Help...CP want to be in the medical field - Healthcare Professionals Message Board

eyes16 · 01-26-2004, 09:22 PM

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me...I have CP, and want to go into the medical field. I think the main reason is my LOVE for people! The CP doesnt effect me to much just my hands, does anyone know of A good choice of a career??
Thanks

marj · 02-02-2004, 08:40 AM

Can you tell us more about you? Such as how your hands do or don't work? I'm guessing you have enough dexterity to type and use a mouse, since you're on this board. With what kind of people are you interested in interacting?

I think you have unique perspective, living with CP, and would be an asset/inspiration working with parents and children facing similar disabilities. Many of the therapy specialties are rewarding in that way. Speech therapy is one that comes to mind. Even occupational therapy might be a good choice, since you will both do the therapy and help others with their dexterity. Tell us more about you so we can find a match.

eyes16 · 02-02-2004, 03:25 PM

Thanks for the reply...
my hands work pretty well I guess, unless it something small that I have to grab and my hands shake as well when im doing something like when i write they shake but i have very readable hand writing. and My legs are shakey at times but not to bad I LOVE kids and have always loved to help kids no matter what, I was thinking about either a physical therapist assistant or a child life speciaist but I dont know...I want to be in the medical field because so much GREAT things have happend to me because of people in the medical field, I was born 4 months earily and untill this past august i was pretty much blind but I found a AWESOME doctor that was willing to work with me and now my vision is to where if i wanted to I could drive a car...a little scary!! But I'm very thankful to the medical profession and just want to give back and show people that anything it possible if you want it !

marj · 02-03-2004, 02:09 PM

Good luck with your endeavors! My only remaining advice would be to consider occupational therapy, cognitive, or speech therapy or even social work before physical therapy, only because of the physical demands required in that field. Occupational therapy deal mostly with upper body mobility, some of which may benefit you during your education. Often times, you do your work sitting down. Same with speech and cognitive therapy. Social work can be more demanding and more heartbreaking, but it can be very fulfilling knowing that you've made a difference in someone's life.

I hope you look into those things and set your goals high. You might want to look to the various foundations to see if they offer scholarships for those with CP.

Live well, live passionately, and be proud of the person you are about to become.

Marj

Wikana · 02-09-2004, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyes16

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me...I have CP, and want to go into the medical field. I think the main reason is my LOVE for people! The CP doesnt effect me to much just my hands, does anyone know of A good choice of a career??
Thanks

If you have the ability to volunteer at your local hospital-- do it! The time that you spend will give you the opportunity to visit the different areas of the hospital to see where you would feel the most comfortable. In our hospital we have a lady that can only get around with her battery operated cart. She has a special wire basket that medical records are placed in for her to delivery and pick up. She also has dry marker board for messages to carry back to the deparment. She works 24 hours a week and has full benefits. Most hospitals try very hard to employ someone with a love for people and try to adapt the work setting.