Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jcopy87]

Hello! I am trying to teach overseas for the first time (self-admitted n00b) and am interviewing with recruiters right now. I have searched through previous threads here but haven't found an exact answer for what I'm looking for.

I have a seizure disorder where I'm taking medication daily. I have not had any problems in over a year now. I've already observed that I should probably not disclose this condition to anyone but my doctor (in Korea) and I should come with at least a year's worth of (sealed) prescriptions. I also know that if I were to have a seizure at school, I would be instantly let go.

That said, I was wondering if the medical check is a standard illicit drug test? Or does the blood test pick up on prescription medication as well? When I disclosed I had a neurological disorder to my recruiter, he said I would have to go off the drugs at least 3 days in advance to pass the medical test.

Any help on what gets picked up and what doesn't would be greatly appreciated!

[northway]

I had my first two without discontinuing the meds I was in, as no one told me to, and I didn't have any issues. I think they tell you not to take anything for a week prior, but at the end of each of mine the doctor has asked if I'm on any prescription meds, so, based on my anecdotal experience, you might be okay to continue taking them as long as you tell the doctor you're on them. It's kind of absurd, as some people really do have medications that they can't go off of.

Again though, that's all anecdotal. Someone else might have a more solid answer for you.

[jcopy87]

Thanks for the response, I'm trying now to get in touch with the Korean Epilepsy Society to see if they have any advice.

Does anyone else know if being on prescriptions when taking the drug test will automatically fail you? If it's as easy as just telling the doctor after the test you're taking meds, I should be fine. The recruiter I was talking to was adamant that you had to stop taking all medication 3-4 days before the test...

[Jaffazoid]

I would think most of what they test for is narcotics or prescription drugs for mental illnesses such as depression due to the existing stigma. I would have thought with epilepsy the case would be different. How do you know that if you had a seizure at school you'd be let go? Also the risk of not taking your medication doesn't really sound ideal especially for a seizure disorder, you can't put a price on your health.

[sml7285]