aynmar

[aynmar]

Dr. Shelton,

I appreciate your advice on the GPA and volunteer work, and plan to work on both. The main part of my question is the issue of having rheumatoid arthritis. What factor will that play in the acceptance of medical school? Is that something that would be included on my statement, as that is who I am and how my interest in medicine has been born through, or is it something that will be considered a disability or hinderance and would possible be used to unofficially discriminate against me?

Just looking for some honest insight. Thank you.

[aynmar]

Okay, so I am a nontraditional student. A 31-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis. In a previous life I was a graphic designer (only an associates) but I did very well in my career and excelled. Once I was diagnosed with RA I took an interest in all things medical. Researched night and day on medicine, treatments, nutrition, you name it. I decided last year that I wanted to get into medicine. I first thought maybe nursing, but I am really thinking I am more passionate for treating the patient, not just following orders. I take an active role in my health and in my condition, and I really think that I could be a great doctor because of the empathy and knowledge I would have. I want to study internal medicine and rheumatology.

Anyways, well, so I am at my local university trying to scrounge up a Bachelors. I guess my best bet is Bio (pre-med) right now my GPA is only about 3.26, but I have a couple years of pre-reqs to go. To be honest, shooting for As in these upper level classes is hard. I am a family man with a young son. I do have the benefit of being free to study often.

Okay, so I guess my question is this. When it comes down to applying. Will my condition be viewed as a disability, that maybe they would think I would no be physically capable of being a doctor? I am only 31 right now and I am not physcially perfect, but my brain works fine! I might not always be able to life a 200-pound man onto a table, but I could treat, diagnose……I don’t know. I am a little nervous. Advice?

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