While legal clearance was a rush to get a few pieces of paper off to DC to let others do the work, medical clearance is a slog and a lot of paperwork on my end.

Over 50

The first task to hit my list was the “Over 50 personal statement.” For each statement, you are directed to paste the questions into a word document and write up your answers. Some questions in this set made me feel old – has anyone indicated that you might be hard of hearing? How is your nighttime vision? Have you had your shingles shot? Why yes, I did get my first shingles shot a few weeks ago.

Personal Statements

Then the full complement hit my “task” list on March 13. Fifteen personal statements on everything from the warts I had years ago to my recent shoulder injury, to mental health, to a heart murmur, to allergies. Each statement included 5 to 20 questions. Some required racking my brain and past medical history notes – what medications had I tried years ago? I did my best to provide thorough and accurate info.  

All the things…

In addition to personal statements, there were records to upload – COVID vaccination card, most recent mammography results, pharmacy records. And medical records from my recent shoulder injury – chiropractor, physical therapist, and sports medicine doc. And forms for providers to fill out – therapist, eye doctor, dentist, and my primary care doctor. And then appointments to make – primary care doctor and dentist. And vaccinations – yellow fever, polio booster (I didn’t even know that was a thing), pneumonia (being of a certain age…). And lab work – my regular annual lab work was done in February, but I still needed to get six vials worth of tests, including an HIV test, Hepatitis B and C, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (a genetic deficiency that affects the body’s ability to carry oxygen it turns out). And tests – tuberculosis test, an EKG, and an echocardiogram.

Advanced hoop jumping

Sometimes it seems like this is the ultimate test to see who serves – if you can get through medical clearance, you will have what it takes to be a Peace Corps volunteer. I know that’s not the purpose of clearance, but some days it feels like that.

Fortunately, one of my secret skills is bureaucracy wrangling. On top of that, 15 years of practicing reader-friendly writing while working in state government is serving me well. The nurse on my case even complimented me on my personal statements as being well written, organized, and helpful. My goal is to help them clear me for service.

Photo

Today’s cover photo is a tiger lily seen while hiking in the Olympic National Park three years ago.