will depression count against me???

[pocket]

I have to admit I've not a huge expereince of med school interviews (I've had 2), however, I doubt one of the question will be "what have you been doing for the last x years?".

Candidates for med school are now very diverse with far more mature students applying. This means people have different life experiences so interviews have to be much more structured to allow for the 18 year with A levels and the 38 year old with an ancient degree in something or tother.

What I'm trying to say is that a history of the candidate is more likely to be asked about in terms of relevant experiences. If you are recovering from depression and know your triggers and symptoms and if you think you'll be able to deal with the stresses that go along with med school there should be no reason why you shouldn't be a very successful doctor. As I've only had 2 interviews I'm not an expert so please anyone correct if I'm wrong!

[ElizabethA]

If it's not mentioned on the UCAS form then the subject won't come up at interview. Remember though that all medical school places are conditional upon passing an occupational health check which will look at your full medical record. I think most universities say that all medical conditions need to have been under control for a period of time before you start. It could be that you may want to mention your medical history in your ps as the ability to overcome major problems and setbacks is useful for a doctor.

Each individual situation and medical school is different though so it's best to check

[Hannahe]

I was really glad to read this thread! I’m an English lit graduate, and whilst studying for BA, I had an episode of depressive illness and was hospitalised for a while. It was nasty, but I am okay now and haven’t had any episodes as severe. My tutor wrote a really really good reference for me, but he mentioned that I had been ill. Since submitting it to UCAS, I have been dreading the idea of being asked at interview to explain my ‘illness’ and I was worried that it would work against me. I’ve been trying to work out in my mind over and over how I could explain it to them! Anyhow, Kamen ... I wish you all the best in your application. I think that illness can often make people more compassionate and understanding.

[Hannahe]

Originally Posted by ElizabethA

Remember though that all medical school places are conditional upon passing an occupational health check which will look at your full medical record.

Does that mean that they will have access to our full medical records to read?? Or do they just ask us to fill in a questionnaire?

[skittles]

Hi

I have suffered Depression twice in the last 5 years and I mentioned the reasons for it on my PS, also last year I had an offer from Keele and their OH Doctor was happy for me to go onto the course but i didnt make the grades hence why i am reapplying this year. all medical schools have a questionare that require some specific information on specific illness such as mental illness and depresion fall on that category.

my advice is to be honest on your application and check with the unis you plan to apply, be strong and dont forget to mention your illness in your PS

skittles

[southernsofty]

I think you'll fast a vast majority of applicants (and current med students/doctors) will also have history of a significant illness of somekind or another. I believe, for some, it is what makes them follow the vocation.

Experience of illness & suffering (whilst very unpleasant) is a strength, and providing you have got through it, you will possess an invaluable insight that will make you a fantastic doctor. This is what you need to emphasize if you do get asked about any illness (IF you've mentioned it in your PS). I made a brief reference to my illness in my PS last year, as did my referee, but I wasn't asked about it. This year, I've left it out altogether, although my referee has still talked about as a reason for me not completing some work.

Remember, illness or a history of a chronic illness is not a weakness. You are human, just like your patients-to-be and it is a fact of life that illness & suffering is something that everyone will experience to some degree in their lives.

[Natalie C]

Depression is very common in the medical profession- its unlikely that your interviewers wont have come across a colleague with it, or they may even have suffered themselves. An episode of depression doesn't result in being struck off the medical register, so shouldn't preclude you from studying the degree. Also a student who recognises their weaknesses and knows how to deal with them is much better than a student who refuses to acknowledge the problem- if it does come up in interview turn it into a strength- you may be better at recognising the signs in your fellow students, colleagues and patients, you know when to ask for help and you know what you can do to help yourself.
Good luck!

[fr.marcus]

I'd endorse Natalie C's observation: depression is quite common among doctors, not least because their personalities often score relatively highly on neuroses scales (introspective, studious, etc). I work with psychiatrists: depending upon how you look at it, it's either surprising, or not at all surprising, that depression amongst this group is common. Perhaps that's what attracted them to psychiatry... Psychiatrists have a significantly increased risk of suicide, with some other specialties, over general hospital doctors, and doctors generally are a high-risk suicide group. So there's little or no stigma within the profession about depression and probably rather more honesty about it than days of yore. It is now recognised that doctors need help in managing their own mental health...

[sammy21]

hey all
well for my 2p worth, i really dont think it should matter whether u have/had depression. i have a friend with depression and shes a 4th medic now, im sure theres lots more like her.
i dont even see why u have to mention it on ur personal statement, pple dont mention they have other illnesses so why depression? its not like it will seriously affect ur ability to be a competent doctor, and they take it into account wen it comes to exams and things.

good luck!
Sammy