Handicapped Doctors?

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Bon Scott

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I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
 
Check out Einstein. I know we had one a couple decades back. Actually, he may have been a quadriplegic. He was also extremely smart. This being the story I was told by Dr. Dannis two years ago when he was talking to interviewees out in the lobby.

EDIT: you will most likely be looking at an uphill battle, though. Just so you understand. You'll need to be a better applicant than ur avg med student. When the time comes, you should be calling up a lot of admissions offices to see which ones will be most accepting of you.
 
They can't legally not consider you because of a disability. In all honesty I think it would help you chances in getting accepted to some schools.

IMO you shouldn't let your disability get in the way of becoming a Dr, don't even consider it as a reason not to go.
 
Dr GeddyLee said:
They can't legally not consider you because of a disability. In all honesty I think it would help you chances in getting accepted to some schools.

IMO you shouldn't let your disability get in the way of becoming a Dr, don't even consider it as a reason not to go.
Click to expand...
👍 I agree 🙂
 
I have to disagree w/ the above posters. There are physical requirements for being a doctor. If you are paraplegic, you will have to get around them. If you are blind or deaf, you will have to get around them. If you're missing an arm, you will have to get around it.

Just for example, how are you supposed to get around an ER efficiently in a wheelchair. How are you supposed to participate in a surgery in a wheelchair. How are you supposed to take MRI's in a wheelchair (is it magnetic? maybe it isn't, then nevermind).

EDIT: I really hope the OP gets in. But it is not illegal to discriminate in this case, because there are physical disabilities which will interfere w/ various parts of medicine. This isn't one of those: "oh, let's have a diverse class" issues. This will get in his way, and he will have to work harder and do more research into schools in order to get past it.
 
Rendar5 said:
I have to disagree w/ the above posters. There are physical requirements for being a doctor. If you are paraplegic, you will have to get around them. If you are blind or deaf, you will have to get around them. If you're missing an arm, you will have to get around it.

Just for example, how are you supposed to get around an ER efficiently in a wheelchair. How are you supposed to participate in a surgery in a wheelchair. How are you supposed to take MRI's in a wheelchair (is it magnetic? maybe it isn't, then nevermind).

EDIT: I really hope the OP gets in. But it is not illegal to discriminate in this case, because there are physical disabilities which will interfere w/ various parts of medicine. This isn't one of those: "oh, let's have a diverse class" issues.
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while what you say is true- there are a lot of specialties that the physical requirements are not that demanding like pathology, any practice where you are primarily dealing with office visits, derm etc
i think that accomidations can be made if necessary and that it would really be too bad if physical limitations held you back
 
Op, whatever you do do not listen to rendar5, you have to be tough and keep your eye on the prize. I happened to be reading an article about a surgeon who is paraplegic, the first american to complete a surgical residency
in a wheel chair. The surgeon was in the special forces so he obviously had mental toughness, something you will definately need to succeed. here is the link,
http://starbulletin.com/2005/08/22/news/story4.html
 
Dr GeddyLee said:
They can't legally not consider you because of a disability. In all honesty I think it would help you chances in getting accepted to some schools.

IMO you shouldn't let your disability get in the way of becoming a Dr, don't even consider it as a reason not to go.
Click to expand...
It's not really a question on whether it's legal, I can fully understand if they don't want me, but I'd really like to know beforehand so I can stop wasting time. I should probably consult a pre-med advisor at my school.
 
CTSballer11 said:
Op, whatever you do do not listen to rendar5, you have to be tough and keep your eye on the prize. I happened to be reading an article about a surgeon who is paraplegic, the first american to complete a surgical residency
in a wheel chair. The surgeon was in the special forces so he obviously had mental toughness, something you will definately need to succeed. here is the link,
http://starbulletin.com/2005/08/22/news/story4.html
Click to expand...
Thanks. Really encouraging article.
 
There ARE doctors who are paraplegics, and, as somebody mentioned, at least one who is a quadraplegic (I believe he specialized in PM&R). There are also doctors who have achondroplastic dwarfism (I think one is in the orthopedics (pediatric?) department at maybe Hopkins? not sure on the place). There are also many, many doctors with chronic illnesses or other disabilities that may not be as readily apparent.

