Beyond ADHD: A Physician’s Perspective

Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh
Beyond ADHD: A Physician’s Perspective

Beyond ADHD A Physician‘s Perspective Podcast

  1. 10/29/2024

    Navigating ADHD and Metabolic Health: Insights from Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh and Dr. Matthea Rentea

    Welcome back to a special dual episode of "Beyond ADHD: A Physician’s Perspective" hosted by Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh. She is joined today by Dr. Matthea Rentea, an internal medicine and obesity medicine physician, to explore the intricate connections between ADHD, the brain, and metabolic health. This conversation aims to shed light on a topic that is rarely discussed—the intersection of ADHD with eating behaviors and metabolic conditions. Introduction: Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh is a family medicine physician and an ADHD life coach, particularly for healthcare professionals. Her journey with ADHD was one of initial concealment, fearing professional judgment, but ultimately it became a crucial part of embracing her identity and capabilities. This newfound acceptance has been transformative not only for herself but also for those she coaches. Dr. Matthea Rentea elaborates on her journey, highlighting parallels with Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh. As an internal and obesity medicine physician, Dr. Rentea has faced struggles with obesity, which fueled her passion for holistic weight management approaches that go beyond calorie counting and medication. The common professional and personal challenges they share have driven both physicians to advocate for greater discussions around ADHD, executive function, and their implications on lifestyle habits, particularly eating behaviors. Understanding ADHD and Its Overlapping Symptoms A significant portion of Dr. Rentea's patients have ADHD, leading her to recognize patterns like emotional eating and impulse control challenges. ADHD, often misunderstood and mislabeled in females, is especially prone to being overlooked due to subtler symptoms like inattentiveness and internalized stress responses. Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh enumerates key symptoms often associated with ADHD beyond the more commonly known impulsivity and hyperactivity. These include difficulties with executive functioning like emotional dysregulation and time blindness. Understanding these dysfunctions offers a window into ADHD's impacts on daily life, and suggests the importance of creating supportive systems rather than perceiving oneself as flawed. Strategies for Managing ADHD and Enhancing Well-being Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh emphasizes three core strategies which can benefit individuals with or without ADHD: Planning and Time Management: Proper planning can significantly boost productivity and reduce stress. Incorporating simple tools like calendering future appointments or using timers can mitigate issues with time blindness and scattered focus. She advises setting intentional time for tasks and establishing buffer times to accommodate the unpredictability that often accompanies ADHD. Task Initiation and Completion: She advocates for initiating tasks with the aid of timers or favorite playlists. The concept is to break down daunting tasks into manageable time slots, removing the dread and perceived enormity that prevents task initiation. Emotional Regulation: Developing emotional awareness and regulation is crucial. This involves acknowledging and interpreting emotions constructively rather than succumbing to reactive behaviors. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and seeking external support through accountability partners or therapists can foster resilience and composure in day-to-day challenges. Interrelation with Metabolic Health and Medication The discussion transitions to how ADHD symptoms and their management, including medication, overlap significantly with metabolic health behaviors. Dr. Rentea notes how certain ADHD medications and GLP-1 receptor agonists can influence eating patterns and impulse control, often reducing cravings for ultra-processed foods. This inadvertently aids in managing obesity—a common comorbidity with ADHD. Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh and Dr. Rentea reflect on their personal experiences, such as fluctuating weight and eating to sustain energy and focus, discussing how recognizing ADHD's role can lead to better health strategies. Top Tips for Patients Dr. Rentea leaves readers with practical advice: Conduct a Nutrition Audit: Understand your eating patterns without judgment to identify areas for improvement. Implement Small, Manageable Plans: Utilize timers and structure to prevent overwhelming hunger or impulsive eating. Stay Curious and Adaptable: Be willing to experiment with solutions, keeping changes simple and incremental. Conclusion Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh's closing thoughts encourage readers to observe their patterns, suggesting that community and self-awareness are powerful tools in managing ADHD. Both doctors emphasize the need for continued dialogue and self-advocacy, providing resources and strategies that go beyond conventional healthcare settings. For further insights and support, Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh invites listeners to engage with her through various platforms and programs dedicated to ADHD coaching and physician wellness. Dr. Rentea, offering expertise in metabolic health, welcomes those interested in exploring their health journeys to reach out via her clinic and online resources [Rentea Metabolic Clinic]. This episode of collaboration is an invitation to join a broader conversation about health, self-discovery, and embracing one’s unique neurological makeup.

