totally different than Congress, so to cite the healthcare bill as the reason you don't put stock into the FDA's decisions to schedule certain drugs is not very strong; the FDA has actually intervened in many instances where people could have been injured by the very medications that were designed to help us.

Honestly, I am not trying to pick a fight with you, but I think you should be more careful when constructing your arguments. I would imagine you are going to meet many people who are much more critical than I am

 

[owlegrad]

As far as it being Schedule I, I gotta disagree.

I just checked and it turns out it is a C1 wither you agree or not. 😉

 

[LdotBlake]

If you believe you can detox it faster than most, I won't argue with you, but I will point out that you have no empirical evidence to support your claim unless you have been testing your urine through ELISA and/or GC/MS. I would agree that alcohol and tobacco are much larger problems in our society, but that isn't really the scope of what I was suggesting to you. Regardless of how you or I personally feel, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug. I realize that there are inconsistencies in their logic (i.e. dronabinol is Schedule III), but I am merely pointing out a potential pitfall that could prevent you from achieving your goals.

To your point about "being patient X that defeats all odds than dead", I think that is dichotomous thinking. Maybe I am misinterpreting what you are saying, but to suggest that only the two extremes exist is hyperbole and a bit of an overstatement.

As to your other point about the healthcare bill, it actually did pass despite the Republicans trying to block it 37 times. Not to mention the FDA is totally different than Congress, so to cite the healthcare bill as the reason you don't put stock into the FDA's decisions to schedule certain drugs is not very strong; the FDA has actually intervened in many instances where people could have been injured by the very medications that were designed to help us.

Honestly, I am not trying to pick a fight with you, but I think you should be more careful when constructing your arguments. I would imagine you are going to meet many people who are much more critical than I am

I passed my drug test for my current pharm tech job in a week so go figure.
Not trying to pick a fight either, i'm just saying that my life would be different without my friend recommending medical marijuana after my injury. I definitely got my facts mixed up about the healthcare bill so I appreciate the clarification.. I've met plenty of critical people too. Next time i'll make sure I'm not stoned when trying to make a argument.

 

[LdotBlake]

I just checked and it turns out it is a C1 wither you agree or not. 😉

What a resourceful genius you are.

 

[cubpanda]

If you can pass the minimum GPA/PCAT check and get a supplemental app to submit, many schools typically have a section where you can "Explain any personal/academic matters that you would like the admissions committee to consider when reviewing your application...". The circumstance may or may not help you have a stronger application, but you still have to meet minimum GPA/PCAT requirements in order to have a shot!

Good luck!! 🙂