How I overcame my learning disabilities to become a physician | John Rhodes | TEDxCharleston

Becoming a physician is hard enough, but MUSC cardiologist John proves that overcoming dyslexia, attention deficit and other processing deficits is not an insurmountable task. John scored zero on his MCAT reading, but is now a doctor.
Dr. Rhodes is a cardiologist who performs procedures for children and adults with congenital heart conditions present at birth. He graduated with honors from North Carolina State University, received his medical degree from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, completed his Residency in Pediatrics at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) receiving an award for outstanding senior resident for teaching and leadership, and he did his Cardiology Fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
In 2003 he became the Clinical Chief of the Children’s Heart Center at Duke University Medical Center. He then worked at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida where he was the Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital, as well as Director of the Interventional Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. In 2018, he joined the MuSC the Operations Director & an interventional specialist for children and adults with congenital heart disease. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@pencilhigh]

I wasn't diagnosed with anything but I find it difficult to understand simple concepts, and I always feel left behind by my peers... I realized I have to accept that I'm not as smart as others and that I have to work thrice as hard to catch up.... Thank you, my good sir for this wonderful TedTalk.

[@daniellepeterson900]

I literally in tears. I'm trying so damn hard to be a doctor, and my dyscalculia keeps knocking me down. I needed to hear this ty.

[@darrylrichardson1997]

Don’t give up !!!!!! You can do it just have to work hard for it

[@lizawooo]

I’m so proud of you for even trying and believing in yourself I myself lower myself in fear I’ll never be anything great or even be able to surpass anything that isn’t basic I hope you reach your dreams and goals

[@Julian-bp7dd]

You got this 💯‼️

[@monurag2128]

and ima kid with adhd who is trying hard to be a doctor

[@KFerg9]

⁠@@monurag2128ADHD is like a Ferrari And everyone is in fords . It’s a good thing. Once you know where you’re going you’ll get there fast. Just hard to drive slow in the city with the ford traffic.

[@rebeccabarley2256]

This brought me to tears I have a learning disability and I have things I want to do with my life but I feel like my learning disability is just holding me down

[@evergreen111]

My daughter is a superhero ❤ she's 8 overcoming barriers.

[@kareenodum1734]

This is my daughters heart doctor and he is a genuine,down to earth , super human being that is a amazing physician!!

[@lexmatthewtheurbanavenger8538]

I was born with a learning disability and wanted to learn about the space industry and the technology sector in the sciences.But my mom and my school counselor, and my special ed teacher told me I should work in a trade but it's not my thing all because I don't know the hard math from trigonometry, calculus, algebra 1 &2 but fifteen years later I passed the GED and I'm registering for My bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and physics double major in city college of new York and getting my tuition assistance from the air force and us navy sta 21 and use the g.i benefits for my 3x masters in biochemistry, computer science and economics or astronomy.

[@themistyfyingone1335]

👏👏👏🥳 You've got this! Keep going!

[@Algeria-yg6fd]

hope my son be like you ....is 4 years old

[@RichieDevine8]

Such a very inspiring read, i appraise you 🙏

[@Lailiana-2001-m]

ماشاء الله 👏🏻🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@Julian-bp7dd]

Keep going

[@medytalo-desarrollopersona6212]

❤️Blessings to everyone here who is working on improving themselves

[@camillac.s.279]

😊🙏🏻

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

Amen, from somewhere near Seattle. 👏

[@nidhighildiyal6011]

Thankyou dear..may we improve towards perfection .🥰

[@camillac.s.279]

@@nidhighildiyal6011 I would say the same 🤩 (.. but everybody scold me when I use that word so I restrict myself )

[@nidhighildiyal6011]

@@camillac.s.279 yes, no one is perfect but we can lead towards perfection.. both are different. In their own way... so let the people say...

[@jhenukumar]

Preservanance Resilient Don’t give up Adaptability - Adapt your weakness Courage.

[@hiromit3819]

Never heard such an eloquent speech. Disability makes your life even more courageous and inspiring.

[@occamsrazor7939]

Awesome speech. Thank you from someone who has ADD and dyslexia.

