med school update

I have risen. 

Today I am here to talk about autism and going into medicine as i am under assessment and will be formally diagnosed hopefully by the end of the year (wait times are poop). I hadn’t thought of mentioning that I was under assessment to anyone at school as I didn’t think it was overly important, until i considered my university applications. I had a conversation with my careers advisor at school, and we did some research as to whether medical schools actually can refuse you a place on the course based on autism. While we found not definitive argument online, I emailed the universities i’m thinking of applying to, and got a very good response. Essentially, what i’m trying to say here is don’t let stereotypes stop you from doing what you really want. I thought i was going to have to sacrifice my diagnosis and the support in order to get into medicine when it turns out that i can have both, the diagnosis and support as well as a place in medicine. My own research has shown that approximately only 1% of doctors are autistic, and mainly take up roles as a GP or psychiatrist. An article i read actually stated that there are qualities people on the spectrum often display that are very desired within medical professions. Moral of the story, don’t let other people’s presumptions stop you. If you really want something, work for it, no matter what. It may be challenging, and it may be difficult, but in the end, it will be worth it. Balancing the stress of applying to med school, while being under assessment and receiving no additional support has been stressful. But now i’ve spoken up about it and been honest, my school are helping to put things in place to support me  Never be afraid of asking for help or support when you need, if it benefits you even the smallest amount. 

In other news, i sat my UCAT exam and my application goes off next month. Maybe one day there will be more alternative people in medicine. until then, i will be one of few emo doctors. 

-zee <3