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Wikan
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09 Aug 2009, 3:01 pm

Since I'm currently studying medicine I have avoided getting a diagnosis of the simple reason that it would end up in my medical journal.
I fear it might affect my work possibilities as a physician when/(if) I finish med school.

This might be a bit specific, but would any of you know if I'm doing the right thing?



sacrip
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09 Aug 2009, 3:27 pm

I faced a similar situation. I was considering a formal diagnosis at the same time I applied for a law enforcement position. When I learned that part of the process would be a lie detector test, I decided not to pursue a diagnosis, since while it was unlikely they'd ask "Do you think you have a mental disorder?", they may very well have asked something like "have you been formally diagnosed as having any any form of mental condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, etc..." At least without the formal diagnosis, I can answer yes truthfully. I ended up not getting the job for unrelated reasons.

Wikan, you just have to ask yourself, honestly as possible, if you feel you can do the job of a physician even with your Aspergers. If you feel you can, that it won't get in the way, then I'd say you're doing the right thing.


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WoodenNickel
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09 Aug 2009, 7:42 pm

Being Aspie makes me unable to work and play well with others. My job and the jobs I've applying for want interpersonal skills, at which I'm weak. I can say that I have AS, which only confirms that I lack interpersonal skills and have a hard time acquiring new ones. I told my supervisor when I got fed up with his forecasting my future as a manager. I can manage a few fellow geeks and a secretary, not the kind of people I have to work with, whose reasons for being hired often mystify me. If you want to hire someone to program, make sure he has experience in the first place and didn't produce unthought-out slop. We're also not hiring people who are intensely knowledgeable in our field, which will kill us when our 60 year-old Ph.D.s leave.


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Wikan
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10 Aug 2009, 6:28 am

I find myself comfortable around people as long as "I'm in charge" and can help others, which is one of the reasons I chose my profession. So the entire social aspect of the job doesn't frighten me. And I think I'll remain undiagnosed then.



Stone_Man
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10 Aug 2009, 12:19 pm

Personally, I would never reveal my AS to anyone in the workplace unless it was absolutely necessary for some reason. Assuming it didn't affect the way I did my job, then my position is that it's not their business, and there's too much potential for the information to be misused.

In the case of a physician, I have some idea of how much your background will be scrutinized. Before you're allowed to practice in a hospital, your life will be put under a microscope. I'm assuming you're already fully aware of that. No point in giving them more to see under the 'scope than necessary.

I think your decision to remain undiagnosed is a wise one.