Heme0291 Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 (edited) I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science this previous summer and graduated Summa Cum Laude, and received my phlebotomy license that summer as well. I ended up receiving a job to gain clinical healthcare hours (as I aspired to be a Physician Assistant) as a Donor Specialist, and this did not end up working out because I have dexterity and coordination issues that prompted medical attention. Turns out I likely (other things have to be ruled out, but this is in all probability what it is) have something called 'cross-dominance dexterity', and this has caused me severe performance anxiety. If you are not aware of what this is (I didn't know what it was) it is like I have no dominant hand. For example, to write I use my right hand, to throw I use my right hand, while to pick up and grasp small objects I need to use my left hand. I have to consciously think about the object I need to use in order to perform it. It's difficult, and I am about to seek occupational therapy for it, and I would in some ways compare it to dyslexia of the hands as when it comes to fine motor coordination my brain gets confused as to what hand to use. I am sad and disappointed because I did want to become a successful Physician Assistant and feel like I wasted my time with a degree that is considered a stepping-stone major. I LOVE reading and studying medical science, treatment, etc. that I do it on my free time. I am wondering for those who had a change of heart what they ended up doing. I just feel hopeless because I know if I did not have this issue, I would have become a great PA---but due to these issues, my prospect of becoming a PA is rather very small, and I know that if I was to gain acceptance to PA school I would excel in the didactic part but struggle with the clinical aspect and probably be one of those rare 1% who ended up failing out because they slipped through the cracks. I really then thought about a career in the lab, I love laboratory pathology, but I am not sure if I can handle that either. I am 23, turning 24 next month and I did not realize I had such an issue until recently. I knew I was clumsy with certain things, but did not realize the extent of it until I started the job I wanted to do so badly (Donor Specialist) but ended up having to quit that because of it. It just sucks because in school I devoted so much time studying in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry because I really loved studying it---and it was an occupation in healthcare was something I thought fit me but I have an issue that has prevent me from accomplishing it. Edited January 24, 2021 by Heme0291 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 Sorry to hear of your problem. I've never heard of the condition before. I do like your strategy of getting some OT and seeing if it helps. As far as becoming a PA, there would seem to be many doors still open for you. Consider a nonsurgical PA job. I've been in cardiology now for 15 years and, with the exception of a rare IV start during a stress test or two, my job is primarily mental and interpersonal. PAs work all over the place; if you have problems with jobs of physical dexterity, then go into internal medicine or one of the many nonsurgical/non-emergency med specialties. As far as surviving your clinical rotations, if you have a bonified medical condition, you may be able to get accommodation. Best wishes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heme0291 Posted January 24, 2021 Author Share Posted January 24, 2021 10 minutes ago, UGoLong said: Sorry to hear of your problem. I've never heard of the condition before. I do like your strategy of getting some OT and seeing if it helps. As far as becoming a PA, there would seem to be many doors still open for you. Consider a nonsurgical PA job. I've been in cardiology now for 15 years and, with the exception of a rare IV start during a stress test or two, my job is primarily mental and interpersonal. PAs work all over the place; if you have problems with jobs of physical dexterity, then go into internal medicine or one of the many nonsurgical/non-emergency med specialties. As far as surviving your clinical rotations, if you have a bonified medical condition, you may be able to get accommodation. Best wishes! Thank you for your optimism. I plan on buying your book, because I know my life won't be a straight path! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted January 24, 2021 Share Posted January 24, 2021 43 minutes ago, Heme0291 said: Thank you for your optimism. I plan on buying your book, because I know my life won't be a straight path! Lives seldom are! The journey is what you'll remember and what can motivate others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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