Disclose personal med history?

[estingray]

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If part of an applicant's motivation to pursue derm stems from personal and family hx of melanoma and bad acne as a teenager, is that something you would disclose in a personal statement/interview? I've read differing viewpoints on this, namely that it can call into question your health and ability to perform your duties. I'm on the fence... would you all disclose personal hx of melanoma?

 

[sdnetrocks]

I think the entire idea is bad. I personally find something disturbing about people that themselves (or their loved ones) have condition X that then become doctors or researchers for condition X... it's like it becomes an obsession...

(Case in point - I have a patient with a derm condition who wants to become a pharmacist so they can do "research" on treatments... it all smacks a bit of silliness)

In any case, should you choose to go down this potentially dangerous road, I would DEFINITELY NOT disclose the personal history of melanoma. Personal acne or ONE family member with melanoma is "okay" (but again, see above).