Allotted Time for Final Exam Proves Challenging for Nursing Mom



Posted: Monday, September 17, 2007

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http://www.trainingforce.com

Many years of hard work, sweat and tears have no doubt gone into the potential medical degree for Sophie Currier. But now, as a nursing mother of a four-month-old, breast milk, or the need to pump said milk, may stand in the way of her being able to complete the Harvard medical exam during the allotted time, according to a recent New York Times article.

Ms. Currier requested more than the 45 minute breaks during the nine-hour test in which to express milk, eat lunch and also use the restroom but she not yet received the approval she needs for the extra time beyond being told that she can pump in an empty room (all of which are monitored through see-through, one-way glass). The National Board of Medical Examiners has so far refused her request for extra time and so Ms. Currier asked a Mass. Superior Court judge to step in and order that she get extra time and also a private room with a power outlet.

It is sort of ironic that the American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing breast feeding as the best nutrition for newborn and young babies and this woman is just one of many trying to get her medical degree. She has already taken the exam once, while eight months pregnant, and failed by a few points, so the pressure is mounting to take, and pass the test. Ms. Currier is scheduled to take the test today, and if she passes, already has an offer from Massachusetts General Hospital as one of their clinical pathology residents. She does research on dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactive activity disorder. Let's hope for the best.

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