4 answers
Christopher
Student
Salina, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
942 views
Can you be a psychiatrist with schizophrenia.
I have schizophrenia but it's controlled and i take medicine for it.
#psychiatry
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4 answers
Geidy Rivers, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Geidy’s Answer
Yes, of course! Your medical information is protected, and no one needs to know any of your medical diagnosis. You will need to become a MD and specialize in Psychiatry. With that being said, as long as your schizophrenia is controlled, you should have no issues, though uncontrolled schizophrenia would be a concern. Still, do not let a diagnosis or medical condition stop you from following your dreams, as it does not define who you are. The fact that you want to become a Psych MD alone says a lot about you. You know your condition and your struggles and want to help others who are going through the same issues you are. Good for you! Best of luck!
Susan Delphine Delaney
Psychiatrist
30
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Susan Delphine’s Answer
Absolutely. The only thing is to have a wonderful psychiatrist, and your current one will likely retire before you do, so look forward and discusss this with her. AND make it your rule of life to take your medications every single day. In med school, on some rotations, you will work 36 hours straight at times, plan ahead for that. Same with travel to different time zones. Have a plan and you will be fine. Some med schools will allow you to have, say, surgical rotations that have no call. Don't mention this until you are ending your second year....
David Johnson
Psychiatric Physician
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
David’s Answer
Yes, especially if symptoms are under control.
But acceptance of your illness by medical boards can vary from state to state.
If the board goes by whether there is an illness causing “impairment”, you should be good.
If the board just gives “lip service” about impairment or makes it difficult or you just because you have a diagnosis they don’t like, it will be a struggle.
I have known and worked with two psychiatrists with “Bipolar Dis”. One became psychotic about every 4-5 years on medication or not. They were in Minnesota and California so the medical boards worked with them and were supportive. I have read and article about a woman living with schizophrenia who I believe was an internist but I am sorry that I don’t recall the magazine resource. She managed but at times it was daunting, especially in training; article was from more than 5 years ago.
Bottom line is that it can be done but it does seem like you have to be twice as good as others to gain acceptance. I’m just being real and I don’t want to discourage.
Find your passion and something in medicine that you are good at.
Good luck 👍
But acceptance of your illness by medical boards can vary from state to state.
If the board goes by whether there is an illness causing “impairment”, you should be good.
If the board just gives “lip service” about impairment or makes it difficult or you just because you have a diagnosis they don’t like, it will be a struggle.
I have known and worked with two psychiatrists with “Bipolar Dis”. One became psychotic about every 4-5 years on medication or not. They were in Minnesota and California so the medical boards worked with them and were supportive. I have read and article about a woman living with schizophrenia who I believe was an internist but I am sorry that I don’t recall the magazine resource. She managed but at times it was daunting, especially in training; article was from more than 5 years ago.
Bottom line is that it can be done but it does seem like you have to be twice as good as others to gain acceptance. I’m just being real and I don’t want to discourage.
Find your passion and something in medicine that you are good at.
Good luck 👍
Emily Lam
28
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Yes! Don't let schizophrenia get in the way of what you love to do. Personally, I would love a psychiatrist that has been through struggles themselves, that way they can relate to the patient's needs. I feel that it is more beneficial when it comes to being a psychiatrist.