Yes, some disabilities really can prohibit somebody from being a doctor. But paraplegia isn't one of them. Of course you still have to have a competitive application, everybody does! And yes, realistically, you will face additional challenges in being accepted. But keep up your dream. There is absolutely NO reason why you can't still be a doctor, particularly if you still have full use of all of your senses and your upper limbs.

[edit...removing unnecessary drivel 😛] Overall a paraplegic can get through medical school in approximately the same manner as his fellow classmates, and excell at it.)

Congratulations on getting to college after what you've been through. Good luck in college, and medical school, and beyond 🙂
(I also have to mention what I always mention to pre-meds entering college: take a variety of courses and keep your mind open to other career choices. Chances are you'll stay pre-med, but you may find something else that calls you. Also, if advisors ever tell you that you can't do it, come post on sdn -- never listen to pre-med advisors! 😛)
 
The first blind M.D. was awared last year --> the guy who got it was quite remarkable...they said he could do specific techniques better than most of the sighted students. The article is somewhere on CNN I believe...too lazy to find it now. Don't give up hope 😀.
 
Like others have said, many medical specialties don't require the kind of mobility that some, such as EM, may.

Medicine is SO broad, that you'll be able to find a niche that you can find rewarding and very doable.

For your own piece of mind, perhaps set up some meetings (maybe when things settle down since they're swamped right now) with admissions representatives. Let them tell you. But, go see them in person.

I think your situation is VERY plausible, and you should go for it. For sure, if it's really what you want to do.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

I had an interview at UTMB Galveston, and my interviewer was in a wheelchair. He was an orthopedist.
 
Also try Johns Hopkins - they had a dwarf (I think he referred to himself as "a little person") go through a few years ago, and then get into a surgical residency.

As for how to do surgery - the table moves. Up.... and down.

MRI - when I've had my two MRIs, no one was in the room with me while the magnet was on. And that would only apply if you wanted to be a radiologist, I believe.

How to get around the ER efficiently - heck, folks with two legs can't do that sometimes. I know a guy in a wheelchair that was taking chemistry lab and aced it. No, he didn't have anyone helping him. He carried his own stuff and poured his own chemicals. He did just fine. Besides - I kind of envy being in a wheelchair when it's time to tube someone. You have a great spot while the rest of us have to kind of hunch down awkwardly. I don't see it as a problem at all unless you let it be one.

OP - go for it. You are really the only one who can judge yourself in this regard. Just be prepared for the questions at interview time and absolutely NAIL your exams and questions!!! :luck:
 
My family doctor's husband was in a motorcycle accident about 8 or 9 years ago, and he still practices medicine. I know this is a bit different because he was already a physician when he became disabled (I'm thinking he's paralyzed from the waist down).

He had his office redone, where the tables are lower so he can examine patients from his wheelchair, and he got his own parking space at the hospital where he has priviliges. He's in family practice, so I am not sure how it would affect other specialties.

Follow your dream. You never know what will happen until you try. :luck:
 
I honestly can't think of a better profession for someone in the OP's position. Provided that person is intellectually sound/curious, and has a true desire to be in medicine.
 
Med schools want this kind of thing because then they get attention when you become famous for surpassing your disability.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

I believe in you! Do whatever it is that you dream of! There are no limits to what dreams you can obtain as long as you aim for them! *besides, there are many different functions of doctors-- not just people who operate or work in the ER. Not to say you couldn't do that, too.*
We've come a long way as a culture. You've come a long way, too. Don't stop now!
 
DentalGal said:
I had an interview at UTMB Galveston, and my interviewer was in a wheelchair. He was an orthopedist.
Click to expand...
Really? That happens to be the specialty I want to join.

Not to sound arrogant, but I definitely have the intellectual ability and motivation. Becoming a doctor is something I've been working on my entire life up until recently. All I need is for the medical schools to look past my handicap and I then I can do anything.
 
