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So I have Cerebral Palsy, which is kinda noticeble, as I walk with a limp(otherwise I'm normal). I'm looking to make a switch to the nonclincal side of healthcare. I've just been exposed to the field my entitre life and unfortunately, don't have what it takes to be a Dr or PT. I have four years banking exp. I think my business background will definitely help me. So when asked why I want to switch is it appropiate to advise the interviewer that I want to work there because of this?
You want to switch from banking to healthcare due to your disability? I wouldn't say it quite that bluntly, but you could say something along the lines of wanting to work in the healthcare industry due to personal interest and a desire to contribute to a field that touches so many lives... I doubt they will ask why you want to be on the admin side of healthcare vs. the clinical side, but if they do, it should be enough to just say you aren't drawn to clinical work or you think your skills are better suited to the admin side ("I think I can make a greater contribution to xyz organization as an accounting specialist than I would as a physician).
Many people who work in healthcare choose to do so because they are inspired by personal experience. I think you need to be cautious in disclosing your current health issue with a prospective employer. On one hand, I'd like to think that you could be totally forthcoming and the prospective employer would be understanding and supportive. On the other hand, you are definitely at risk of being discriminated against. I think if I were in your shoes, I would feel comfortable explaining that you have had experiences as a patient that make you want to work in healthcare, and explain the insight an experience that you can bring to the position, without going into much detail about your own health issues.
You want to switch from banking to healthcare due to your disability? I wouldn't say it quite that bluntly, but you could say something along the lines of wanting to work in the healthcare industry due to personal interest and a desire to contribute to a field that touches so many lives... I doubt they will ask why you want to be on the admin side of healthcare vs. the clinical side, but if they do, it should be enough to just say you aren't drawn to clinical work or you think your skills are better suited to the admin side ("I think I can make a greater contribution to xyz organization as an accounting specialist than I would as a physician).
I want to work in the healthcare field because I have been exposed to it my entire life. And it feels like a calling to me. However, I dont feel like clinical work is a good fit for me.
Many people who work in healthcare choose to do so because they are inspired by personal experience. I think you need to be cautious in disclosing your current health issue with a prospective employer. On one hand, I'd like to think that you could be totally forthcoming and the prospective employer would be understanding and supportive. On the other hand, you are definitely at risk of being discriminated against. I think if I were in your shoes, I would feel comfortable explaining that you have had experiences as a patient that make you want to work in healthcare, and explain the insight an experience that you can bring to the position, without going into much detail about your own health issues.
So I have Cerebral Palsy, which is kinda noticeble, as I walk with a limp(otherwise I'm normal). I'm looking to make a switch to the nonclincal side of healthcare. I've just been exposed to the field my entitre life and unfortunately, don't have what it takes to be a Dr or PT. I have four years banking exp. I think my business background will definitely help me. So when asked why I want to switch is it appropiate to advise the interviewer that I want to work there because of this?
I wouldn't. First of all, they are going to wonder if you are going to request "accommodation" which is a big, red flag for employers.
All you have to say is that "healthcare is an area of personal interest to you, and with an aging population, there is more job security in that field than banking".
Dragging personal medical information into an interview is never a good idea.
Don't mention disability because the employer will use it against you. It's sad but they have fears and if they hear anything negative than they will use it against you.
I want to work in the healthcare field because I have been exposed to it my entire life. And it feels like a calling to me. However, I dont feel like clinical work is a good fit for me.
Yes, something like that. Just remember that those are answers to two different questions - why healthcare, and why not clinical. Only give the why not clinical answer if they ask.
So I have Cerebral Palsy, which is kinda noticeble, as I walk with a limp(otherwise I'm normal). I'm looking to make a switch to the nonclincal side of healthcare. I've just been exposed to the field my entitre life and unfortunately, don't have what it takes to be a Dr or PT. I have four years banking exp. I think my business background will definitely help me. So when asked why I want to switch is it appropiate to advise the interviewer that I want to work there because of this?
Unless you require reasonable accomodation under the ADA in order to be able to work, do NOT discuss ANY of your personal medical information with a prospective employer. It's illegal under HIPPA for them to even ask you about it. Given the current tight job market, don't give an employer any possible reason to discard your application. Talk about the OTHER excellent reasons why you have decided to make your career change and let it go at that.
The sole exception would be if you are seeking work with the Federal Government. The Feds are making an active effort to recruit people with disabilities. They have even set up a sort of disability advocate system which you can utilize to get preferance points on your job application. Last time I checked they had quite a few jobs for those in medical administration. Google USAJobs, Individuals with disabilities.
Good luck!
Yours,
- Rambler
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