    57 min
  2. 10/20/2024

    Parenting ADHD Now: Insights from Elaine Taylor-Klaus on Empowering Families

    Parenting a child with ADHD can be both challenging and rewarding. In our recent episode of the Beyond ADHD Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a renowned author, educator, and co-founder of ImpactParents. Her new book, "Parenting ADHD Now," is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping parents navigate the complexities of raising children with ADHD. Elaine's journey into this field began with her own experiences as a parent of children with ADHD. She understands the daily struggles parents face, from managing behavior to advocating for their children's needs in educational settings. Her approach emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and seeking out resources that empower both parents and children. One of the key themes Elaine discusses is the necessity of understanding ADHD not just as a disorder, but as a different way of experiencing the world. This perspective can transform the way parents interact with their children, fostering an environment of empathy and support. Elaine encourages parents to focus on their child's strengths and unique talents rather than solely on the challenges associated with ADHD. In our conversation, Elaine shared practical strategies for effective parenting. These include establishing consistent routines, creating a structured environment, and employing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. She also highlights the significance of self-care for parents, as managing the demands of parenting with ADHD can be emotionally taxing. Elaine’s book serves as a valuable resource, offering insights, practical tips, and encouragement for parents at every stage of their journey. It is designed to help families feel less isolated and more equipped to handle the challenges of ADHD. For those looking to connect with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, you can find her on her website at [ImpactParents.com](https://www.impactparents.com) and follow her on social media for ongoing support and resources. As we wrap up this enlightening episode, we encourage all parents of children with ADHD to explore the resources available through Elaine’s work. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and with the right tools and support, you can empower your child to thrive.

    24 min
  3. 08/26/2023

    ”Unraveling ADHD Myths with Dr. Randie Schacter ”

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Exploring Minds Podcast! In today's conversation, we delve deep into the world of ADHD myths with the brilliant Dr. Randie Schacter. Join us as we debunk common misconceptions surrounding ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and gain a clearer understanding of these often misunderstood conditions. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Randie Schacter, a seasoned psychiatrist and advocate for mental health awareness, shares her expertise on ADHD and sheds light on its multifaceted nature. With a focus on fostering community and creativity, Dr. Schacter discusses the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, offering a fresh perspective that can inspire positive change. In this thought-provoking interview, we explore the impact of COVID-19 on individuals dealing with ADHD, the importance of recognizing symptoms in both children and adults, and the power of creative outlets like pottery to enhance mental well-being. Dr. Schacter's passion for understanding the human mind shines through as she uncovers the dynamic connections between ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the role of self-care. Join us in this captivating conversation as we challenge preconceived notions, provide actionable insights, and ignite a greater understanding of ADHD and its intricacies. If you're ready to gain a fresh perspective on mental health, ADHD, and the myths that surround them, hit that play button and let's dive in together!   🎙️ Guest Speaker: Dr. Randie Schacter Dr. Randie Schacter is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in holistic and individualized care. With expertise in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, she treats individuals from childhood to adulthood. Dr. Schacter's approach is rooted in osteopathic philosophy, focusing on the whole person and empowering them to actively participate in their healing journey. She integrates education, therapy, and medication to create personalized treatment plans. Based in Matthews, she collaborates with patients, families, schools, and other contributors to develop comprehensive wellness strategies. 🌐 Website: silverspaces.org and silverpsychiatric.com

