Coming out in med school?

[NorthShorian]

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Anybody have any experiences with this they would be willing to share?

This thread probably isn't hugely relevant in any specific way. I guess I am just clamoring for some support, and trying to diffuse my anxiety over the whole thing.

Did it just add more stress to medical school, or somehow alleviate it a bit?

 

[Lbgem]

Well I don't have any experience on this but I'd like to offer you support 😛. I'd just say don't make it a big deal if you don't want it to define you. I think it's definitely a part of you, but one of those things that personally I'd just answer when the topic came up (i.e. Have any hot dates coming up? Oh ya there was this cute guy/girl that I'm meeting up with). Med school is like high school 😛, everyone will find out everything anyways if you only tell a couple of people.

It sounds like it's stressing you out because you are making it a big deal.

I'm not trying to diminish the hardships you've faced because of it. I'm more of the opinion that sexual orientation doesn't matter. It's not a big deal I'm heterosexual and I wouldn't want people to define me by just that trait. I'd assume the same is true for you.

Here's one of my favorite quotes that might help you out: "Those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter." - Bernard Baruch

Good luck!

 

[CaptainSSO]

I like: "Those who care don't know, and those who know don't care."

-Nicolas Cage, Lord of War

 

[ManBroDude]

I think you're thinking too much into it. Most of the students won't care at all unless you're in a bible belt state school. They've got their own problems like step studying and trying to whet their own whistle.

A lot of schools have a GLBT club; you could try contacting another school's club if yours does not have one.

 

[Morsetlis]

Anybody have any experiences with this they would be willing to share?

This thread probably isn't hugely relevant in any specific way. I guess I am just clamoring for some support, and trying to diffuse my anxiety over the whole thing.

Did it just add more stress to medical school, or somehow alleviate it a bit?

You should probably come out at the local gay bar.

It's much more fun that way.

 

[Brachyury]

Anybody have any experiences with this they would be willing to share?

This thread probably isn't hugely relevant in any specific way. I guess I am just clamoring for some support, and trying to diffuse my anxiety over the whole thing.

Did it just add more stress to medical school, or somehow alleviate it a bit?

I was out when I started med school, as were my fellow LGBT classmates. That being said, there are some really, really LGBT-friendly med schools and some that are stuck in 1950's. Feel free to PM if you have specific concerns

 

[operaman]

It saddens me that in 2012 this is still an issue. I remember the culture wars of the 80s and it all seemed a little dated even then.

I would imagine most schools are probably fine and I think the students as a whole wouldn't think anything of it. I could see some possible issues with older attendings, especially at the aforementioned bible-belt state schools and such, but thankfully the hardcore bigots keep falling by the wayside so this may not even be an issue.

In any case, obviously this is a very personal decision for you and I wish you all the best in whatever you decide. As others have said, you could ask around at your school and get a sense of how things have played out for others before making your decision.