Arthritis - but I want to be a surgeon

[KellyAnn]

Hey everyone,

Sorry if I'm not posting where I should be, I tried looking around but this is the best place I thought would be best.

I was diagnosed with JIA, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, when I was 5. I know I want to go to medical school, but my dream would be to become a surgeon. However, I don't know if I physically can become a surgeon due to my arthritis.

If anyone could give me any guidance or advice I'd truly appreciate it.

Thank you!

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[KLPM]

There have been a lot of "I have medical condition X. Will this limit my ability to be Y" type of threads. The answer is invariably "it depends". Because no one here can tell you what course your disease is going to take or how debilitating it will be by the time you finish medical school.

Furthermore, if you are not in medical school yet it's definitely too early to decide to be a surgeon.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Moving to Pre-Allo forum.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I have a gut feeling the answer is no...

 

[HoboCommander]

Furthermore, if you are not in medical school yet it's definitely too early to decide to be a surgeon.

I'm in my third year and med school does not at all help you make these decisions. You can decide when you're 10 or when you're almost done with 3rd year, it'll make no difference. Surgery is exactly what kids think it is.

I'd say if he can get his arthritis under good control, he should go for it. He could always change his mind later to go into family medicine. If going for something competitive, it's an advantage to make up one's mind early.

 

[Goro]

Discuss this with a rheumatologist or a surgeon.

Hey everyone,

Sorry if I'm not posting where I should be, I tried looking around but this is the best place I thought would be best.

I was diagnosed with JIA, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, when I was 5. I know I want to go to medical school, but my dream would be to become a surgeon. However, I don't know if I physically can become a surgeon due to my arthritis.

If anyone could give me any guidance or advice I'd truly appreciate it.

Thank you!

 

[Kahreek]

if you can maintain normal painless finger function you can do it. If not i say forget it.