    38 min
  4. 08/12/2023

    ”Unlocking Productivity & Balance: Technology Hacks and Insights with Dr. Ann Tsung”

    Welcome to another exciting episode!! In this episode, we delve into the world of productivity, technology hacks, and achieving a balanced lifestyle. Our special guest, Dr. Ann Tsung, MD MPH, is not only an emergency medicine and critical care physician, a full-time flight surgeon at NASA, a real estate investor, and a mom, but also a productivity guru who has mastered the art of optimizing time and energy. Join us as we uncover Dr. Tsung's journey of managing her multi-faceted life and her mission to help others regain control of their time and focus. She shares her insights on the power of delegation, the magic of technology tools, and the importance of setting clear priorities. You'll learn valuable strategies to declutter your digital life, supercharge your focus, and achieve more while working less. Dr. Tsung's unique perspective blends medical expertise, productivity wisdom, and real-life experiences, making this episode a must-watch for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity and reclaim their time. Whether you're a busy professional, an entrepreneur, a parent, or simply someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode has something special in store for you. Tune in to discover practical tips, inspiring stories, and actionable advice that will empower you to take control of your schedule and reach new heights of productivity and fulfillment. Don't miss out – hit that play button now and embark on a journey towards unlocking your full potential! Connect with Dr. Ann Tsung: Website: It'sNotRocketScienceShow.com Instagram: @AnnTsungMD Facebook: @AnnTsungMD Ready to supercharge your productivity? Book a complimentary productivity call with Dr. Tsung to uncover customized strategies to save you time and boost your results: Book a Call   About Dr. Ann Tsung: Ann Tsung, MD, MPH is a dynamic figure blending roles as a NASA flight surgeon and part-time ER and ICU physician. She's also a real estate investor and host of the "It's Not Rocket Science Show" podcast. Driven by a transformative journey of self-discovery, she's achieved remarkable milestones like summiting Kilimanjaro, world travels, and real estate ventures. Her productivity philosophy emphasizes human optimization, mind-body connection, and skillful tools, inspiring others to take charge of their lives. Dr. Tsung's mission is to empower individuals to achieve more with less effort, enabling them to prioritize passions and meaningful connections.

    32 min
  5. 08/04/2023

    ”Beyond ADHD: Embracing the Unique Gift within Us | Interview with Craig Clawson”

    Welcome to "Beyond ADHD, A Physician's Perspective" with Dr. Diana Mercado Marmarosh, a dedicated family medicine physician based in rural Texas. In this insightful podcast, we explore the transformative journey of understanding and embracing conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Today's guest, Craig Clawson, a seasoned journalist and podcast production expert, shares his personal experience with ADHD, revealing the challenges he faced before receiving a diagnosis at the age of 49. Join us as we delve into the link between ADHD and its impact on daily life, family dynamics, and career trajectories. Discover how unlearning certain beliefs and habits, along with seeking professional guidance, can lead to a fulfilled life beyond these conditions. With candid conversations and actionable strategies, this podcast aims to shed light on the potential hidden within every individual living with ADHD. If you're ready to unlock your true potential, gain insights from the perspective of a physician and a professional storyteller, then this episode is a must-watch. Don't miss this empowering conversation as we debunk myths, share personal stories, and inspire positive change in the way we view and cope with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Join us on this incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. Subscribe now to "Beyond ADHD, A Physician's Perspective" and never miss an episode that will transform your outlook on mental health and wellbeing. Let's navigate the challenges together and embrace the unique gift that lies within each of us.