Bon Scott said:
Really? That happens to be the specialty I want to join.

Not to sound arrogant, but I definitely have the intellectual ability and motivation. Becoming a doctor is something I've been working on my entire life up until recently. All I need is for the medical schools to look past my handicap and I then I can do anything.
Click to expand...

You'll find plenty of schools that will accept you. And the ones that DO discriminate... well you wouldn't want to go there anyway!
 
Asherlauph said:
You'll find plenty of schools that will accept you. And the ones that DO discriminate... well you wouldn't want to go there anyway!
Click to expand...

"I would never be in a club that would have me as a member."


(sorry, couldn't help it 😛)
 
I also saw the story on the blind doctor....I don't know how he made it through admissions...or how he got his first patients....but he's amazing.

also, volunteering at Yale-New Haven ER last week there was a doctor in a wheelchair....so it can be done!
 
C.P. Jones said:
I also saw the story on the blind doctor....I don't know how he made it through admissions...or how he got his first patients....but he's amazing.

also, volunteering at Yale-New Haven ER last week there was a doctor in a wheelchair....so it can be done!
Click to expand...
I believe the blind doc went into psychiatry.
 
Being in a wheelchair is not at all a hinderance. There are many things you can do such pathology which don't require much active movement. You can even do research. Whatever it is, you should try your best and not consider your disability at all when you apply. One of my parents friends is a psychiatrist who has polio and uses a wheelchair (I guess this was before the vaccine). He's a great doctor as far as I know.
 
CTSballer11 said:
Op, whatever you do do not listen to rendar5, you have to be tough and keep your eye on the prize. I happened to be reading an article about a surgeon who is paraplegic, the first american to complete a surgical residency
in a wheel chair. The surgeon was in the special forces so he obviously had mental toughness, something you will definately need to succeed. here is the link,
http://starbulletin.com/2005/08/22/news/story4.html
Click to expand...


Before telling him not to listen to me, why don't u actually try reading what I'm really saying? I'm saying that it will be harder for him than ur avg med school applicant and that he will have to work harder. If he doesn't listen to me and just expects to have equal footing with all the other applicants, then he is not going to have as good a shot at med school. If he doesn't listen to me and actually call up the schools, he will not know what schools will be the most accepting of him. Nowhere did I say he should not become a doctor, nor did I say it would be impossible. In fact, I told him that my school actually tries to look past such things because u can overcome those difficulties, and I actually tried to give him advice in order to actually get into med school.
 
ShyRem said:
Also try Johns Hopkins - they had a dwarf (I think he referred to himself as "a little person") go through a few years ago, and then get into a surgical residency.

As for how to do surgery - the table moves. Up.... and down.

MRI - when I've had my two MRIs, no one was in the room with me while the magnet was on. And that would only apply if you wanted to be a radiologist, I believe.

How to get around the ER efficiently - heck, folks with two legs can't do that sometimes. I know a guy in a wheelchair that was taking chemistry lab and aced it. No, he didn't have anyone helping him. He carried his own stuff and poured his own chemicals. He did just fine. Besides - I kind of envy being in a wheelchair when it's time to tube someone. You have a great spot while the rest of us have to kind of hunch down awkwardly. I don't see it as a problem at all unless you let it be one.

OP - go for it. You are really the only one who can judge yourself in this regard. Just be prepared for the questions at interview time and absolutely NAIL your exams and questions!!! :luck:
Click to expand...

wow, a guy in a wheelchair doing chemistry lab? that's pretty impressive, considering how high lab tables are normally. 😱 👍 yeah, the MRI example was a stretch. I'm just trying to think of some of the rotations where there might be issues (that if u press, there will be plenty of ways around it) that would make adcoms reticent about accepting applicants w/ physical disabilities (unless u're insanely mind-****ingly brilliant like all the docs w/ physical disabilities that u hear of in the news). Post-med school, he won't really have any worries. It's just getting into med school he'll have to be an above-avg applicant for.
 