[@zebinamastero7671]

How can I pray for you today? You were highlighted to me! We are meant to help one another And life is hard, so I wanted to encourage you today that having a prayer life can make life more simpler for you. God wants You to solely depend on Him for everything you want and need. Did you ever come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? I feel like He is truly knocking on your heart today🕊🙏😊

[@Private_Library2]

Omg! I’m crying…wow… what an incredible life journey and I totally can relate ….. the only difference, I was paddling my canoe alone because I was never aware of something that’s called “learning disability “ Love and blessings to all

[@pattonthompson4781]

This is amazing. Im a physician myself in private practice now for 7 years. Medical school can be extremely lonely and depressing. Sometimes you feel like you are alone on an island for 12 hours a day - especially the first two years. I now have a son with autism. He is bright but he does clearly have learning differences. I obviously worry about his future as a parent. This talk gives me hope. Thank for sharing and being humble and willing to do so. God bless.

[@adelycharles5776]

This video is amazing. I thought I was in the dark because I also have a learning disability but now I can’t get rid of it, but I can work really hard to get better at the things that I want in life. I just want to live somewhere far away with nobody that could bother me and I want to help other people through my process. God bless everybody.

[@mo2wheelz74]

I have many learning disabilities especially when it comes to mathematics my algebra teacher asked me what 6x4 was and I couldn’t even figure it out and that’s simple 3rd grade level math. this is the motivation I was looking for out of all the Ted talks I’ve watched this is by far the best one.

[@violettaylor4368]

Me too! I had a teacher literally give me a third grade math book because I couldnt keep up with the other middle schoolers.

[@mo2wheelz74]

@@violettaylor4368 I took pre algebra last year and I saw her at school a few weeks ago and I told her I was taking algebra and she looked at me with a surprised look on her face and she said algebra? You shouldn’t be in algebra you should be back in pre algebra because you are still really struggling . And after she had said that I had no response all I could say was that’s what was on my schedule. i couldn’t stop thinking about what she had said.

[@violettaylor4368]

@@mo2wheelz74 that's terrible! I hope you had the chance to prove her wrong!

[@zaireenalexiapedres2398]

Same I feel like I have should I blame myself ????

[@zaireenalexiapedres2398]

They said it's okay to feel this way but to feel this way always is not normal

[@auditor9927]

Dr, my son is dyslexic and he has and facing same in details you are describing. I am supporting him daily. He never give up and I never giveup, he will become for sure with his determination and PADDLING(after ur approval as it s ur copy right), PERSEVERANCE, a big cyber security engineer. U inspire him and encourage me as parent to never never give up.

[@cowgirljane3316]

I was unable to read until I was 13 because of dyslexia. But one day I was trying th read "The Red Pony" and struggled with each word: The .............. Red............... Pony.............. I glanced at the picture of the red pony on the opposite page. The....... Red....... Pony...... Looked at picture of the red pony. The... Red... Pony... My brain CLICKED. I'm supposed to connect each word to the other one and form a picture. The Red Pony. A week later, I was at the library, reading 10 books a week. I've never stopped loving the written word. I even became a journalist writing words for a living.

[@aliciacanchola1449]

Thank you For sharing your story. I also have a learning disability and now have a master’s degree and now a social worker! If you can do it, I can do it anyone else can follow their dreams!

[@benjmainthompson1322]

A great TedX. I empathise with the doctor. I am studying to become a Forensic Psychologist in the UK. Since I was small I have suffered from Dyslexia and Dyscalcia. So in other words, can't do maths and can't spell or read well. I was told that I would never amount to anything - never. At University I have never been given any support from lecturers even though they know that I have LDs. I was told recently that I am doing the wrong thing and told I am a failure by a staff member. So I agree you need to have to be determined but being told that you are worthless over and over hurts. They have not held out to guide my canoe but to capsize it and hold my head under.

[@DarthZevrel66]

His perseverance and his commitment are admirable.

