Hand injury - can I still become a doctor?

[catsamurai]

I'm about to enter college, and am considering med school after to become an ob/gyn. However, several years ago I injured my right arm resulting in a radial nerve injury, so my hand has impaired function. My right hand was dominant, but over the years I've essentially become left-handed. I've had a nerve graft and physio and can function normally in regular life, but will I be able to get through med school?

I'd like to become an ob/gyn, but I'm afraid I won't be able to perform the surgeries required in rotations in med school and as an ob. (Though I could also specialize in reproductive endocrinology). My wrist is weaker than normal, and my fingers have a fair range of motion but they are also weaker than normal. My thumb's upward motion is limited. My right hand has less dexterity than my left. Can I still become a doctor? I work hard and have the drive for it, but I'm afraid my physical limitations will be held against me.

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[NickNaylor]

Unless your ability to use your hand is severely impaired, I wouldn't think this should be much of a problem. All medical schools have a set of policies known as technical standards that outline how they deal with students with disabilities (though, from your description, this seems less serious than the disabilities the policies are primarily directed at). Here's a link to the technical standards for the University of Minnesota School of Medicine to serve as an example: http://www.med.umn.edu/duluth/admissions/essential_capacities.html. From school to school the technical standards are almost identical, so this isn't something you need to check into for every school.

If you're still worried, talk to some physicians and see what they think. I think you'll probably be fine though.

 

[Depakote]

I don't see this particular injury as a reason to avoid pursuing medicine.

It's been a while since I reviewed the technical standards, but they're pretty general. I'm pretty sure that wouldn't restrict you from entering school. I can't comment specifically on surgical procedures, but I suspect that with enough practice you'll be able to adapt techniques that work best for you if you do wind up going into OB or a similarly procedural field.

 

[catsamurai]

thanks very much everyone, that's encouraging to hear 🙂