Career in medicine with health issues

[anon.y.mous]

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Hello everyone,

Throwaway account here.

I am a second year medical student and was just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At this point, I'm not really sure how to take this news because I've heard of people who progress very quickly and become immobile, and others who live a long life with some symptoms. I know my personal life will be different from what I want it to be, but I'm not so sure how my career as a physician would be effected.

I'm trying to figure out what kind of specialities I would now have to avoid. I was hoping to be competitive for Emergency medicine but I'm not so sure any more. Surgery is also probably out, but I was never too keen on it to begin with. I would love to hear what you guys think.

 

[Pacna]

That really blows, man. It takes some cosmically poor luck to get diagnosed with MS during medical school.

I'm sure you're aware: absolutely talk about this with someone at your school. Half of the administrators are probably physicians and able to give you solid advice.

I don't think it's appropriate for me to say "if I were you, I'd ______." But if I were given that diagnosis, I would think that a less physically-demanding specialty is definitely the way to go. Despite having worked in the ED quite a bit, I cannot confirm for you that EM is out of the question. They do move around quite a bit, but I don't know about 'physically demanding'. I think it's patently lucky that you weren't already sold on surgery.

A specialty in which you almost entirely consult would certainly be more likely for you to be able to handle. Genetics, path, psych, ID, rads (diagnostic), preventative, and sleep fall into this category. Perhaps even neurology, which might be somewhat more/less appealing to you now. Again, none of this is saying that ED is out of the question.

It's another obstacle. You've dealt with others, and you'll deal with this. Wishing you the very best of luck.

 

[673441]

I'm sorry to hear that man. Don't let the illness define you though. Carry on as if you have no illness (as difficult as that may be). Continuing on as normal will help with overall health outcomes too.


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[RSB715]

Hi, first I'm sorry you have been diagnosed with MS during med school! That has to be one of the hardest times to receive such a diagnosis. Please talk to your neurologist about what fields of medicine would be best for you. I will say, there are definitely quite a few neurologists who have MS. One thing to always remember is you are not your illness. It may present obstacles, but living with chronic illness is all about improvising. It will take time to adjust to everything, but you can do it!

 

[Goro]

You should talk this over with your neurologist.

There are some pretty cool cutting edge drugs for MS these days. I wouldn't start planning your funeral just yet.

Hello everyone,

Throwaway account here.

I am a second year medical student and was just diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At this point, I'm not really sure how to take this news because I've heard of people who progress very quickly and become immobile, and others who live a long life with some symptoms. I know my personal life will be different from what I want it to be, but I'm not so sure how my career as a physician would be effected.

I'm trying to figure out what kind of specialities I would now have to avoid. I was hoping to be competitive for Emergency medicine but I'm not so sure any more. Surgery is also probably out, but I was never too keen on it to begin with. I would love to hear what you guys think.

 

[anon.y.mous]

Thanks everyone. I am planning on talking with my academic advisor and see how it goes from there.

I'll probably by bumping this thread in two years to give an update on how things went. Hopefully it will be useful for someone else.

 

[KungFuPanda123]

Thanks everyone. I am planning on talking with my academic advisor and see how it goes from there.

I'll probably by bumping this thread in two years to give an update on how things went. Hopefully it will be useful for someone else.

Wishing you the best man