Job Discussion Forums

[happyc]

I am heading to Brazil soon to take up a new position at an International School. They have offered a great package- including full health insurance; though a medical is required first.
I am very concerned about not passing as my most recent blood tests shows there is a problem with liver function. Will this automatically result in my losing this job?
Would sincerely appreciate any advice!

[misteradventure]

I would ask the school what the purpose of the physical is before I stressed about it, personally. Most physicals I've had for such things were to make sure you weren't terminally ill or otherwise likely to drop dead during the contract.

Now, I'm not a doctor, but I would discuss the lab results with a physician. The results are interpreted as a deviation from 'normal'. Bruce Lee was extremely hypotensive, for example. He would have failed many such physical exams if they only looked at lab tests.

LFT (Liver Function Test) results can be skewed by many things, including medications you are on. Of course, if you are a heavy drinker, your doctor will probably want to have along talk about it. Sometimes, it can be fixed through lifestyle changes (including moving to a healthier city!)

Also, sometimes the labs make mistakes. I had one patient come in for consultation because he had been informed by mail that he needed a monthly exam, as he was (supposedly) seven weeks pregnant!

Good luck.