commentr/StutterJuly 9, 2017

Content

I'm a fourth year in med school and also a stutterer so I can relate to everything you wrote. I also did not realize just how challenging a career in medicine would be for someone with a stutter. During second year, I remember not being able to get a single word out during a practice oral presentation in front of a group, and later crying at home and honestly thinking I couldn't do this for the rest of my life. During third year I was lucky enough to work with a senior medicine resident who also stuttered. It was only detectable when he was giving lectures but I later asked him about it, and we had a nice little chat about our shared experiences. He said intern year was a bitch, but that his stutter became less apparent as he advanced in residency and had more clout as a provider and team member. Now he's going on to a heme/onc fellowship at one of the top programs in the country. I've also had patients with stutters, and in those moments I've worn my stutter like a badge of honor. So yeah,it seriously sucks sometimes. Med school is hard enough without a stutter. But honestly it sounds like medicine is your calling and I think the fact that you are fighting tooth and nail every day to pursue it makes you a badass.

Themes

School & WorkIdentity & DisabilityEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Employment & CareerAcceptance & PrideHope & MotivationAuthenticity vs. Masking