[@yadiraalban9284]

I hate having a learning disability. I just pray to god he helps me. I want to graduate college also, I quit respiratory school because I was afraid. Now I am giving myself another shot. I won’t stop this time around. I know now no one will help me I have to help myself.

[@tamaramccarthy8811]

THANK-YOU!! I struggled for decades to be diagnosed dyslexia. I too am in the medical field🤣 and for those teachers and school counclers who said I could never do it😜 and to those who showed me a different way🙏

[@pamchapin1653]

I admire John Rhodes determination and heart, and thank him for sharing his story. I also invite the education community to deeply self-reflect. Educators should be the ones championing each child, designing learning to build upon strengths and adapting for challenges so that every student is supported to reach their goals. Universal design for learning should be the norm and testing should be used to adapt instruction, not put up barriers. This talk was inspiring but also a call to action.

[@ptpmb]

Amen. So well said.

[@lyny389]

Thank you for the inspiring story and words of wisdom Dr Rhodes. I will continue paddling my canoe to pursue my dream in medicine.

[@ItsRazerGaming]

My learning disability is just feels uncomfortable. I don't feel like things are the same as I used to with no help what so ever.. I have that since I was a kid and I do speeches everyday even on test with no limits. In high school I was having no hard classes, and I was top of classes that I got used to. And in college it was so difficult since my focus was blocking away from study and I just feel like I want to learn new things.

[@jenniferhoffman2715]

I have many learning disabilities it prevents me from having a full-time job I get assistance sometimes you think you're not good enough but your speech has inspired me thank you

[@norajohnson2841]

That was one of the most inspiring speeches, and TED talks I’ve ever heard. I almost cried myself when he was getting choked up. Very grateful thank you for your speech.

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@antonhuman8446]

I was in tears before you were. Dr. Rhodes. Many thanks. And God bless!

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@DJ-lq5fd]

One of the best TEDx talks I've heard. I had both similar and very dissimilar experiences in elementary school, junior high, high school and college. Congrats on your accomplishments!

[@elohoemubare3446]

I wonder whoever named other ways of learning a "disability" No! That you are different doesn't mean you are disabled. There are special abilities in all children with learning disabilities. It takes one who pays attention to discover them. Thank you for sharing such knowledge. You just delivered a nation

[@veganryori]

If society disables us we are disabled. Society is the problem and society needs to change to accommodate differences in learning and thinking. Without autistics we would not have science, music, or the arts. Think on it, why do you think "disabled" is a bad word? That's ableist.

[@tawseeftaher9109]

perseverance, resilience, adaptability

[@JessicaChris1612]

As someone with adhd padding the boat of med school right now, this couldn’t have been posted at a better time!!

[@annevandennieuwenhuijzen4804]

Good luck and stay on it. Keep up the good work and pad yourself on the shoulder. Your doing Great. 💕

[@Humbledone.]

Oh good luck to you sweetheart, I have ADHD and I know how it feels.. I'm proud of you ❤️❤️❤️

[@awesomesauce2624]

Hey I have a learning disability as well maybe ADHD idk

[@VoxyDev]

Gtgtyyy

[@VoxyDev]

Jiuui

[@DarkLittleMaiden]

Pretty sure I have dyscalculia and struggled a lot with a degree in psych science. I'm also autistic and this challenge in conjunction with a years' long toxic (full time) work environment landed me in Autistic burnout. I had to quit my degree for my health but I intend on returning as soon as I feel I have made enough life changes to provide the relative safety to try again.

[@lnicko]

Very lucky if you can get past your learning difficulties, im 38 and still and still struggling!

[@monster25371]

Your speech is one of, if not the most, inspiring speeches I've ever heard.

[@moneygal3971]

I need to see this today . You just gave me hope .

[@davidforbregd2096]

I like the comment " Determination can overcome a learning disabilities"!!!

[@lilcurtie]

I do struggle with a learning disability, and it sucks I'm in college for information technology and trying to learn how to code, and it is tough😢

[@shellys3471]

I guess I shouldn't have listened to this at work because now I'm crying at my desk. 😆 This is beautiful and I'm so glad he was able to live his dreams. ❤

[@TheLunaticJimmyJazz]

thank you so much for thsis, i am suffering from dyslexia and add and it give me a lot of courage now that i am in journey of having my clinal master in psychology.

