They need to be told that you have a physical condition; it's called "stammering." If you say this to them in a very direct way *with the silent implication that it is beneath them to look down on you or otherwise think you are lesser because of it,* you will set the tone. I hear from the way you are saying things here that that would be very difficult for you. But, I strongly recommend trying to learn to fake that confidence right now. Practice with a trusted friend if you can -- role play, with the friend seriously pretending to be an intimidating senior doctor -- practice until you are desensitized to saying it, to any reactions. This can actually work! Because, honestly? Excuse my language, but fuck any doctor who believes that because you have a stutter it means you cannot be an effective doctor. They are *doctors.* They should know this. But they are also just people, and, as you know, can tend to be more arrogant than average. So. that means that YOU have to set the tone. It's not fair, but if you can do this, you will feel triumphant. And right now, by "do this," I only mean, announce at the beginning of these vivas (don't know exactly what they are, but I get the idea: they're public, you have to say stuff in front of important people and maybe patients too (?)) -- if you announce something like "you'll notice I have a stutter. It only means that sometimes it takes me a little longer to say something" with a smile, but also with direct eye contact to the judges and with the silent implication that I'm talking about, it will be a very different experience. Even though you will begin by faking a bit, this *will* build confidence, and then eventually, it will just be there. You not only can be a good doctor, but you already have most of what it takes. You are above average in many ways; I bet you have more compassion than many of your classmates -- something we desperately need in doctors and is lacking so often. You only need to own that you have a stutter. I am saying "only" as though it's no big deal. I do not mean to minimize something you've never really done before and may feel is difficult or near impossible. But...it's kind of the only way. YOU must set the tone for them not looking down on you or anyone making fun of you. Starting by "faking" some of that authority (about yourself) will get you there. You do not, in my opinion, need to ask any expert if you "can be a doctor." Screw that. You CAN be a doctor. You get to decide that, no one else. Edit: wording in one sentence