Blind Doctor

[Sqad]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7518285/Deaf-blind-Medical-student-25-refuses-let-disabilities-stop-NHS-doctor.html

I admire her courage and fortitude, but do you think that this is a waste of a place at medical school?

Would you be happy to be examined and diagnosed by a blind and almost totally deaf doctor ?

I certainly wouldn't.

The heading is a bit misleading as she is still a medical student.

[hellywelly4]

I will probably be shot down in flames, but if a doctor can't see you properly, she/he can't see the colour of your skin, any bruises you may have, the way you walk, so I do think it is a waste of time. I do feel sorry for the young lady, but I wouldn't have confidence in in any diagnosis she may make.

[New Judge]

Agreed sqad. I too admire the young lady's determination. However, I cannot see how she can possibly function properly as a doctor in any capacity. She would be unable to hear her patients describe their symptoms and could not lip read. She would be unable to hear via any of the normal devices doctors use to listen to noises from within the body. Furthermore, her patients, who may not be in a position to do so anyway, should not have to make special accommodations for her.

I have enough trouble when dealing with doctors who have all five senses fully functioning. I most certainly would not be happy being diagnosed by one with only three out of five.

[New Judge]

//I will probably be shot down in flames,..//

Not by anyone with any sense you should not be, hellwelly.

[Sqad]

"I have enough trouble when dealing with doctors who have all five senses fully functioning."

LOL

[davebro]

There was a similarly disabled guy used to play a mean pinball!

[The Builder]

Surely all the usual checks and balances will be in place if she's still studying?

Same for qualifying. I can't see them letting her qualify without even more rigorous supervision than other able-bodied trainees would normally get.

Even better ... she'll inevitably practice with a great deal of humility. Not that I'm suggesting there's ever a whiff of arrogance among registrars of consultants ............. perish the thought ;o)))))))

[Mamyalynne]

Without doubt her disabilities will play a part in what her capabilities will be , but I feel the NHS must surely have a role to suit someone with her resilience, strength and empathy.

[pixie374]

She seems to be wanting to work in palliative care, due to her capabilities and limitations. She will need to pass the same as anyone else... so will be interesting to see.

[New Judge]

//… but I feel the NHS must surely have a role to suit someone with her resilience, strength and empathy.//

Yes, but hopefully not as a practising sawbones, mamy. I cannot imagine any role she could undertake as a medical practitioner without major adjustments being made by her colleagues and/or her patients.

[ludwig]

I tried to make an appointment with her, but she said she couldn't see me.

[pixie374]

I might add... that for around 21 years I have been treated for Panic Disorder, anxiety, on and off by "qualified professional doctors, with all senses apparently working.
And yet, the biggest difference has been half an hour with a flute teacher, just making me breathe properly. So... I wouldn't underestimate anybody's skills.

[pixie374]

NJ, the link says she doesn't want to do surgery, but palliative care. She seems well aware of what she is and isn't able to do. And working with blind or deaf people... their other senses seem to more than make up for it.

[david small]

Perhaps she may specialise in psychiatry.

[pixie374]

It says palliative care....

[TonyV]

Yes we can say it is admirable, but in the cold light of day how can she practice as a GP. I only skimmed the article but she is deaf and blind, for her to attend to a patient is just not practical. Although she is paying her tuition fees, she is depriving somebody else of a place on the course.

[Mozz71]

Her prescriptions will probably be easier to make out than my GPs are.

[woofgang]

If she earned her place without preference and continues to pass her exams, why should she not train?

[Mamyalynne]

I doff my cap to someone who can take blood, canulate and catheterise with only 5% vision in one eye.

[retrocop]

Several weeks ago I was a 'guest' at St Georges Tooting after a VIP ride in a blue lit ambulance.One of the consultants visiting me with regard to my admission had noticed the tram lines and railway tracks running all over my chest/abdomen from a few previous operations.
She told a colleague of hers who was a doctor of 22years experience and happened to be mentoring four medical students at that time.
I was later approached by the tutor who asked me if I had any objections to being poked and prodded by students as part of their learning lesson in diagnostics. I told her no problem and be my guest.
The doctor arrived back with four students with stephoscopes who listened to her introduction.She started off by telling them to look around my bed space and make observations. When none of them made any comments she pointed out a newspaper with a crossword and a pencil which I put down when they entered the curtained off bed space. She told them that it should indicate I should not be confused when asked questions about myself. There were several other observations which needed vision. Particularly with regard to a long scar on my inner arm and one on inner leg. Several long scars on my chest from throat to below navel. She pointed out the possibility of cardiac by-pass due to veins taken from my limbs.
I learnt there was two sides of a stephoscope. All very clever and rerminded me of observations made at a scene of a crime years ago.
It caused quite a stir when none could detect my pulse and even the tutor had to show them a different site to pick it up.
It was apparent to me that sight and hearing was essential when making diagnosis as well as actually listening what the patient was telling you.

[andy-hughes]

Looks like your 'humorous' post is being ignored Ludwig - best thing for it really, everyone can get on with the discussion and not get sidetracked by your sledgehammer wit.