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. |
