What do I share?

[puzzlelover]

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I know there are quite a few threads on how to (or how not to) address the subject of personal illness but I am still finding myself a bit befuddled and would welcome advice.

I have RA and MG (both chronic, autoimmune diseases) and from complications of these I have 3 W’s and three quarters (two of which were consecutive) where I had to take a leave of absence. I’m assuming that I will need to explain these. The first two quarters that I was absent (as well as 2 of the W’s) were the direct result of an adverse medication reaction which has since resolved. However, the most recent leave of absence was the result of an MG crisis and because MG is a chronic, autoimmune disease it is controlled, but will never be “resolved.”

How do I tactfully explain this without raising concerns from ADCOMs as to my ability to handle the rigors of medical school (I truly don't anticipate this being a problem)? Should I break it down like I have here to emphasize that only one leave of absence was due to a chronic condition or should I just simply say that I have a chronic condition that is controlled?

 

[ClemsonFirst]

I think you should break it down so they can see why there are 3 Ws. You will probably get questions about this in interviews, so be ready to defend it there too.

 

[Cinclus]

Just make sure to emphasize how it's now under control.

 

[puzzlelover]

Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[Geebeejay]

If you mention it, be prepared to convince adcoms that these diseases will not affect your ability to be a doctor. Your W's won't help very much with this, though your conditions may help to defend your W's.

I always think this is a sketchy subject to draw too much attention to (though in your case I think you should mention them) but just be prepared for what cans of worms you'll open up by mentioning illness which may arguably affect your ability to perform the tasks that doctors perform. Might want to also do some research into some specialties that might be more compliant with your illnesses, at least to show that you realize possible limitations may exist and that you have enough maturity and foresight to look into and consider what fields of medicine will be the best fit for you, and which ones will be a poor fit (i.e. surgery!)