Colorblindness, specialties, and you

[CaptainJack02]

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I'm red/green colorblind. Are there any specialties where this could pose a problem? Not just in terms of functioning as a physician but also with lawyers tearing me up if they find out I'm colorblind? Any colorblind practitioners out there?

 

[Jaded Soul]

I'm red/green colorblind. Are there any specialties where this could pose a problem? Not just in terms of functioning as a physician but also with lawyers tearing me up if they find out I'm colorblind? Any colorblind practitioners out there?

Ophthalmology would be difficult. A number of programs I interviewed at asked for a visual exam as part of the application process, with emphasis on color vision and stereopsis.

 

[mikegoal]

one of the pathologists at my school is colorblind and he gets by

 

[abcde]

Can you expand on the Ophthalmology thing? How widespread is the testing? What is it about ophtho that would be a problem?

 

[rjp202]

while it may be a problem in ophthalmology, i've met a bunch of residents and applicants this year (including myself) who are red/green colorblind. although i can't administer the ishihara plates without an answer key, it hasn't really affected my ability to perform a fundus exam in my limited experience during my ophtho rotations.

 

[Winged Scapula]

We've had a few surgical residents over the years - it just takes a little assistance with the red/green distinction ("Does this look red like blood to you?" 😉 )

 

[SLUsagar]

agree w/earlier statement regarding colorblindness prob and PATHOLOGY. Sure you can make it work, but it'll be a challenge.

--> choose radiology!!!!!!!!!!! differentiate black/white, and makes tons of cash.

 

[DrQuinn]

One of my EM attendings is colorblind, and he is not allowed by the hospital to read stool guaic cards. So he has to ask the nurse if it is blue or not. Funny!

Q