[@homeworkservice794]

I'm so grateful that KZbin could find me advice that I could not find in the real world. I'm a law student with a competitive summer position and my slow reading and processing has made it difficult to get through assignments at an average pace. Often, I cannot even finish. The inability to finish has crippled me socially by destroying my confidence. Deep down, I know that I have strengths and that I can read and write well despite being slow. That's what got me here in the first place. But it is hard to not let my feeling of incompetence and the fear of not being a competent lawyer with good opportunities outweigh this knowing inside of me that I have the ability to be a lawyer. Lawyers and law students have to work under a lot of time pressure and that's really challenging for me. How can I feel comfortable billing for 24 hours when that same assignment takes the average lawyer 4 hours? I am still trying to figure out how I can overcome this the way this physician has. There are a lot of people who want me to reconsider being a lawyer just like others tried to convince this physician that he couldn't be a doctor. His story is especially inspiring to me because medicine and med school, like law and law school, are very rigorous, have challenging exams, and involve many time-pressured environments. I appreciate the advice to use our strengths to overcome our weaknesses. It reminds me that I do have strengths and that I don't have to compare myself to everyone else. I do wish I could read faster and process faster because i have still not made much progress in those areas, but i am going to hold on to faith and keep on moving along in this journey. I wish there were more videos about how law students and lawyers with severe disabilities ended up with successful legal careers, but this was the closest I could get to that. I hope to find more people who are going through what I am going through because it feels lonely having to devote my entire life to reading a few pages and not having anyone to relate to.

[@Camila-kr1bm]

Thanks for your post. Have you to see The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: Barbara Arrowsmith-Young at TEDxToronto. She has made a program to help speed up cognitive processing. It sounds like you’re on the right path in your life and I m sure things will turn out great for you. Wishing you all the best 👍

[@ramandeepnijjar8281]

This is incredible and so inspiring! As someone with dyslexia, this motivates me to keep pushing on to get to my dream career. Thank you!

[@ashleytenney9584]

This has been the most meaningful tedtalk I have ever watched. I wish I could meet you.

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@shirleyEn101]

Yes, all things possible with inclusive support.

[@aaliyahpatel2819]

exactly what i needed to watch right now

[@Dr_Analise]

Thank you Dr Rhodes !!!

[@globalinfi407]

I am doing my Masters and have a similar struggle with the same disability and it Stays forever. its hard to wrap around that i have to work double then the toppers in any given class i have been in. but i still achieve a 6 in grades. Most of the times i break down but stay resilient. In my country educators don't bother explaining, acknowledging or giving a reason. Most of the time i fear i would not have a future . its very good to hear from someone who has a similar struggle and made it through. thank you for putting this up as it would help many people and i may also come back.

[@naomip388]

Thankyou so much for this talk. I'm a 2nd year BA student and I had an assignment due in for tonight and was struggling immensely with self doubt. Your talk was inspirational and just what I needed to hear to keep pressing on despite the difficulty and even though everything takes so much longer than the average person I'll keep pressing on 💪

[@johnpaulnwobodo8466]

One of the best TedX speech I have listened to in a long while.

[@leslieguerrero4834]

So glad you never gave up! Thank you for taking time to share your journey while simultaneously inspiring all of us.

[@shannonnefra9738]

Thank you, John, your bravery, dogged determination, and sense of humour is inspiring!

[@israelnieves2817]

This is what I needed to hear as a Dental Hygienist student with learning disabilities. Everything is possible, you get what you put into it even if you have to work 2 or 3 times harder than the other students.

[@half-bloodkorg3185]

Thank you, dr.Rhodes. You're an inspiration.

[@julieh902]

Thank you so much for this. I needed to hear it today. Keep on paddling no matter what sticker they put on it. So meaningful. Thank you.

[@susancham6025]

Glad you were able to accomplish what you wanted to do! I'm also glad that bright individuals with LDs choose to be in the Trades! High Grades and College Education is just one of many valuable professions and occupations. To each their own!

