PS question

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504196

Can I use "fictionalized" patient names in my PS from my work and volunteer experiences? Or is that a big not alright/a HIPPA violation? Have others used fictional pt names in their PS?
 
I guess you could, as I don't think it's a HIPPA violation (but you should mention somewhere that it's a fictionalized name). I discussed a patient, but I didn't use any names at all (or other basic information, like age, job, etc.). I figured it's the best way to play it safe.
 
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You can not give out any identifying medical information (which includes surprisingly generic things). Be careful, committing a HIPPA violation on a med school app would be a superlative blunder. Instant trash pile for sure.
 
You can use things like "Mr. C" or my patient...let's call him "John". But be weary of any information that could be identifiable to the public. There are times when you can describe a unique situation or patient situation and given the demographics of the town people and pin point and narrow down...I would err on the side of extreme caution. You would be better off just saying "patient"...
 
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