Docs With Disabilities

Interviewees: Dr. Kevin Eva, Dr. Lara Varpio, Dr. Gabrielle Finn, and Dr. Yoon Soo Park

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

In this special live episode, recorded at the 2024 ASME Conference in Warwick, UK, host Lisa Meeks moderates a dynamic panel titled "Advancing Disability Equity in Health Professions Scholarship: A Panel Discussion on Inclusive Research and Publication Practices." Joining her are esteemed guests Drs. Kevin Eva, Lara Varpio, Gabrielle Finn, and Yoon Soo Park, who delve into the critical intersection of equity, academia, and scholarship. They share valuable insights on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to fully embrace disability.

The discussion highlights the pivotal roles of academic journals, conference organizers, researchers, and institutions in fostering inclusive environments that support scholars and students with disabilities. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to advancing equity and inclusion in academia.

Keywords:

· Lisa Meeks

· DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

· Kevin Eva

· Lara Varpio

· Gabrielle Finn

· ASME (Association for the Study of Medical Education)

· Yoon-Soo Park

· Universal design

· Disability Equity

· Health Professions Scholarship

· Inclusive Research

· Publication

Transcript

Bios:

Dr. Kevin Eva is Associate Director and Scientist in the Centre for Health Education Scholarship, and Professor and Director of Educational Research and Scholarship in the Department of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia. He completed his PhD in Cognitive Psychology (McMaster University) in 2001 and became Editor-in-Chief for the journal Medical Education in 2008.

Dr. Lara Varpio is a professor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in qualitative research methods and methodologies, and in theories from the social sciences and humanities. Her research has won national and international awards. She has given invited talks at hospitals and medical schools around the world, and she has led invited sessions and given plenaries at some of the largest and most respected academic medicine conferences in the world.

Dr. Gabrielle Finn is Vice Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester. Gabrielle was previously Founding Director of the Health Professions Education Unit (HPEU) and Chair of the Postgraduate Board at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) where she worked extensively on widening access and curriculum development, including the implementation of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships into medical programmes. She holds Associate Editor posts for BMC Medical Education and the European Journal of Anatomy. She was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, principally for her work developing the PaintME network to support the integration of living anatomy into healthcare curricula.

Dr. Yoon Soo Park is the Ilene B. Harris Endowed Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics from Columbia University. Park's experiences include both academic and industry settings, with research interests and experiences across multiple disciplines in psychometrics, biostatistics, educational psychology, and medicine. Park's research agendas have focused on data science and learning analytics methodologies in health professions education. He has also actively engaged in interdisciplinary research in the social sciences, collaborating with diverse researchers and practitioners across disciplines. His work in the health professions education has advanced the preparation of learners in clinical reasoning and measurement of competencies through validity studies.

Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks

Interviewees: Dr. Kevin Eva, Dr. Lara Varpio, Dr. Gabrielle Finn, and Dr. Yoon Soo Park

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

In this special live episode, recorded at the 2024 ASME Conference in Warwick, UK, host Lisa Meeks moderates a dynamic panel titled "Advancing Disability Equity in Health Professions Scholarship: A Panel Discussion on Inclusive Research and Publication Practices." Joining her are esteemed guests Drs. Kevin Eva, Lara Varpio, Gabrielle Finn, and Yoon Soo Park, who delve into the critical intersection of equity, academia, and scholarship. They share valuable insights on expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to fully embrace disability.

The discussion highlights the pivotal roles of academic journals, conference organizers, researchers, and institutions in fostering inclusive environments that support scholars and students with disabilities. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to advancing equity and inclusion in academia.

Keywords: 

·       Lisa Meeks

·       DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

·       Kevin Eva

·       Lara Varpio

·       Gabrielle Finn

·       ASME (Association for the Study of Medical Education)

·       Yoon-Soo Park

·       Universal design

·       Disability Equity

·       Health Professions Scholarship

·       Inclusive Research

·        Publication

 Transcript

Bios: 

Dr. Kevin Eva is Associate Director and Scientist in the Centre for Health Education Scholarship, and Professor and Director of Educational Research and Scholarship in the Department of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia.  He completed his PhD in Cognitive Psychology (McMaster University) in 2001 and became Editor-in-Chief for the journal Medical Education in 2008.  

Dr. Lara Varpio is a professor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in qualitative research methods and methodologies, and in theories from the social sciences and humanities. Her research has won national and international awards. She has given invited talks at hospitals and medical schools around the world, and she has led invited sessions and given plenaries at some of the largest and most respected academic medicine conferences in the world.

Dr. Gabrielle Finn is Vice Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester. Gabrielle was previously Founding Director of the Health Professions Education Unit (HPEU) and Chair of the Postgraduate Board at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) where she worked extensively on widening access and curriculum development, including the implementation of Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships into medical programmes. She holds Associate Editor posts for BMC Medical Education and the European Journal of Anatomy. She was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, principally for her work developing the PaintME network to support the integration of living anatomy into healthcare curricula.