    30 min
  6. 05/15/2023

    Costa Rica (It’s OK)

    Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh: Hello. Hello. Welcome to Beyond A D H D A Physician's Perspective. I am Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh. I'm a family medicine physician practicing in rural Texas. I used to be hindered by my A D H D, but I now see it as a gift that helps me show up as the person I was always meant to be. Both in my work and in my personal life. In the past two years, I've come to realize, That unlearning some of my beliefs and some of my habits were just as important as learning the new set of skills. Hey, did you hear that? That was the attention? So I just got back from Costa Rica like literally yesterday and. We spend an incredible week there and my tour guide, his name is Carlos and he's from the Mela tribe, and he gifted my husband a wonderful drum that he had. For himself for over 15 years and that's the sign for attention it. Anyways, I wanted to grab your attention as I'm starting this and, uh, let you know that I will be, uh, Putting a hold on my group coaching for a month. I've decided I won't start again until June 19th. So, um, that gives you some time to start going through some of the modules that I already have there, and then when we come together, we can reconvene. I am in Cloud 45 right now after such an amazing transformational ex. Experience that I was able to facilitate in Costa Rica and I wanna share all about it with you. Um, so June 19th, if you are considering the coaching group, you need to sign up now because of course spots are limited. And, uh, I really, really like my. Groups to be small, private, and intimate. And of course there's already some physicians who are going to continue the level of membership and I'm glad to have them. And some of them have been with us for, for a while. But anyways, June 19th, put that in your calendar. Uh, you can come to the 11:00 AM class that I'll be having, or you could come to the 7:00 PM class that I will be having. And so with that in mind, let me tell you about my most amazing week that I just had last week, and some takeaway points and some things that maybe will inspire you to consider it for the next time. What do I start? Uh, I was asked why Costa Rica? So first of all, in September when I went to experience Costa Rica myself, I booked that on a whim. I, my husband and I had gone to Costa Rica for our honeymoon, and that was almost the 11 years ago prior to, uh, September. And in September we were gonna have our 11 year anniversary. So I decided to, um, Book a hotel and the flights and everything without telling my husband. Yeah, very A D H G impulsive. Like I found this amazing hotel and I just could not wait. I didn't want it to be sold out. So I booked everything and then I went, I told my husband, Hey, um, in a month from now, we will be going to, uh, Costa Rica. To celebrate our, our 11 year anniversary. I hope you're coming cause I am going with or without you. Cause this place is divine. And of course he came with and the rest is history. So when we went to uh, Costa Rica, I just. I fell in love with the hotel, with the atmosphere. It just felt like paradise. I love having my own private villa bungalow. It was so cool to hear all the birds, the frogs, uh, to see this logs, uh, in the hotel grounds. And I felt like I needed to bring people to that place to experience it for themselves. And so the purpose of the retreat ended up being. A place where people could dis live behind all their troubles. They could like disconnect and just reevaluate and having fun along the way in doing such, and in a place where it would be non-judgmental and the place. by the R N l um, volcano and the hot springs and the hanging bridges and the Safari River float. So I decided to. Also tap into the indigenous tribe that was around the area, which is called Maku. And I wanted to really learn more about them. Um, they are located near a town called San Rafael aso, which is about. One hour from Launa where we were staying. There's about, uh, 600 people that live on that reserve and is one of the smaller tribe in Costa Rica. And so as luck would have it, when I attended in September, I. The tour guide that I met, his name was Carlos, and he and I met him on one of the tour guides where he was showing us the Safari River float. And I just, in talking with him, I asked him if he knew. Any indigenous people that I was interested in, in maybe having like a coco, a blessing ceremony. And he got super excited because he told me that he was of that tribe and that he could help arrange that. And that was in September. And of course, uh, he probably thought that, you know, I was just this crazy girl having crazy thoughts, but I kept, um, Emailing him and sending him Zoom messages and zoom links and Instagram messages and letting him know that I would be coming May 1st through the sixth, so that I would be able to, to have this, uh, ceremony and, and, and have him as our tour guide to do the