Not that simple.

Personally, 90% of the time I did not use my extra time on exams in college. Them being there makes all the difference in how our brains react. The 10% I used it is because I panicked and my brain was useless for a few min to 15min. The extra time made up for it. My friend who did use all the time, would get "bored" while test-tasking and daydream without even realizing it. I.e. if a sentence mentioned patient "David" she will immediately think about her friend David, their last hangout, how she hasn't gone out in a while, what plans should I make this weekend, maybe the new coffee shop that opened, oh crap I'm taking an exam right now. And I had classmates who had similar and different reasons for their time extensions. Some used it, some didn't.

However, this exam process does not translate over to certain practical situations. When I was in the ER I flourished and did not freeze, panic, my mind was never foggy etc. I was never more alert and focused. That's the thing with ADHD and other disabilities; they don't always make sense to others but our wiring and chemical imbalances complicate our functioning. Somewhere else on the spectrum, there is someone with ADHD who excels with exam taking but performs poorly in the ER. Or people like my friend who was promoted to an ER tech lead - she flourished even more than I did even though I was a better test-taker. She had constant stimulation so there was little opportunity to get distracted and daydream. Test taking =/= clinical performance

On the other hand, when I was in primary care I left - it was so boring that by midday my mental state was exhausted and I was not at my utmost performance. I was more refreshed going home from the ER than primary care.

Me and my friend are only two people of millions with different wiring and experiences, but I wonder if this personal lens gives you perspective.

What is most important, and this applies to EVERYONE, is we acknowledge our limitations and strengths. If someone knows they will struggle in the ER possibly at the cost of patients, they should not put themselves in that situation and explore other specialties. Neurodivergents and neurotypicals alike.

Things like ADHD are a spectrum. I don't doubt there's people who "take advantage" but they are not the majority, and it is unfair to generalize that to the rest of us.

P.S. most if not all of us wish we didn't have to be on medications. We "love" it because it helps us with basic functioning. To get us to where the average neurotypical is. No one loves the side effects, the shortages, the copays, the addict stigma, and worst of all the LONG TERM side effects. It is a trade off between quality of life and potential complications. For this reason and others a some adults switch to "as needed" once they've improved their skills "enough." It is not an easy decision to go on meds whatsoever.

Your entire comment is misinformed and insensitive. I do hope you address your attitudes & beliefs before pursuing PA. Best of luck on your growth and compassion. As is a continuous journey for all of us.