Can someone with PTSD become a doctor? (not about me)

[Gauss44]

I'm mentoring homeless, and disadvantaged youth, and a 14 year old asked me this question. If the answer is, "no," then I might modify it to, "Can someone with PTSD ever become a doctor, even if the condition improves?"

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[theseeker4]

I'm mentoring homeless, and disadvantaged youth, and a 14 year old asked me this question. If the answer is, "no," then I might modify it to, "Can someone with PTSD ever become a doctor, even if the condition improves?"

There are greatly varying degrees of PTSD, and as far as I know, as long as the individual is able to perform all the tasks necessary of a physician, simply being diagnosed with PTSD will in no way preclude them from becoming a physician. Since a mental health diagnosis is protected private information, I am not sure how someone with PTSD could be prevented from becoming a doctor, as long as they can function at a sufficient level.

 

[mrh125]

I'm mentoring homeless, and disadvantaged youth, and a 14 year old asked me this question. If the answer is, "no," then I might modify it to, "Can someone with PTSD ever become a doctor, even if the condition improves?"

if they don't mention in their med school applications because med school admissions are regressive and ass-backwards about any mental related issues.

 

[theseeker4]

if they don't mention in their med school applications because med school admissions are regressive and ass-backwards about any mental related issues.

Silly way to look at it. Med schools have a ton more applicants than they do spots, and want to graduate as many of those they accept as possible. Choosing the person without red flags of any sort over the person with red flags simply makes sense; it makes a ton MORE sense than choosing someone with red flags over the person without any. It is simply a fact that someone with a pre-existing mental health disorder will have a higher chance of relapse in a high-stress environment than a person with no pre-existing mental health disorder. While there are people who are still "regressive" in their views of mental illness, med schools trying to protect their admission-to-graduation yield is hardly an indication of the entire system having illogical biases.....

 

[mrh125]

Silly way to look at it. Med schools have a ton more applicants than they do spots, and want to graduate as many of those they accept as possible. Choosing the person without red flags of any sort over the person with red flags simply makes sense; it makes a ton MORE sense than choosing someone with red flags over the person without any. It is simply a fact that someone with a pre-existing mental health disorder will have a higher chance of relapse in a high-stress environment than a person with no pre-existing mental health disorder. While there are people who are still "regressive" in their views of mental illness, med schools trying to protect their admission-to-graduation yield is hardly an indication of the entire system having illogical biases.....

it's discrimination and an awful bias. medical schools are okay with racial and now sexual diversity, but having those with any mental issues (mental health diversity) is "OMG terrible" when it actually puts you at a better perspective to understand and treat others. it's nothing more than thinly-veiled discrimination at best and total trash. med schools should curb their insatiable greed and tactful discrimination impulses.

 

[allantois]

There are established technical standards on every school's website. If they meet those standards, then yes they can.

 

[theseeker4]

it's discrimination and an awful bias. medical schools are okay with racial and now sexual diversity, but having those with any mental issues (mental health diversity) is "OMG terrible" when it actually puts you at a better perspective to understand and treat others. it's nothing more than thinly-veiled discrimination at best.

If that is how you want to look at it because you have a huge chip on your shoulder (yes, it shows), that is up to you. Logically, admitting student who are racially and sexually "diverse" says nothing about their ability to succeed. Having a pre-existing mental health disorder, does, on average, indicate a higher chance of failure. If you prefer to think of it as "discrimination" feel free, but you declaring something that DOES, in fact, have a logical basis from the med school's perspective "discrimination and an awful bias" doesn't make it so.

 

[mrh125]

If that is how you want to look at it because you have a huge chip on your shoulder (yes, it shows), that is up to you. Logically, admitting student who are racially and sexually "diverse" says nothing about their ability to succeed. Having a pre-existing mental health disorder, does, on average, indicate a higher chance of failure. If you prefer to think of it as "discrimination" feel free, but you declaring something that DOES, in fact, have a logical basis from the med school's perspective "discrimination and an awful bias" doesn't make it so.

lots of people with mental health issues have them under control and can do fine. it's irrational discrimination. if anything med schools should aid and support those who need help if they have concern. it's total bs. med schools are always touting diversity and trying to shove it everyone's faces but they only accept certain kinds of diversity. it's a blatant unfair double standard. 50 years ago african americans couldn't even use the same restrooms as whites and were thought of as intellectually inferior. it's hardly different.

 

[theseeker4]

lots of people with mental health issues have them under control and can do fine. it's irrational discrimination. if anything med schools should aid and support those who need help if they have concern. it's total bs. med schools are always touting diversity and trying to shove it everyone's faces but they only accept certain kinds of diversity. it's a blatant unfair double standard. 50 years ago african americans couldn't even use the same restrooms as whites and were thought of as intellectually inferior. it's hardly different.

If you can't see the difference between discriminating against African Americans, and worrying about someone with a diagnosed mental disorder being unable to handle the stress of medical school, I don't think there is any point in continuing to try to discuss this with you.

 

[mrh125]

If you can't see the difference between discriminating against African Americans, and worrying about someone with a diagnosed mental disorder being unable to handle the stress of medical school, I don't think there is any point in continuing to try to discuss this with you.

and med schools can easily offer to support those who face mental health struggles like they do for those of poorer backgrounds. they have resources, but instead resort to knee-jerk discrimination and excuses like yourself. you're off base so take it elsewhere.