different things. So everything came together and he became our tour guide and. You know, through the whole week it was a learning process for all of us. Um, I did not know all the details. I did not know the how, but I knew the why, why I was doing this. I was doing this to provide physicians and healthcare professionals with the way of reevaluating I. Their current lifestyle situation and allowing them to walk away empowered with, uh, executive function tools, emotional regulation tools with ways to integrate their desires and their goals and creating them into a reality. And I really, really set the intention to have only people who were. Soul aligned, who were really ready for a transformation, who were really ready to put in the work that it required to help themselves succeed. And so with that intention, we embarked in this beautiful journey, 12 people, 12 beautiful physicians in a total of 20 people, uh, attended my retreat. Uh, out of those 20 people, five were my support group, meaning my husband, my, uh, sister, my brother-in-law, um, my niece. And then of course myself, so that's five of us. And then the other 12 positions, speakers were, you know, there for the, for the event. And I had some guest coaches and luck. And as luck would have it, I, the guest coaches ended up being amazing. And I even had a therapist who came and we complimented each other so well, uh, because we were doing coaching and having real talk. And also she was, uh, helping us to talk about. Different things and from the therapy perspective, and she even offered to help process some of the things that came up. So yeah, it was really wonderful. So I'm saying all this to let you know that again, I'm in Cloud 45 right now. I, my cup is so beyond full. Uh, we had such an amazing, amazing, amazing experience. It. Came out 10 times beyond what I expected. I'm sure you're gonna start to see all the pictures online. I didn't really post on social media, um, but I will start to, we were able to, Yeah, to see wonderful things like slots and monkeys and, uh, frogs and we were just able to be present with each other. I even wrote the last day, I wrote together, uh, I wrote a poem that I gave them that I wanna read to you guys that I think really, really, um, Helped or really helped us to put all, every, all the themes that we were talking about. And so let me read it to you. I wrote, it's okay. It's okay if things don't turn out how you expected them to. It's okay to adjust course and choose another path. It's okay if you don't have all the answers right now. It's okay to be a beginner and be clumsy when trying something you've never done before. It's okay if it takes some time. It's okay to feel your feelings, whatever they might be. It's okay if you don't always feel okay. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to rest even when there is a lot to do. It's okay to take a break from growing and just be, it's okay to let others share your burden. It's okay to say f**k this shit and it's okay to sign up for the next experience with team Deanna. So I'm laughing because a lot of these things came up and I'm laughing because some of these were inner jokes. Um, I gave them a. A little swag bag. And in one of the, the key chains, it said, I had one that was, you know, not cursing, but I had another one that was, and the one that was cursing said, a wise woman said, fuck this shit, and lived happily ever after. Uh, and I'm laughing because, Sometimes we all have expectations of how something needs to go, and then we get mad that it didn't go that way. But what if it also means that that's our flexibility or ability to read the room and modify. I allowed myself to see that we were kind of tired one day after enjoying a beautiful day at the hot springs and getting a massage that I, instead of going out to eat at a restaurant, I decided to change course and just to bring the food to us and to then decide to dance and just have an impromptu, uh, get together. And so it's okay. If you don't have all the answers and it just kind of works out, like trusting the process that, you know, some of the areas that I had gone to. Uh, like the volcano, I had gone through another site where I had climbed it and it was like an hour of rocky, uh, lava. But our tour guide suggested that we go through this other site where they had a lake and you could actually go kayaking, and that was optional. And some of us took advantage of the kayaking and took advantage of the paddle boating, and others could just chill. And you know, it was okay for people to decide to sit out in some, in some of the activities because of whatever they decided. Maybe they didn't wanna wake up or maybe their knee was hurting, or they just decided they wanted to skip out. And it was okay for us to realize that we're not gonna have everything in that moment in time, that we sometimes want it, that it's okay to not. Feel like it's okay and it's okay to ask for help from those around us and to let us share your burden. So it was