Dr. Yoon Soo Park is the Ilene B. Harris Endowed Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics from Columbia University. Park's experiences include both academic and industry settings, with research interests and experiences across multiple disciplines in psychometrics, biostatistics, educational psychology, and medicine. Park's research agendas have focused on data science and learning analytics methodologies in health professions education. He has also actively engaged in interdisciplinary research in the social sciences, collaborating with diverse researchers and practitioners across disciplines. His work in the health professions education has advanced the preparation of learners in clinical reasoning and measurement of competencies through validity studies.

Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks 

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks 

Interviewees: Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Description: In this conversation, Lisa Meeks interviews Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey, both pediatric rehabilitation physicians with cerebral palsy. They discuss their journey to medical school and the challenges they faced along the way. Raffi shares his experience of applying to medical school and the support he received from his family. Justin talks about the internal barriers he faced and the importance of finding the right mentor. They also discuss the challenges they encountered during medical school, including access barriers. In this conversation, Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey discuss their experiences as medical students with disabilities. They share the challenges they faced in anatomy lab and how they overcame them. They also talk about dealing with difficult faculty members and the importance of kindness and feedback in medical training. Raffi and Justin explain why they chose physiatry as their specialty and the impact they have on their patients. They emphasize the importance of visibility and representation for individuals with disabilities in the medical field. Finally, they offer advice for students with disabilities who are considering a career in medicine.

Keywords: physiatry, medical education, doctors with disabilities, cerebral palsy, pediatric rehabilitation, med school applications, accessibility, accommodations, disability representation

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3yuxJf8

Bios:

Justin Ramsey, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is sub-specialty boarded in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He graduated from the Kansas University School of Medicine. He then completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training at the Kansas University Medical Center and a fellowship program in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO). Dr. Ramsey spent several years as faculty with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine fellowship program at Children's Mercy Hospital and the Kansas University Medical Center's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. He has served as chair of the Advocacy Committee for the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and has served on its Communications Committee. Currently, he works at a private pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Bethany Children's Health Center) near Oklahoma City, which specializes in the care of children with disabilities. In collaboration with neurology and OU Health Science Center's neurosurgery department, he has created Oklahoma's joint pediatric movement clinic. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for the Movement clinic and Cerebral Palsy. He volunteers as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Justin has hemiparetic cerebral palsy and is active in local advocacy. He is married to his wife (Kendra) and has 2 beautiful young children (Ryan and Reese), who keep his family busy. Medical and disability education are some of his major subjects of interest. He is grateful for early college experiences in working with individuals with disabilities while volunteering at Hetlinger Developmental Services, Inc in his hometown of Emporia, KS.

Dr. Raffi Najarian has been in practice since 2013. He is a pediatric physiatrist and director of the Spasticity Clinic at Akron Children's Hospital. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, he completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio in Cleveland. He then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Najarian has a special interest in cerebral palsy, spasticity management, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and concussion management. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and subspecialty certified in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and served on the latter's Lifespan Committee. He is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Raffi has diplegic cerebral palsy and is an advocate for children and adults with disabilities. He serves as a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Research Committee and on the board of directors for Adaptive Sports Ohio, while participating as an active member of the Akron Rhinos wheelchair rugby team.

Produced by: Gabe Abrams and Dr. Lisa Meeks.

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Resources:

Professional Learning Series - United Cerebral Palsy,

UCP Research Initiative & Committee - United Cerebral Palsy,

Physicians' Perceptions Of People With Disability And Their Health Care

https://www.yourcpf.org

https://cprn.org

Interviewees: Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Description: In this conversation, Lisa Meeks interviews Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey, both pediatric rehabilitation physicians with cerebral palsy. They discuss their journey to medical school and the challenges they faced along the way. Raffi shares his experience of applying to medical school and the support he received from his family. Justin talks about the internal barriers he faced and the importance of finding the right mentor. They also discuss the challenges they encountered during medical school, including access barriers. In this conversation, Raffi Najarian and Justin Ramsey discuss their experiences as medical students with disabilities. They share the challenges they faced in anatomy lab and how they overcame them. They also talk about dealing with difficult faculty members and the importance of kindness and feedback in medical training. Raffi and Justin explain why they chose physiatry as their specialty and the impact they have on their patients. They emphasize the importance of visibility and representation for individuals with disabilities in the medical field. Finally, they offer advice for students with disabilities who are considering a career in medicine.