 

[Gauss44]

it's discrimination and an awful bias. medical schools are okay with racial and now sexual diversity, but having those with any mental issues (mental health diversity) is "OMG terrible" when it actually puts you at a better perspective to understand and treat others. it's nothing more than thinly-veiled discrimination at best and total trash. med schools should curb their insatiable greed and tactful discrimination impulses.

I'm not sure how to express how much I appreciate your willingness to provide your HONEST and candid opinion or observation. I've never quite understood why some people (in general, not necessarily those on this thread which I haven't entirely read yet) seem to always DEFEND "the current system" (on any topic and any matter) no matter how much improvement it could use.

I am open to reading and considering ALL responses, but particularly respect those who speak their truth even when it's clearly not what everyone wants to hear.

 

[DermViser]

it's discrimination and an awful bias. medical schools are okay with racial and now sexual diversity, but having those with any mental issues (mental health diversity) is "OMG terrible" when it actually puts you at a better perspective to understand and treat others. it's nothing more than thinly-veiled discrimination at best and total trash. med schools should curb their insatiable greed and tactful discrimination impulses.

 

[DermViser]

If you can't see the difference between discriminating against African Americans, and worrying about someone with a diagnosed mental disorder being unable to handle the stress of medical school, I don't think there is any point in continuing to try to discuss this with you.

👍

 

[Gauss44]

Silly way to look at it. Med schools have a ton more applicants than they do spots, and want to graduate as many of those they accept as possible. Choosing the person without red flags of any sort over the person with red flags simply makes sense; it makes a ton MORE sense than choosing someone with red flags over the person without any. It is simply a fact that someone with a pre-existing mental health disorder will have a higher chance of relapse in a high-stress environment than a person with no pre-existing mental health disorder. While there are people who are still "regressive" in their views of mental illness, med schools trying to protect their admission-to-graduation yield is hardly an indication of the entire system having illogical biases.....

I'm glad you mentioned the part in bold, because I know some people think like that who are gatekeepers. I suspect that there is either some degree of truth or a lot of truth to that depending on the school.

I would hope that some ADCOMs would stop to consider that people with red flags, might sometimes have first-hand experience that leads to a deeper understanding and respect for certain patients and their conditions. And if pre-meds/med students were able to be forthright about those red flags, they might informally educate their peers, potentially bringing about a more tolerant, socially educated, socially tolerant, environment.

 

[Gauss44]

There are established technical standards on every school's website. If they meet those standards, then yes they can.

I bet this is what it will come down to, as well as, whether or not there's any indication of PTSD on the application.

 

[Gauss44]

If that is how you want to look at it because you have a huge chip on your shoulder (yes, it shows), that is up to you. Logically, admitting student who are racially and sexually "diverse" says nothing about their ability to succeed. Having a pre-existing mental health disorder, does, on average, indicate a higher chance of failure. If you prefer to think of it as "discrimination" feel free, but you declaring something that DOES, in fact, have a logical basis from the med school's perspective "discrimination and an awful bias" doesn't make it so.

I think this is an interesting point. And I'm glad you brought it up because I am sure some ADCOMs probably share this perspective. On the point in bold about a "higher chance of failure," I had a potentially comparable situation in high school.

My middle school History teacher was a openly sober alcoholic. He had been sober for over 10 years and welcomed students to come to him if they ever needed help with drugs or alcohol. Sure, having a history of alcoholism put him at greater risk of failure than his non-addict peers, but he was able to offer something that they couldn't. His first-hand insight and understanding about addiction was invaluable. He helped a lot of people.

That being said, I'm sure other schools have probably hired sober people who later relapsed, and they need to take that possibility into consideration too.

 

[mrh125]

I'm not sure how to express how much I appreciate your willingness to provide your HONEST and candid opinion or observation. I've never quite understood why some people (in general, not necessarily those on this thread which I haven't entirely read yet) seem to always DEFEND "the current system" (on any topic and any matter) no matter how much improvement it could use.

I am open to reading and considering ALL responses, but particularly respect those who speak their truth even when it's clearly not what everyone wants to hear.

no problem. thanks so much for your response. I have ADHD and had severe anxiety, and depression. I overcame my struggles by pushing myself the hardest i've ever pushed myself in my life and it really upsets me that people like us can't be open about our struggles as we bring a lot to the profession and this a mindset i've encountered very often. if they worry about our ability to succeed they should talk to us or offer us support, which they're capable of. The reason I say that is because of my confidence and fight not to be taken down a peg and discounted for who I am. Keep pushing forward and if they don't believe we will be successful we will show them otherwise through our actions.

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and if no one else will provide you support and back you up for who you are I will 🙂.

 

[hoihaie]

im guessing the ones with more severe symptoms probably can't practice in something like emergency med in the bad part of town?

 

[mrh125]

I'm mentoring homeless, and disadvantaged youth, and a 14 year old asked me this question. If the answer is, "no," then I might modify it to, "Can someone with PTSD ever become a doctor, even if the condition improves?"

More advice I got for you, OP: What helped me is framing my issues in a different light. If you can find a way to explain them without PTSD being explicitly mentioned or implying mental health-related issues, but still emphasize the struggles you faced you can probably pull it off in essays. It takes a lot of work and is frustrating, but that's the solution I got.