Turkeyman said:
The first blind M.D. was awared last year --> the guy who got it was quite remarkable...they said he could do specific techniques better than most of the sighted students. The article is somewhere on CNN I believe...too lazy to find it now. Don't give up hope 😀.
Click to expand...

A wheelchair I could understand - but being blind?? What area of medicine could you possibly practice in without sight? I can't seem to think of one.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

Many medical schools have something they call a "Technical Standards" requirement that has to do with a person being fit enough to handle medical school. The wording is vague, I think they're saying they have the right to discriminate on the basis that you may not be able to actually do medicine. I don't think being in a wheelchair will hinder you as much as say, a split personality that believes you're a cow.
 
Flopotomist said:
A wheelchair I could understand - but being blind?? What area of medicine could you possibly practice in without sight? I can't seem to think of one.
Click to expand...

cardiology, nephrology, etc.? basically some internal medicine specialties that don't have symptomology that requires sight. I'm sure u could get an EKG machine to draw out the graphs in raised ink.
 
Rendar5 said:
cardiology, nephrology, etc.? basically some internal medicine specialties that don't have symptomology that requires sight. I'm sure u could get an EKG machine to draw out the graphs in raised ink.
Click to expand...
How do you compare an old EKG printed from a different doctor? How do you look at the patient and assess level of distress? How do you know which medication is in the vial you are about to push? How do you read radiology reports that are faxed over to you?

I would feel fine having a cardiologist in a wheelchair care for a family member - but would not feel comfortable with a blind cardiologist. The only specialty that I thought of after reconsidering was psychiatry - but even there, observing the patient's mannerisms may be important. I dunno.
 
CTSballer11 said:
Op, whatever you do do not listen to rendar5, you have to be tough and keep your eye on the prize. I happened to be reading an article about a surgeon who is paraplegic, the first american to complete a surgical residency
in a wheel chair. The surgeon was in the special forces so he obviously had mental toughness, something you will definately need to succeed. here is the link,
http://starbulletin.com/2005/08/22/news/story4.html
Click to expand...
Rendar was too harsh, but don't kid yourself. Many of the schools I applied to have "technical standards" forms that you have to sign, verifying that you can do all of those things. I would DEFINITELY encourage a student in a wheelchair to still apply - I'm sure there are many opportunities to succeed, but Rendar was on point to an extent.
 
Flopotomist said:
How do you compare an old EKG printed from a different doctor? How do you look at the patient and assess level of distress? How do you know which medication is in the vial you are about to push? How do you read radiology reports that are faxed over to you?

I would feel fine having a cardiologist in a wheelchair care for a family member - but would not feel comfortable with a blind cardiologist. The only specialty that I thought of after reconsidering was psychiatry - but even there, observing the patient's mannerisms may be important. I dunno.
Click to expand...

level of distress u can tell from their voice. u read the braille writing on the medication vial that u marked. I'm sure there are fax machines out there for blind people, and if not, u then have ur assistant read u the report.
 
Straight from a secondary:

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO AND COMPLETION OF THE DOCTOR OF MEDICINE DEGREE AT EMORY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE *

For successful completion of the course of study for the Doctor of Medicine degree program at Emory University, the student must have certain technical and intellectual skills. In order to maintain an acceptable level of performance, the student must:
Be able to develop the ability to obtain a medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. These activities require that the student must:
Communicate effectively with the patient and their family in order to obtain an adequate medical history.
Review records that relate to the patient's medical history and be able to develop a medical record for the current episode that will be useful to others who care for the patient.
Perform the essential functions of the medical school curriculum such as performing a thorough physical examination by using the appropriate instruments and manual techniques required.
Be able to participate in and demonstrate an understanding of all phases of the educational program, including lectures, laboratory activities, teaching conferences, hospital rounds, and clinical duties.
Be able to demonstrate characteristics that suggest that he / she has the ability to function in complex social, professional, and personal roles.
Be able to function in delicate interpersonal relationships and manifest honesty, reliability, genuineness, warmth, and empathy.
Be able to control impulses and maintain good judgment even under physically and emotionally exhausting conditions.
*Developed in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
----

I'd agree that you *may* have a harder time at some schools. I also agree w/the suggestion to talk to admissions people about it. And I don't mean to trivialize your injury, but your personal statement will be kickass
 
Despite what the admissions process may lead us all to think, you don't have to be a 6'4" shiny marathon runner with a resting pulse of 48, an IQ of 180, an MCAT of 42, and a GPA of 3.98 in order to be an MD.