    21 min
  7. 04/24/2023

    The Benefits of Accommodations with Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells

    Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh: Come join me May 1st through the sixth, so that you can rest rediscover your strengths, reconnect with yourself and those physicians like you who are ready to leave, work at work, and re-energize. This is the invitation for you to make 2023 your year. Join me in Costa Rica in this really amazing, non-judgmental, intimate decision community. I am gonna show you how to rest and how to recharge. Let's transform your brain so that you can start to dream the life that you always wanted this year in 2023. I can't wait to learn all. What kind of view you're gonna have after this conference? Take care. Hello. Welcome to Beyond ADHD, a Physician's Perspective. I am Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh, I'm a family medicine physician practicing in rural Texas. I used to be hindered by my adhd, but I now. See it as a gift that helps me show up as a person. I was always meant to be both in my work and in my personal life. In the past two years, I've come to realize that unlearning some of my beliefs and some of my habits were just as important as learning the new set of. Hello. Hello. I am so excited to have a dear friend of mine here and an amazing person, Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells, and we've been knowing each other for some years now. I'm gonna say two or three years. I don't know how long, but it feels like a pandemic sometime. Yeah, it feels like a lifetime, and it's been amazing because. She is here in Texas and she is doing the work of encouraging young adults and teenagers and all the works to have better life. And it's an amazing, right? Yes. And it's an amazing journey that she's been on. And not only that, but she's a really solid advocate for A D H D using as a superpower. Thank you. And she, At all the platforms and not just here and there, but like at the national level. She is been an amazing speaker at the a D conference and she's been there years and years. So anyways, I just wanna bring her today for her to share her story and for her to share a little bit about herself and so that we all can see that we can do wonderful things like. Dr. Carolyn Lentzch-Parcells: Thank you, Diana. Like Diana said my, my full blown full doctorate name is Dr. Carolyn Lentzsch-Parcells. I'm a board certified pediatrician practicing adolescent medicine in Fort Worth, Texas. And as Diana said, I do, I take care of basically kids and teenagers and young adults, many of whom have a D H D learning disabilities. Or other challenges. And of course myself am also A D H D, human and mom and business owner and all the things. Yeah, and I'm happy to be here. I got to meet Diana through our A D H D nurse and it's been really fun getting to know her. Awesome. So Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh: I know that your story is a little bit different from some of our stories in the sense that, yeah, some of us females tend to be diagnosed a little bit later in age. Yeah. And I remember you telling I knew a little bit earlier. So would you mind sharing a little bit about Dr. Carolyn Lentzch-Parcells: that? Yeah, I would love to I consider myself very lucky especially for a woman and especially for a woman of our generation because, like you said, so many of us slipped through the cracks until really recently. And essentially what happened for me was my, my I had a family member who was a younger male and he was getting diagnosed cuz he had more kind of classic symptoms. And my parents looked at that and went, hold on a. That looks familiar and they had already advocated for me throughout my life. My dad would read my summer reading to me because I also have a learning disability in reading, which we didn't know, but he still did that. They got me tutoring and they really supported me all the way through. And then this occurred when I was a junior in high school, so I had a full assessment done and was diagnosed with a D H D combined type and a learning disability and reading and written expression as a junior. At a very rigorous, private all girl school. So that was interesting. But it explained a lot for me and for my folks. And what was interesting too, though at the time is, being 17 and therefore knowing everything I refused a lot of the help that was offered to me. I refused medication. My parents were actually very supportive of medication. One of my mom's favorite phrases has always been, You know that this is like diabetes it's another condition. And if you were diabetic, would you not take your insulin? I don't think so. So that's again, something that's pretty unique from what I came from. But I still refused medication at the time. For the same reasons. I had a lot of the same kind of, Concerns, misconceptions, what have you that a lot of folks have. I was worried about the side effects. I'd seen some family members have some negative side effects and that concerned me. I was worried about using my diagnosis or medication as a quote unquote crutch. I had all those same kind of concerns that a lot of people have. I did very, I'm very glad in hindsight, except accom. And that was critical. That was absolutely critical. And then of course, over the years, just understanding more about H ADHD and about my brain was in and of. Really helpful. Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh: Would you mind sharing what kind of accommodations and was it like during college or was it already in medical school that you decided to type in Sure. To dive into that? Sure. No, so it Dr. Carolyn Lentzch-Parcells: started in high school when I was diagnosed. And actually one of the things that made me realize, oh, I guess the is a thing and I guess I really am different, was I had actually taken. The SATs and the SAT T two subject tests before my diagnosis, and then I retook them with accommodations after my diagnosis. And on a 16 point scale, I went up over 200 points and, oh, I can do what was that? And I didn't think that I was stupid. I didn't think that I was lazy, it wasn't any of. I thought I had a very realistic view of what my capability was, and it turned out that my capability was actually quite above what I thought it was. That testing. Of course, for better or for worse, that testing is critical, right? So that was one of the first times where I really went, oh wow, okay, this is the thing. And then I had accommodations. It was primarily testing accommodations, but also some note taking and things like that. And I had those accommodations all the way through college on the mcm. All the way through medical school. Medical school for my medical school exams. But unfortunately, and this has actually changed a little bit since then cuz some of us fought. But at the time especially the U S M L E, the United States Licensing Medical Licensing exam is governed by the a d A laws. Whereas the exams I had taken previously were governed by I D E A laws, so the educational laws versus the professional laws. And I fought and fought and fought and fought and was not able to get accommodations for the US m l e in time to take it. Clearly I passed because I am a licensed physician. But what was really interesting about that one actually was when I came to the, there was also the first test that I ever took that was on a computer. Because I'm old. So yes, children, there were tests originally on paper and Scantron sheet, which as soon as I say Scantron gives anybody 35 or older, P T S D. But anyway what was really fascinating though is because it was on the computer, there was actually a lot of accommodations. Built in, because I only saw one question at a time. The script was very large. I didn't have to transfer from a answer booklet to a Scantron. I just clicked a dot. I had headphones on. I had, I was in one of those cubicles with the, I call 'em human blinders, right? Yeah. So there was a lot of things that actually turned out to be very accommodating for me. And so I did okay. I did fine. It was scary and it wasn't, But I did it. So that was interesting. But those were the accommodations. Primarily had. Yeah. Dr. Diana Mercado-Marmarosh: So it's, again, it's so good to become curious with how you learn and to make sure that, like you said, you don't miss maybe a learning disability on top of that or dyslexia or a number thing or something else, right? Input or output understanding, because, Yes, it can be a d h, adhd and that can be its spectrum in itself, but it can also be end something else. And right when you're aware of that, then you can, like you said, you can advocate to have correct accommodations for that. And some people, when they think accommodations, all they think about is oh, maybe they just get a little bit extra time. And while that might be helpful, a little bit extra time can make a world of a difference for some of us. What if there could be something else that could be done as you're learning how you learn or how you test or how you give information back Dr. Carolyn Lentzch-Parcells: to people. No, yeah, that's exactly right. And I think for me anyway, and obviously everybody's different, but for me, the accommodations were really key for me to be able to show what I could really do. And I think one of the things that people get hung up with on accommodations is but what about real life? What will that mean for somebody in real life? These are all things, I'm not taking a multiple choice test in real life. I don't take care of my patients. My patients don't walk in and hand me a multiple choice, question, answer for me to go, oh, it's this diagnosis and you don't have one minute to figure it out. No, exactly. Exactly. I don't. And in fact, the fact that I take my. The fact that I listen, the fact that I notice details that other people may not notice, all of which can be part and parcel with my A D H D, right? Are all the reasons why I'm good at what I do. So the key to AC accommodations is not overly accommodating people or enabling, folks to not build skills. It's to. It's to take away u

    48 min

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Beyond ADHD A Physician‘s Perspective Podcast

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