What medical conditions should you not talk about in your secondaries?

[mvb2]

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I have a friend who is applying to med schools this cycle but was recently diagnosed with narcolepsy. It explains why he studies so hard but still ends up with Bs and As...so it would be a good talking point to discuss how he overcame obstacles and managed to keep his grades up even though he had a hard time staying awake in class and being alert while studying.

However, I have seen that there is a stigma attached to narcoleptics in the medical community and since it is not a legally reportable condition, should he not even mention it in the essays? With admission being so selective, I could see how they could easily weed someone out (even if the underlying reason is a medical condition that could be considered a liability) but blame it on less than exceptional stats.

Any advice?

 

[michaelrack]

xx

 

[mvb2]

xx?

 

[michaelrack]

xx?

I was commenting about your phrase "legally reportable condition"- any condition that potentially impairs a person's ability to practice is medicine is required to be reported when applying for a medical license (on all the apps I have seen). You are right in that no medical license app specifically lists narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a "legally reportable condition" if applying for a commercial driver's license (automatic denial).

 

[Kaustikos]

I have a classmate who's narcoleptic and one who's potentially narcoleptic. Both do perfectly fine in class/etc. Considering the diagnostic criteria doesn't list anything that would completely impair your ability to do this. I don't know if they reported it...

The one who is does have cataplexy but it's not impairing considering it's just when you completely surprise/scare her. She just falls back because her legs give in, but how the hell does that mean you can't be a doctor?

But I wouldn't bring it up in your application. There's no reason to - it's not an obligation.

 

[michaelrack]

I have a classmate who's narcoleptic and one who's potentially narcoleptic. Both do perfectly fine in class/etc. Considering the diagnostic criteria doesn't list anything that would completely impair your ability to do this. I don't know if they reported it...

The one who is does have cataplexy but it's not impairing considering it's just when you completely surprise/scare her. She just falls back because her legs give in, but how the hell does that mean you can't be a doctor?

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It doesn't mean you can't be a doctor, but certain fields should be avoided- if a narcoleptic neurosurgeon had an attack of cataplexy while performing a delicate operation, it could be damaging to the patient. A bigger issue than cataplexy is sudden decreased viligance. Some medical boards will want to know if you are taking controlled substances, which over 95% of narcoleptics are.
Medical board requirements are variable, as is narcolepsy.

I agree that narcolepsy does not disqualify a person from being a doctor.

I can't go into details, but as a sleep doc I have dealt with professionals who are impaired by their sleep d/o's, including narcolepsy.

 

[Kaustikos]

It doesn't mean you can't be a doctor, but certain fields should be avoided- if a narcoleptic neurosurgeon had an attack of cataplexy while performing a delicate operation, it could be damaging to the patient. A bigger issue than cataplexy is sudden decreased viligance. Some medical boards will want to know if you are taking controlled substances, which over 95% of narcoleptics are.
Medical board requirements are variable, as is narcolepsy.

I agree that narcolepsy does not disqualify a person from being a doctor.

I can't go into details, but as a sleep doc I have dealt with professionals who are impaired by their sleep d/o's, including narcolepsy.

That's true. I agree with what you said about surgical procedures. But I think that's one thing that someone w/ narcolepsy (or any neurological issues) should be realistic about their goals. Can you become a doctor? Yes. Will you be able to do any residency? Not really.

And regarding controlled subtances - are you talking about amphetamine derivatives? Because I know of people who do take them PRN in my class/school. They've been diagnosed with issues that warranted the prescription. Does that mean it will be an issue with residencies in general? Or specific residencies? I'm only asking because I don't know.

 

[KGflyboy]

Would some states deny a license because a Dr. Was prescribed a stimulant for narcolepsy? I understand needing to report it, but would anyone really care?

 

[Rda39]

...

 

[michaelrack]

Would some states deny a license because a Dr. Was prescribed a stimulant for narcolepsy? I understand needing to report it, but would anyone really care?

The medical board probably wouldn't care too much- but in many states you would need to report it.

 

[michaelrack]

Does that mean it will be an issue with residencies in general? Or specific residencies? I'm only asking because I don't know.

shouldn't be an issue with residency. Minor issue with some licensing boards

 

[siliso]

Bipolar disorder or any type of psychotic or personality disorder for sure.
I would think twice about divulging any personal medical information. It has a high likelihood of being trite, offputting, inviting of illegal discrimination, or all of the above. Save it for your memoir.

 

[Spinach Dip]

What medical conditions should you not talk about in your secondaries?

Anything which requires use of the word "orgasm" to properly explain.



As for narcolepsy, if it is treatable, I wouldn't report it.