Dean's letter and confidentiality

[Back34]

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I deal with anxiety / depression from time to time (most recent episode forced me to drop my medicine rotation and take a few weeks off (I'm an MS-III)) and was wondering what policy is as far as mentioning medical conditions in the dean's letter. Assuming confidentiality prevails, is it outside the realm of possibility to be implicated in some other way. For example: " 'student X' has demonstrated professionalism and respect; however, I question his / her ability to function in such and such environment." I have a good relationship with the guy and know he wouldn't "stick it to me," but just curious how this might be addressed.

 

[Seaglass]

I don't know about your school, but we had a discussion with the person writing the letter and I would address this issue at that time and discuss how it will be addressed. The best strategy will be to ask the letter writer.

 

[Back34]

I don't know about your school, but we had a discussion with the person writing the letter and I would address this issue at that time and discuss how it will be addressed. The best strategy will be to ask the letter writer.

Ultimately, that's how it'll go down. I'll still graduate on time and it's not like my grades or step I score (224) are atrocious. Frankly, I couldn't imagine them bringing up any medical condition for that matter, i.e., "student 'X' is HIV positive and had to postpone a rotation because he wasn't feeling well."

 

[gwyn779]

Ultimately, that's how it'll go down. I'll still graduate on time and it's not like my grades or step I score (224) are atrocious. Frankly, I couldn't imagine them bringing up any medical condition for that matter, i.e., "student 'X' is HIV positive and had to postpone a rotation because he wasn't feeling well."

They might have to say student x had to postpone a rotation for medical reasons, but I'm pretty sure they can't be specific unless you tell them too. Not only did we get to meet with the Dean to talk about our letters, but we get to go over them before they get submitted to make sure things sound ok to us. But I don't know how many schools do that.

 

[debvz]

I deal with anxiety / depression from time to time (most recent episode forced me to drop my medicine rotation and take a few weeks off (I'm an MS-III)) and was wondering what policy is as far as mentioning medical conditions in the dean's letter. Assuming confidentiality prevails, is it outside the realm of possibility to be implicated in some other way. For example: " 'student X' has demonstrated professionalism and respect; however, I question his / her ability to function in such and such environment." I have a good relationship with the guy and know he wouldn't "stick it to me," but just curious how this might be addressed.

I was told that my leave would be mentioned in the letter, but that there would be no details of it mentioned except that i took a "medical leave of absence" and the duration of said leave.

That being said, i was told by the dept chairman and others, that the issue would almost certainly be brought up during interviews for residency, and to be prepared to explain myself.

 

[dry dre]

That being said, i was told by the dept chairman and others, that the issue would almost certainly be brought up during interviews for residency, and to be prepared to explain myself.

I agree that this will likely come up in interviews.

If a given program is high stress and has a high workload such a program may be less likely to take someone who might need extra time off. Moreover the stress of residency may necessitate more time off needed etc. This often can make hell worse for the other residents. I think this is one of those unfortunate things in life where fairness may not be prudent (with respect to some programs/specialties).

This is a subject that can make enemies from friends and I don't mean to be non-sympathetic.

 

[Back34]

I agree that this will likely come up in interviews.

If a given program is high stress and has a high workload such a program may be less likely to take someone who might need extra time off. Moreover the stress of residency may necessitate more time off needed etc. This often can make hell worse for the other residents. I think this is one of those unfortunate things in life where fairness may not be prudent (with respect to some programs/specialties).

This is a subject that can make enemies from friends and I don't mean to be non-sympathetic.

I don't like the sound of that, but I see your point. Do you know of anybody who was disqualified because of taking medical leaves of absences, for any reason?

Also, is it legal for residencies to specifically ask about the circumstances surrounding the leave? Like I said, I couldn't see somebody who was HIV positive being questioned as to why they took a leave, related to their illness.

 

[dry dre]

Also, is it legal for residencies to specifically ask about the circumstances surrounding the leave? Like I said, I couldn't see somebody who was HIV positive being questioned as to why they took a leave, related to their illness.

I've seen somewhere (I don't recall if it is in the ERAS application) some type of statement which states the general physical qualification to pursue training. I've always signed off on those statements without reading them. I'm referring to the statements that ensure that you are able to do things like (making the following up) "have the manual dexterity to perform a physical exam." I don't know if those statements include anything about chronic illnesses that may require time away from work outside the typical sick day provision of individual contracts. This may be in the contract of your residency program.

During residency interviews almost every subject can come up. Of course this is against the law/regulations, but often this comes up in casual conversation. For instance, how do you promote your wonderful childcare program if you can't ask about marital or child status?

 

[Back34]

I was told that my leave would be mentioned in the letter, but that there would be no details of it mentioned except that i took a "medical leave of absence" and the duration of said leave.

That being said, i was told by the dept chairman and others, that the issue would almost certainly be brought up during interviews for residency, and to be prepared to explain myself.

Along those same lines, will there be a point -- possibly on the ERAS or some other application -- where I have to disclose if I have a mental illness? I'll probably catch some heat for saying this, but I'd be inclined to say "no," given the amount of drug abuse, personality disorders, and you name it in my class and who won't ever mention it on their application. This is the first time it's ever interfered with academics and it only "flares up" from time to time.

 

[Annette]

It will come up on state medical licensing applications. Ask your doctor how you can respond. I think they have taken it off most driver's license applications.

 

[NinerNiner999]

Residency is dependent upon teamwork and scheduling around each other in a fair and equitable way. If I had someone I was working with who was frequently taking time off to deal psychologically, I would have serious doubts about that doctor and his or her reliability when dealing with patients, call nights, and emergencies. That being said, perhaps you should look very carefully at the field to which you intend to apply, the types of patients you will be treating, and the time commitment/stress level you will be dealing with.

I did not post what I posted above just to be mean - it will be very representative of what program directors and residents will say behind closed doors after your interiew with their program.

 

[starayamoskva]

Residency is dependent upon teamwork and scheduling around each other in a fair and equitable way. If I had someone I was working with who was frequently taking time off to deal psychologically, I would have serious doubts about that doctor and his or her reliability when dealing with patients, call nights, and emergencies. That being said, perhaps you should look very carefully at the field to which you intend to apply, the types of patients you will be treating, and the time commitment/stress level you will be dealing with.

I did not post what I posted above just to be mean - it will be very representative of what program directors and residents will say behind closed doors after your interiew with their program.

You continue to mention HIV positive as a sensative issue that the residency directors perhaps shouldn't be inquiring about (if I read correctly). HIV positive status is something that should be disclosed to the residency program. In my opinion it would be EXTREMELY unfair to the program and to your future patients to not disclose this (this opinion is probably very polically incorrect)
Equally, it would be unfair to the program to not disclose a mental illness that would interfere with your ability to complete the residency in a timely manner. Yes, it sucks to be the person suffering from the illness and having to disclose it. Yes it will likely affect where you are chosen. In the big picture of things would you really want to be at a program where it is going to be a HUGE issue if you do need time off.
You should also keep in mind that there are requirements of maximum time off allowed by many of the boards. I only know about ObGyn which says you cannot take off for more than 6 weeks during a year without it affecting your boarding status.