Sometimes I swear the chip on some pre-meds shoulders is more of a handicap to them than your paraplegia seems to be to you.

Go for it.
 
seilienne said:
Despite what the admissions process may lead us all to think, you don't have to be a 6'4" shiny marathon runner with a resting pulse of 48, an IQ of 180, an MCAT of 42, and a GPA of 3.98 in order to be an MD.

Sometimes I swear the chip on some pre-meds shoulders is more of a handicap to them than your paraplegia seems to be to you.

Go for it.
Click to expand...

lol, i just recommended above avg. which is what, a 28/3.5, resting pulse 80? haha, but u're right about pre-meds having chips on their shoulders :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
I volunteered at the V.A. Hospital last summer. There was a doctor in a wheelchair. Pretty cool.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

i'm 100% sure that some schools with actually give you greater consideration b/c of the disablility. show them you are determined and don't give up.
 
I know of a woman who applied last year who was in a wheelchair due to permanent disability. She had great stats & got more than one offer. Most schools would bend over backwards to avoid being caught up in a discrimination lawsuit. I'm not sure of the law but they may need to provide "reasonable accomodation" for you to be able to use the facilities.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

I didn't read thru all these posts here, so I may be repetitive... but.

When I was a first year med student (Wake Forest), one of the third years was trying to help a neighbor who was locked out of her apartment. He was climbing on the outside patio on the second floor. He fell off and ended up paralyzed from the waist down with limited mobility of his arms.

He graduated with his class and is now in a PM&R residency.

Things were definitely tougher for him in his wheelchair, but he made it. Granted, he did have the notoreity of the injured hero, so people here may have gone the extra mile to help him. I still think it is possible, though.
 
Bon Scott said:
I'll finally be able to enter college next semester after about a year recovering from a car accident that rendered my legs paralyzed. Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a doctor, but now I'm unsure. I've never seen a doctor in a wheelchair before or even with an obvious handicap (not counting House). I'm a bit ignorant on this, but will med schools even consider me after they know I'm in a wheelchair?
Click to expand...

Had to come out of lurk for this.
I have an immense amount of respect for you and your situation. I can't even fathom your experience. Its great that you still pursuing this. 👍

Topic:
I've seen doctors and even nurses in pedatrics and in fam practice taking care of patients. Probably be difficult to do something like Emergency Medicine but there are plenty of options.

Good luck.
 
Bon,

You can definitely surpass this setback. Do not give up your dream. Work your heart out and become the best damn orthopedist in your area! If you have the intellectual capacity / work ethic, then please do not give up your dream. I remembering hearing that a paraplegic, who designed special types of wheelchairs (she was pretty incredible), got into Stanford and is due to graduate very soon. Best of luck and keep us posted on your acceptances! 😀
 
MVA in 1995

C-7 incomplete SCI.

Pilot's License 1998.

Married in 2002.

BS in Microbiology 2004.

OU COM Class of 2009.

PM me if you've got any questions.

🙂
 
First of all, good luck to you, I am sure you will attain your goal!

I am a veterinary forum cross over but jsut wanted to share some information with you. There is a veterinarian at my state vet school (UGA) who is blind. She is one of the top veterinary dermatologists in the country and my boss (a vet) refers to her all the time. You'd think... how the heck can there be a blind dermatologist?? She can diagnose based on smell and touch and what her damned good technician tells her it looks like.

I don't know of any veterinarians that are parapalegic, it would be slightly more difficult to examine animals in a wheelchair...but I imagine it is not impossible.

Again there are PLENTY of fields you can choose from, but unfortunately I cannot give you any insight on the path to get there.

:luck:
 
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