Duty to disclose epilepsy to med school

[dawnybee]

What is the purpose of the health assessment prior to interview i have one that says

"have you any health problems"

Well I have myoclonic epilepsy which is controlled by meds.

If I put no to the question could I have the place withdrawn due to non - disclosure?

If I put yes and explain my condition I am concerned that an offer would be jeopardised if I inform the school at the interview (when the form is due in).

EEK Dawnybee

Dawnybee

[Iceman]

I happened to come accross this today when looking for something else...

Originally Posted by Council of Heads of Medical Schools
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE ADMISSION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

5...Issues relating to a candidates health will not be dealt with by an interview panel set up to assess personal qualities. Health matters will be separately considered by a Fitness to Practise Committee informed by an Occupational Health assessment. This process would be run in parallel with the general selection process. A disability, for example, need not be a bar to becoming a doctor if the student can fulfil the rigorous demands of professional fitness to practise as a newly qualified doctor. Students with disabilities should seek advice from medical schools well before the deadline for UCAS submissions so that their individual circumstances can be considered. Applicants are expected to declare a history of any serious physical or mental disorder, and each applicant’s circumstances will be dealt with on a case by case basis. A history of serious ill hearth [sic] will not jeopardise a career in medicine unless the condition impinges on professional fitness to practise.

Full document:
http://www.medschools.ac.uk/publicat...ov2006_000.pdf

[Spencer Wells]

You should disclose it. Medical students have a professional duty to be honest https://gmc.e-consultation.net/stude...20practise.pdf
I know several medical students and doctors with varying forms of epilepsy, all well controlled, who have no problem practising.

[rjm]

Its often not about stopping your practising but about ensuring that your and your own patients safety is preserved eg something like if you know your epilepsy is ppt by eating toast, you dont get force fed toast before doing an operation (stupid example I know but just a random example).

When you qualify you seem to fill in a million occupational health forms which ask you everything from major illness down to things like hayfever and when you last visited the doctor and why. Plus they seem to continuously want to give you immunisations for things they have tested you and shown you are immune to. I'm not sure Occy Health have enough work...

[dawnybee]

thanks for the advice, i consulted my GP today and she told me that while the neurologist has labelled my condition as being myoclonic epilepsy the EEG was inconclusive, she suggested stating that I have occasional muscle spasms that are being investigated and have stopped since taking medication.

[dawnybee]

Anyway thanks for all the advice
I will be honest I think that was going to be the outcome from the start I am terrible at dishonesty, causes me so much inner conflict
so interview tommorow - wish me luck!!

[rjm]

No idea if correct, but I would suspect inter-ictal EEGs are often inconclusive.

[dawnybee]

very true, they can only record what is happening at the point of the test and so do not show a seizure yesterday or one arriving the next day!, I will be honest and put that I have suspected myoclonic epilepsy. I am under the opinion that it would be best to discuss with my neurologist about further tests to gain a clearer understanding as to my condition - I suspect that it is myoclonic.. as I have responded well to treatment- but it is not proven.

Anyway must sleep up early for interview.

[PURPLE-FLOWER]

Dawnybee, my Dad (a doctor) said there is no reason why they shouldn't give you a place particularly as it is controlled by meds. Also there is all the equal opportunities factor. Plus you made it through your education to this point, so you can definately go all the way without any trouble from the condition. All the best for tomorrow, tell us how you get on, I'm sure it will be fine x