Deaf applicant

[eclarep]

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I'm applying to medical school and I have profound Sensorineural hearing loss (I'm deaf) that is genetic in origin and progressive, meaning when I was younger I could hear better.

My main concern is the interview process. The fact that virtually every medical school has "Technical Standards" that explicitly state that hearing is required doesn't bother me much because I know there are other Deaf doctors (http://www.amphl.org/) out there. I also know that I have the passion, dedication and intelligence needed to be a doctor.

Yet the interview is daunting. I'm worried about two things.
1. Understanding the interviewers- I do pretty well in one on one environments as long as background noises are minimal. If there is any background noise or if the speaker has an accent or soft voice I usually rely on visual means such as sign language or writing but I always speak for myself.
2. How to disclose my deafness- If you are dark skinned it is readily apparent as soon as you walk into the interview. You wouldn't try to hide who you are (hopefully). Deafness isn't readily apparent. I speak pretty well and most people somehow manage NOT to notice the gigantic behind the ear hearing aids I wear.
Do I disclose my hearing loss during the interview or in my personal statement?

The strange part is that I am afraid of being judged for who I am. I'm deaf and that is perfectly fine with me. I know I can be a good doctor anyway so I don't want to hide my deafness but what if the interviewer is closed minded?
Just because I can't hear well (or at all without hearing aids) doesn't mean I can't communicate and more importantly doesn't mean I can't listen to patients.

Any advice or support? The kind folks at AMPHL (Association of Medical Professionals With Hearing Loss) have some good advice but the more advice the better.

-eclarep

 

[Bernoull]

I'm pretty sure that schools will more than accomodate your disability during the admissions process. I believe that the technical standards are predicated on the provision of reasonable accodomations for disabilities. I'll suggest two things:

1. If you'll discuss ur hearing impairment in you essays with respect to challenges you had to undergo etc well they already be aware of it and just contact them to request whatever accomodations you'll need during the interview.

2. If they have no idea about ur impairment, let them know weeks in advace of ur interview so that they can set-up the appropriate accomodations.

Lastly if you're not sure about what accomodation u'll need for the interview, talk with your health provider who cares for your condition and explain the situation and they'll advice accordingly. It'll also be helpful to get a physician mentor who's hearing impaired also so that he/she can guide you through the process and provide insights etc etc.

Finally never let your disability be a barrier to achieving your dream, yes you do have to work harder than most to get through the process, but if this is your passion, just slug it out and I'm sure you'll be successful. This trait of overcoming adversity, perseverance is very attractive to med schools and very crucial to success in this profession.

I wish you the very best and keep your head up!!!

 

[eclarep]

Thanks for the support.

Are you from Ethiopia? I noticed the Thing about Haile Selassie. I have a few friends from college who are from Ethiopia. I've always wanted to go there. Or maybe Jamaican since Selassie seems to be more popular in Jamaica than in Ethiopia.

 

[Bernoull]

Thanks for the support.

Are you from Ethiopia? I noticed the Thing about Haile Selassie. I have a few friends from college who are from Ethiopia. I've always wanted to go there. Or maybe Jamaican since Selassie seems to be more popular in Jamaica than in Ethiopia.

Naah I'm not Ethiopian, but I love their food and the same goes for JA n reggae.

 

[SandyChelsey]

.. .Hi eclarep,.
.I have read your post. I am new to this forum. I think I maybe help you. To face interviews you should learn lips reading so it can help you to disclose your deafness..

 

[StIGMA]

If I were you, I would do 2 things.

First, pick a few schools to which you are not going to apply. Email their deans of admission directly (you may do this anonymously if you wish), and tell them of your situation, and hear what they have to say. I would email at least 10 people with a generic email to ensure you get enough responses. These people will decide whether to accept you or not, so it is best to hear their opinions on how you should present yourself and if there is any discrimination you may face.

Second, speak to your university advisor and just hear what they say. They may want to mention it about you in a personal statement or something, but make that decision for yourself. You just want to be informed, and hopefully they have experience with this. If you school's advisor is no good, do more of the first suggestion.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

 

[Instatewaiter]

I'm applying to medical school and I have profound Sensorineural hearing loss (I'm deaf) that is genetic in origin and progressive, meaning when I was younger I could hear better.

My main concern is the interview process. The fact that virtually every medical school has "Technical Standards" that explicitly state that hearing is required doesn't bother me much because I know there are other Deaf doctors (http://www.amphl.org/) out there. I also know that I have the passion, dedication and intelligence needed to be a doctor.

Yet the interview is daunting. I'm worried about two things.
1. Understanding the interviewers- I do pretty well in one on one environments as long as background noises are minimal. If there is any background noise or if the speaker has an accent or soft voice I usually rely on visual means such as sign language or writing but I always speak for myself.
2. How to disclose my deafness- If you are dark skinned it is readily apparent as soon as you walk into the interview. You wouldn't try to hide who you are (hopefully). Deafness isn't readily apparent. I speak pretty well and most people somehow manage NOT to notice the gigantic behind the ear hearing aids I wear.
Do I disclose my hearing loss during the interview or in my personal statement?

The strange part is that I am afraid of being judged for who I am. I'm deaf and that is perfectly fine with me. I know I can be a good doctor anyway so I don't want to hide my deafness but what if the interviewer is closed minded?
Just because I can't hear well (or at all without hearing aids) doesn't mean I can't communicate and more importantly doesn't mean I can't listen to patients.

Any advice or support? The kind folks at AMPHL (Association of Medical Professionals With Hearing Loss) have some good advice but the more advice the better.

-eclarep

I think you have to disclose your deafness. There are certain things in medicine that just require good hearing:
- listening to heart, breath, bowel sounds through a stethoscope
- listening to percussion notes
- being able to take a history in total chaos (ie the emergency dept of the hospital)

Look into the electronic stethoscopes that will amplify sounds but the fact that it is progressive is worrisome. In all honesty, your choices in specialty are going to be very limited by your hearing loss depending on how severe it is. Almost everything requires the use of a stethoscope or being able to understand your patients, especially during medical school. After that, you could enter a specialty that does not rely on your hearing. But, you just can't be a doctor without hearing.

I hate to be such a Debby Downer but it is true. Now this doesn't matter all that much if your hearing loss isn't terrible and you can get by with an electronic scope.

If I were you, I would do 2 things.

First, pick a few schools to which you are not going to apply. Email their deans of admission directly (you may do this anonymously if you wish), and tell them of your situation, and hear what they have to say. I would email at least 10 people with a generic email to ensure you get enough responses. These people will decide whether to accept you or not, so it is best to hear their opinions on how you should present yourself and if there is any discrimination you may face.

I think this is very solid advice.

Second, speak to your university advisor and just hear what they say. They may want to mention it about you in a personal statement or something, but make that decision for yourself. You just want to be informed, and hopefully they have experience with this. If you school's advisor is no good, do more of the first suggestion.

Hope this helps. Best wishes!

I mean that was just kinda mean although it was kinda funny.