Bipolar

[eevapalmu]

I've got a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder and OCD. I really want to go to medical school. I've got an M.A in an arts subject - lots of work experience in healthcare and have completed various science courses. My psychiatrist says that medicine is an inappropriate career for someone with bipolar disorder - but my friends and family all think i could manage it emotionally. Are there any students or doctors that have managed to get into and complete med school that also have bipolar disorder? It's been my dream to become a doctor for years now but i know i need to be realistic.

[!PsyChirurgus!]

Can't you receive therapies and medications from your psychiatrist and psychologist to 'treat' your disorder? I'm pretty sure Med schools won't discriminate you from having that kind of disorder.

[Chang]

not sure about medschools, but a GPs report of her experiences with bipolar and fitness to practice procedure can be found here:

http://careerfocus.bmj.com/cgi/conte.../326/7391/S106

medschools wont "discriminate" against you, and are supportive of students with medical conditions, but if you are judged too unwell to enter the clinical stage, you would be unable to continue your training until you were fit to practice.

contact the universiies, they will be happy to give you loads of info on their regulations

[Chulalongkorn]

I suspect that the occupational health physician from any medical school that did offer you a place would ask for a case report from your physician. If he thinks you would be unsuitable then this will be a problem. Can you get a second opinion?

[elz]

by the way dont think ur meant to post multiple posts.

[eevapalmu]

Originally Posted by elz

by the way dont think ur meant to post multiple posts.

OOOps, sorry - didn't know where i should post it so also wrote on the mature thread. thank you everyone for your encouraging messages. I intend to get a second opinion - and will do everything i can to get into med school and pass the health check. I know that having bipolar adds to the challenge of med school - but i don't think they are impossible to overcome - i take meds and lead a very healthy lifestyle. I would really like to read about doctors or med students who have mental illness - so that i can show my GP that it is possible to be a good doctor despite having a disability.

Thanks again for all the nice messages!