[@certifiedkilla24]

This made me cry tears of joy for my son we will never stop paddling thanks for your speech.

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@christinewrixon]

John, your journey and story is amazing. It does break my heart to know that you had so many people who didn't catch or address your struggles with reading since it should have stuck out on any testing by any and all of your teachers. I also struggled through and was later diagnosed with a rare brain disease. All those years of struggling made me more determined than ever to become a teacher just so I could at least save one child for one year. My ADHD and processing delays helped me to recognize children who struggled with or without a disability. I saved tons of children along the way before my disease got the best of me. Even with my disease, I continue to help others who have the same disease. My son struggles now through elementary school, but I have fought for him to ensure he gets accommodations so that he may also shine. He is the youngest person to be diagnosed with SCA14. I so appreciate you sharing your journey to become the person you are today. Christine

[@bluemeadows7520]

Thank you so much for this. As someone who has always been in the extra help classes etc, and diagnosed with a learning disability. Gives me hope.

[@Sa12913]

Whew! This brought me to tears! The four things John named are the same four things that have kept me going! Without them, I would not be here.

[@Nnwhenshs]

Im struggling right now to write together my PHD application, this was so helpful thank you

[@vcb1023]

I really needed this today! BRAVO!!!!

[@J_lynner]

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@pohlgiron1940]

"DETERMINATION CAN OUTWIT LEARNING DISABILITIES" Perseverance Resilience Adaptability Courage

[@johnrhodes5100]

Yes in deed. ❤

[@Vision2life1]

Thank you!!! Everytime my child feels discouraged about her disability. We are going to listen to this speech over and over again.

[@mohamedkass3885]

👏👏respect to you sir, I have a disability myself and I am struggling to go through a bio-science program, but I am determined and i know I will make it through the program.. I will remember your talk whenever I am having a hard time at school. You are right you have to know your strengths and adapt your learning style around those strengths

[@4clempt]

Disability and Deficit refer to the disabilities and the deficits of the educational system to teach non typical learners.

[@alveatch5059]

I feel your words and your experience.. you are incredibly resilient, courageous and strong.. really a diamond in the mud ! I’ve watched this so many times .. first time I cried all day. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your amazing story! I’m an oncologist with parallel experience, dx at 46. Thank you!!

[@themistyfyingone1335]

This is the best Ted talk ever!!! Thank you 🙌🌹🌹🌹

[@hugorevelius2984]

Best talk I ever heard from TED!!

[@pattycalero4265]

What an inspiring speech!!! ❤

[@jaffa74]

This talk will change lives and save lives too..everywhere in this world -beautiful Thank you 🫶💡✌️

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@superguay3381]

Brillante!!! Este hombre tiene toda mi admiración, creativo, visual, con un mensaje claro!!! Gracias por tan valisosos consejos!

[@johnrhodes5100]

De nada

[@uatdks803]

thanks. definitively encourage a group of people

[@LongLeggs345]

I do not want to be a doctor ..but I do want to be a lawyer and listening to your story gave me a lot more confidence to get done.

[@roshinehannibal9539]

Such an inspiring story on the flip side most of the people with learning disabilities are not able to find their niche in life as he did,

[@AShorewalker]

Awesome story achievement and message.

[@seneca7170]

Ooh man, you makes me cry♥️

[@RiDankulous]

It is a pleasure hearing John Rhodes speak and this goes in my motivation playlist.

[@elisadamaso5404]

I agree, John is a great speaker and his action is great.

[@NicEPipoca]

This had me in tears and I needed this encouragement too, thanks.

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@nastaranzarrin3231]

How inspiring it was for me thank you a ton

[@arielsmith9674]

Oh I'm crying I do see a lot to relate to often. He is amazing.

