Can a person with epilepsy be a medical doctor???

Question

I'm coaching "anatomy" for a science olympiad team and was wondering if anyone had any knowledge regarding this potential question for our competition: Can a person with epilepsy be a medical doctor and if so, what accommodations might he need???? I would assume the answer is yes, if the seizures are controlled by medication; although working as a surgeon, I imagine, would not be possible. Wasn't clear on what/if any accommodations might be required. If you have insight to this question, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks.

Answer 1

I beleive that medical schools have to accomadate as long as it is under control, Brown and some other schools have special needs programs for people qualified to be medical doctors

Answer 2

i think it would be possible, but not very safe. unfortunately, you can have an unexpected attack anytime even if medication has a grip on it. besides a seizure damaging the patient being operated on, it would waste probably precious time while the seizure is going on. they couldnt just hand the scalpel to someone else and let them finish up. i dont mean to sound rude or heartless, but would you want a person who could possibly start having spasms and seizures operating and cutting on you?

Answer 3

of course i would say that a person could become a doctor, but if you have epilepsy, in my state, you can't drive a car if you've had an episode in the past 6 months so it would be pretty hard to get to your job!!

Answer 4

yes,its personal more than general ,as long u have no harm on yourself or patients ,dont know rules where u live regarding medical school and licensing

Answer 5

A person could be a doctor, so long that (s)he didn't have a fit in the middle

Answer 6

he should no more be accomodated than a bus driver ,a pilot,or an air traffic controller going temporarily blind.docs never fly upside down.why? cuz they might quack up.

Answer 7

Not a surgeon, that's just really bad, oh god I'm jerk.