Should I include the fact that I am diabetic on my personal statement?

[velodork]

I have had T1D since 1992 when I was diagnosed at the age of 6. Generally speaking, I have maintained excellent control and live a happy and healty lifestyle. I feel like I have read about other T1Ds on SDN talking about how the disease has affected their grades, attendance, etc., but this is not the case for me. I have other examples of overcoming adversity so it is not essential to put into my personal statement just for the sake of proving that I have...

Should I include the fact that I have Type 1 Diabetes on my personal statement regardless of the fact that it has not had a seriously adverse affect on my life?

Thx!

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[GomersGoToGround]

Well, it depends.

I'm sure it IS a challenge, and I'm sure you see it that way as well, but since you have other examples of overcoming adversity, it might not be essential.

BUT, it might be relatable to your decision to pursue medicine (ie you've gone through treatments, really liked the doctors, or anything better than what I wrote because it sounds cliche, but you get my gist).

My (n=1) opinion: unless it's really rocked your world, or has been a major influence on your desire to pursue medicine or characteristics that would make you an outstanding physician, maybe shoot for something else.

 

[Deranged Medic]

unless it's really rocked your world, or has been a major influence on your desire to pursue medicine or characteristics that would make you an outstanding physician, maybe shoot for something else.

Agreed. If it did not significantly influence your journey towards medicine, I would leave it out.

 

[Lysinee]

The PS is more about why you want to go into medicine. If T1D made you interested in this field then it's worth mentioning. When you were in your teens, did you start asking why you developed T1D, possible symptoms, what medicine you were taking? If you answered yes to some of these questions, this can add some personal experiences on why you are pursuing medicine in your PS.

 

[GomersGoToGround]

The PS is more about why you want to go into medicine. If T1D made you interested in this field then it's worth mentioning. When you were in your teens, did you start asking why you developed T1D, possible symptoms, what medicine you were taking? If you answered yes to some of these questions, this can add some personal experiences on why you are pursuing medicine in your PS.

Just had to comment on your signature: made me chuckle.

"Look at me now, Look at me now huh; I'm doing rectals..."

 

[velodork]

The PS is more about why you want to go into medicine. If T1D made you interested in this field then it's worth mentioning. When you were in your teens, did you start asking why you developed T1D, possible symptoms, what medicine you were taking? If you answered yes to some of these questions, this can add some personal experiences on why you are pursuing medicine in your PS.

Thanks for the feedback. I could definitely spin that angle but I'm thinking my PS may become a bit wordy if I do.

I think it may be more impactful to just show up to an interview with a pump on my belt clip, too ;-)

 

[Lysinee]

Just had to comment on your signature: made me chuckle.

Look at me now, Look at me now ugh; I'm doing rectals...

LOL. I had to modify Chis Brown's song to make it more relevant.

"I don't see how you can hate from outside of the club. You can't even get in. Hah-aha, leggo."

 

[Lysinee]

Thanks for the feedback. I could definitely spin that angle but I'm thinking my PS may become a bit wordy if I do.

I think it may be more impactful to just show up to an interview with a pump on my belt clip, too ;-)

You can probably just mention that when they ask you the why medicine question during the interview.