Diagnosed w/ life altering health condition, single parent to her sister, & navigating the gray area of accommodations during medical training- how I made it with Dr. Amanda Dudak

Have you ever wondered what it's really like for someone to make it through medical school?
In this episode, Dr. Amanda Dudak, MD shares her personal rollercoaster – the ups, the downs, and everything in between. From dealing with money matters to facing unexpected health problems, her story is a real, raw look at the challenges med students might not always talk about.
Join us as we unpack the grit, resilience, and camaraderie that shape the less-explored side of the journey to becoming a doctor.
In this episode:
[00:01:00] Dr. Dudak discusses the importance of highlighting unique experiences in medical school applications.

[00:02:00] Dr. Dudak's focus on underserved populations and social determinants of health.

[00:03:00] Variety of experiences in women's health, including volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center and Planned Parenthood.

[00:04:00] Dr. Dudak's desire for a medical education that acknowledges differences in backgrounds and teaches navigating the healthcare system.

[00:05:00] Dr. Dudak's atypical financial situation and decision-making process for choosing a medical school.

[00:06:00] Balancing financial considerations and personal fit in choosing a medical school.

[00:07:00] Challenges faced during medical school, including health issues and the financial burden.

[00:08:00] Juggling responsibilities as a single parent and medical student; getting support for her sister.

[00:09:00] Dr. Dudak's sickness during the first year of medical school and struggles with getting a diagnosis.

[00:10:00] Taking a leave of absence due to health issues, facing challenges with the insurance company.

[00:11:00] Diagnosis of CIDP (chronic form of Guillain-Barre syndrome) and the struggle to get medication approved.

[00:12:00] Difficulties in getting appropriate treatment and the impact on daily life.

[00:13:00] Returning to medical school with physical disabilities and navigating practical challenges.

[00:14:00] Meeting with the Dean's office to discuss the logistics of returning to medical school.

[00:27:00] Discussing challenges faced during rotations, accommodation needs, and support received.

[00:28:00] Reflecting on the value of speaking to people who have faced similar challenges.

[00:29:00] Sharing experiences with attendings and the importance of solidarity from peers.

[00:30:00] Discussing the impact of accommodations on rotation experiences and evaluations.

[00:31:00] Reflecting on the support received from the school and peers, and the impact on the overall experience.
Key Takeaway

Dr. Amanda Dudak's story is a powerful reminder that challenges are a part of everyone's journey, and it's crucial to embrace diversity in medical education. Her experiences highlight the need for support, empathy, and adaptability within the healthcare system. As we wrap up, let's use Dr. Dudak's journey as a starting point for conversations about including and understanding the varied paths that individuals take to become healthcare professionals.

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