Hi all,
I currently am a premed student at UNL, and everything has gone very well so far. The only prerequisites I haven't completed are my 2 semesters of physics, and I am a math major who is good at science, so I envision getting As. My GPA is sitting at a 3.98 (stupid A-) and from practice MCATs I am getting in the mid 30s range. I have plenty of intense research experience both in biology and math in independent and group settings. My plan is to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. program somewhere in the midwest region, and I feel I am well qualified and have a good chance at getting into a program.
The only problem is I have schizophrenia, with symptoms starting a little over a year ago. I have been getting treatment, but I have relapsed several times over the past year and have had several hospitalizations. My doctor is heavily recommending that I take a semester off, which I plan on doing just so I can get stabilized in a long term situation. I agree with this plan and think it will do me well. Most of my symptoms are gone, no delusions/paranoia, the only relapsing symptom are the voices, and I am learning to be able to ignore it. So at this point I feel I will make a fairly complete recovery and will be capable of completing med school, of course by continuing to take my medication.
My question is, do you think I even have a chance at being accepted into an M.D. program, let alone an M.D./Ph.D. program? Should I keep this disease hidden from med schools, or should I embrace it? I have 5 Ws spread over the last two semesters as a result of hospitalizations, so if I keep it a secret how do I explain those?
Any comments are welcome, thank you.
It sounds like you have done academically very well-- and so congratulations are in order. What you have accomplished is not an easy feat for someone who doesn't share your struggles, much less a person who has schizophrenia.
Whether or not pursuing medicine is something that should be decided between you, and the people who know you best, i.e. your psychiatrist and possibly your family. The ignorant opinions of a bunch of premedical students are somewhat irrelevant. It certainly sounds like you are very intelligent and are intellectually up to the challenge, but are going to be able to handle the other rigors of medical training and still be able to remain stable?
If you do decide to med school, I certainly wouldn't mention it on the interview trail. However, if you do matriculate into med school it is IMPERATIVE that you set up a good social support system-- you'll need to have a psychiatrist near your school that you see regularly who can monitor you and make sure that your'e doing okay. This may mean letting the school know about your condition to get permission to miss things like labs, etc. in order to make appointments.
I would also like to say that if you have any doubt as to your diagnosis or prognosis, do not hesitate to get a second opinion to help you out.
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