[@johnrhodes5100]

Thank you, all people who overcome challenges are amazing. ❤

[@pifilms9602]

In third grade I was diagnosed with a specifc learning disability in reading comprehension, math calculation, and recall. All throughout high school I had an IEP and thought I was doing great...until I got to college where the leash was finally taken off. I failed my first three exams (which were open note), because of the fact that I graduated without taking a single test or quiz independently (yes, teachers were allowed to help you at my school), having never wrote more than a five paragraph essay, and never reading a book above a third grade level. I am now lost, I am alone, and I am scared. I am taking one class at a time, worrying about whether or not I will even graduate. Last semester, I was so stressed out I felt like giving up. I was discouraged that I could not learn as fast as others in my class and I felt that I was 10 years behind. I recently started self-studying and realized I can only remember the information if I write it down and repeat it to myself over and over and over and over and over and over and over. I don't even know if this really works yet because I have not taken any tests where I need to recall the material. But one thing I will say is that no matter how poorly I do on a test, no matter how many times I have to retake my classes, I will NEVER give up. Commitment is the true key to success. To view failure as growth, to not compare to others, and to realize you can truly achieve what you set your mind to.

[@nishantsharma8419]

Thanks for this wonderful guidance ❤🧡💛

[@kaseyusher1712]

Best speech I’ve ever heard. ✨

[@user-el8ox2ss9i]

Having disabilities, working on my Ed.D, and serving college students with different abilities is such an honor. Please, keep sharing your story Dr. Rhodes! ❤ You inspire my students, and me! 😎 5:28

[@johnrhodes5100]

Thank you for your kind comments. I am sure that you helping your students find their best future.

[@rajs8347]

I really was thinking what I am going to do with life with this disability but this video popped up it's not coincidence for sure GOD as great plan for me to get want I want even with disability we can make it As our Abilities to success

[@Bradlee297]

Im paddling to become a doctor too but my problem is not my learning abilities but my finances

[@julienalexander6113]

This was awesome! 👏🏽

[@liannamartinez7369]

Do you know how much this message meant for me preparing for a career in nursing?. This is so helpful. Thank you so much for boldly sharing your story and making to become a physician, thank you.

[@ptpmb]

Bless you for sharing your story. I love the analogies. My son has a learning disability and is in that grade where your story began- 4th grade. We know what's wrong. We know how to help. And in his canoe he has two screech owls sounding the alarm that the school is letting him down. I have said since he was just a tiny dude that as long as we keep his c uriosity and joy for learning alive, he will be just fine. You make me believe Im not far off. It's been a rough school year and I needed to hear this. Thank you. Truly. Thank you.

[@johnrhodes5100]

I would be happy to speak with & hopefully encourage your son at any time.

[@keshaunlewis9825]

This really motivation me to reach my goals thank you for sharing your story

[@Kristen_Roar7]

Thank you!! ❤

[@ginaplopper-norton8839]

Well I'm crying now, thanks!

[@petrabester8464]

The most inspirational story....thank you!

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@seamusomallie]

I have looked at different videos just in the last new days because I have discovered how much dyslexia has been a part of my life with out knowing the facts. I knew that I was different but the why was missing. The missing link. With great relieve I can get on with my life with bundles of confidence that was never there before ,Thanks a million. Go rabid maith agat (Irish)

[@vickismith2470]

what an AWESOME story and tyvvvvm for sharing 🙌👌😎

[@briannajackson7724]

Congratulations 🎊 I have a learning disability aswell. Very inspiring 👏

[@yvonnepurvismanifest]

You are so awesome. Keep inspiring😀

[@homemakersheart3614]

Thank you so much. I used to perservere and have so much courage, then in mid life one too many people laughed and told me "WHY are you doing that, you don't need all those notes, planner, and systems. Just do the next right thing...." 10 years later I am still trying to regroup from that last person (and the many through the years) who have made fun of how I had to manage things so I could think and function. It's only been a few weeks and a system I've seen resembles what I used to do. Courage is coming back, and persistance in getting the chaos to calm through "triggers" and systems. My husband is in process of getting to a cardiologist for the first time. Lots of prayers here. I wish you lived in southern Colorado.

[@jessicaberry87]

His story is amazing. So inspirational. 🌟

[@johnrhodes5100]

❤

[@mediazador]

Wow, it’s so inspiring! 👏