What is it like being a disabled doctor?
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What is it like being a disabled doctor?
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I would really like to hear from colleagues on doc2doc with a disability. I think that the stories of individuals who train and practice in medicine with a disability are worth hearing, since I
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What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 21/6/2012 10:51 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 326
First: 27/10/2011 Last: 14/6/2013 |
I would really like to hear from colleagues on doc2doc with a disability. I think that the stories of individuals who train and practice in medicine with a disability are worth hearing, since I suspect that the challenges (both physical and against prejudice) must be huge and my personal knowledge of this aspect of medicine is shamefully lacking. |
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 23/6/2012 5:29 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 73
First: 22/6/2009 Last: 23/6/2012 |
I'm still a medical student but I have Ehlers Danlos and the biggest problem I've had is the medical schools thoughts on the matter. I've had a lot of "oh well, you'll have to be a GP," despite being perfectly capable of working in a hospital (with a little sneaky perching/sitting). I suspect a lot of it is ignorance rather than prejudice but given the profession I didn't really expect it... Its lucky the doctors I've been on placement with have a bit more common sense!
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 23/6/2012 7:25 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 1828
First: 7/3/2009 Last: 18/6/2013 |
Each of us should strive to achieve what he/she wants, providing the disability allows or if a suitale solution can be found in order to accomodate the disability so it allows us to do the best for our patients. I have seen many colleagues, some on crutches, some in wheelchair, some with amputated limbs, polio etc. All wonderful doctors, excellent specialists each in his/her speciality. I have seen a surgeon, GP, oncologist, pediatrist, orthopede, internist etc. All are doing great. It is a bit easier when you are a student with disability and you choose the speciality. It is more complicated when you are practicing a certain speciality and suddenly become disabled.Most cope well within their specialities, some have to shift, but most stay in medicine and continue to provide the patients with the best care they can.
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 23/6/2012 8:03 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3059
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 13/6/2013 |
There are many doctors who despite being disabled personally are providing excellent services to the mankind & I would always respect & salute to their courage to fight the life! Dr. Stern is one of a small percentage of physicians with sensory or physical disabilities practicing medicine in the United States. Statistics on the number of physicians with a disability who are practicing medicine are scarce. A study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, based on data from 1996, estimated that 0.2% of medical school graduates have disabilities. Most physicians who are practicing with a disability acquired that disability during their career. Despite the enactment of the American with Disabilities Act in 1990, which prohibits discrimination against a qualified applicant who has disabilities, few students with disabilities enter the profession. In part, this is because medical students must be able to perform the essential functions of being a doctor, and each school determines for itself what these criteria are. Throughout their training, these future physicians are striving to learn the practice of medicine while demonstrating that they're capable of being competent doctors. For Michael Cummings, MD, a psychopharmacology consultant and associate director of forensic psychiatric training at Patton State Hospital in Patton, Calif., his disability meant making a big change in his career plans. He lost his sight right before he was to begin a neurosurgical residency. Dr. Cummings also teaches medical students and residents, some of whom have had disabilities as well. Dr. Cummings has a wall of teaching awards attesting to his strengths as an educator and hasn't had difficulty finding positions. His skills and connections open doors. But he had to prove himself early on and, at times, when he meets a new patient, he senses they might be questioning his abilities. "A disability adds a layer of curiosity and doubt," he said. "From my perspective, I'm not offended by doubts." All Dr. Cummings has sought is the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, and now that he's the teacher, he offers the same opportunity to his medical students. He can offer his own insights to those with disabilities, but he doesn't compromise his expectations. |
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 26/6/2012 6:22 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 11
First: 2/12/2011 Last: 26/6/2012 |
Hello, in my opinion one cannot really talk about "the disabled doctor". It does make huge differences whether...
Bad: less energy, more need of time, frustration at times Good: perhaps I can understand patient´s problems a bit more. The bunch of problems which come with disease suddenly entering your life, lost hopes, the readjustments etc... Just my 2p |
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 28/6/2012 11:22 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 326
First: 27/10/2011 Last: 14/6/2013 |
kaesmann, I think you have touched on just how important objectivity and subjectivity are in the perception of what is broadly called 'disability' and the impact it may have on the doctor-patient relationship. Thank you. |
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 29/6/2012 4:11 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 7
First: 15/6/2012 Last: 29/6/2012 |
Their are many technologies available to disabled doctors for mobility e.g robots. Patients want a doctor who will find a solution to their health issue, they don't care if he or she can tango dance. I believe disabled doctors are better than the able bodied doctors they have more emotional skills. |
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Re: What is it like being a disabled doctor?
posted at 29/6/2012 9:32 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 1
First: 29/6/2012 Last: 29/6/2012 |
I have been terribly disappointed with the profession's discrimination against disabilities. We preach about being compassionate and empathetic towards our patients, but we do not provide the same courtesy to each other. My disability isn't serious - it's severe bilateral knee OA. Yes, at times I've had to use a cane, and I try to sit down every chance I get. I can't use stairs and I can't run. I have a limp and am usually in quite a bit of pain, but I have always done my job without letting these get in my way (even making it to codes early). Despite these issues, I chose internal medicine Hospitalist work because it's what I love. When I was an intern, my attendings were so inconsiderate that the team would just leave me behind while rounding without even telling me where they were going next because I had to take the elevator while they took the stairs. I missed the majority of teaching during rounds and never felt like I was a member of the team - as if internship isn't hard enough. When deciding upon hospitalist work vs. outpatient, again I ran into a multitude of unsolicited opinions all suggesting outpatient work because "hospitalist work is so hard." Did they just have my best interest at heart? Who knows, but all those comments did was make me feel as if I was somehow less of a physician than the others because I have difficulty walking. Thankfully, I just had my right knee replaced. Hopefully, it will not only relieve me of some pain, it will also relieve me of other's unsolicited (and unnecessary) opinions. |