Keywords: physiatry, medical education, doctors with disabilities, cerebral palsy, pediatric rehabilitation, med school applications, accessibility, accommodations, disability representation

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3yuxJf8

Bios:

Justin Ramsey, M.D. is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is sub-specialty boarded in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He graduated from the Kansas University School of Medicine. He then completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation training at the Kansas University Medical Center and a fellowship program in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO). Dr. Ramsey spent several years as faculty with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine fellowship program at Children's Mercy Hospital and the Kansas University Medical Center's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. He has served as chair of the Advocacy Committee for the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and has served on its Communications Committee. Currently, he works at a private pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Bethany Children's Health Center) near Oklahoma City, which specializes in the care of children with disabilities. In collaboration with neurology and OU Health Science Center's neurosurgery department, he has created Oklahoma's joint pediatric movement clinic. He currently serves as the Associate Medical Director for the Movement clinic and Cerebral Palsy. He volunteers as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Justin has hemiparetic cerebral palsy and is active in local advocacy. He is married to his wife (Kendra) and has 2 beautiful young children (Ryan and Reese), who keep his family busy. Medical and disability education are some of his major subjects of interest. He is grateful for early college experiences in working with individuals with disabilities while volunteering at Hetlinger Developmental Services, Inc in his hometown of Emporia, KS.

Dr. Raffi Najarian has been in practice since 2013. He is a pediatric physiatrist and director of the Spasticity Clinic at Akron Children's Hospital. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, he completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio in Cleveland. He then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in Saint Paul, MN. Dr. Najarian has a special interest in cerebral palsy, spasticity management, brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, spina bifida, acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and concussion management. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and subspecialty certified in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, and served on the latter's Lifespan Committee.  He is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).  Raffi has diplegic cerebral palsy and is an advocate for children and adults with disabilities.  He serves as a member of the United Cerebral Palsy Research Committee and on the board of directors for Adaptive Sports Ohio, while participating  as an active member of the Akron Rhinos wheelchair rugby team.  

Produced by: Gabe Abrams and Dr. Lisa Meeks. 

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Resources:

Professional Learning Series - United Cerebral Palsy,

UCP Research Initiative & Committee - United Cerebral Palsy,

Physicians' Perceptions Of People With Disability And Their Health Care  

https://www.yourcpf.org

https://cprn.org

Interviewer: Dr. Peter Poullos

Interviewees: Emmanuel Asenso, DO, Allison Kessler, MD, MSc, Joseph Samona, DDS, Satendra Singh, MD

Description:

This episode of the DWDI podcast brings together four incredible individuals for a live recording session during the 5th annual SMADIE conference on April. The panel featured Emmanuel Ascenso, Dr. Joe Simona, Dr. Satendra Singh, and Dr. Allison Kessler, all of whom had previously been interviewed on the podcast and had garnered significant listenership.

Each guest shared their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their experiences as healthcare professionals with disabilities. Throughout the episode, the guests touched on themes of mentorship, intersectionality, and the importance of allies in driving change. They also highlighted the need for tailored feedback, proactive advocacy, and the power of sharing personal stories to educate and empower others.

The episode underscored the significance of acceptance, education, and cross-movement solidarity in creating a more inclusive healthcare environment.

Key Words: ADA, Accommodation, Clinical Work, Ableism, Storytelling, Podcast, DocsWithDisabilities, Stuttering, SCI, Deaf, Physical Disability.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/DWDI_Ep_96_Transcript

Docs With Disabilities Original Interview Episodes Linked

Bio's:

Dr. Emmanuel Asenso Jr is a second-year resident physician in the combined Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins and MedStar Franklin Square in Baltimore, MD. He was born and raised in Northern Virginia to Ghanaian immigrant parents. He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, completed his Masters in Public Health from George Washington University in DC, and then completed medical school at Rowan University SOM in New Jersey. He is a person with a childhood-onset fluency disorder, also known as stuttering. Navigating a communication disorder throughout training has been challenging, rewarding, and full of lessons. He is passionate about supporting marginalized people and advocating for health equity through primary care and public health. He is also interested in the intersectionality between racism and people with disabilities.

Allison Kessler, MD, MSc, is the Section Chief of Renée Crown Center for Spinal Cord Innovation. She is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Medicine. Dr. Kessler is the Associate Director of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's SCI Medicine Fellowship. She holds appointments at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine as Assistant Professor in the Department of PM&R.

Bonus: Behind the white coat interview

Dr. Joseph Samona graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed AEGD residency at the University of Texas Health San Antonio. He currently works as an associate in private practice in the Metro Detroit area. He is also profoundly Deaf and is a strong advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who are underrepresented in the dental field. He have given lectures at several dental schools and local dental organizations on effective communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. He also developed a project where he created a series of educational videos about oral health in American Sign Language on YouTube to increase accessibility to oral health care. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Dental Association.

Satendra Singh, MD, serves as the Director Professor and Coordinator of the Enabling Unit at the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. Additionally, he holds the role of Co-chair of the International Council for Disability Inclusion in Medical Education and is a steering committee member of the Health Humanities Consortium. As a disability justice advocate, he has spearheaded numerous policy reforms, notably the inclusion of disability rights as mandatory competencies in the new medical curriculum in India. He serves as the organizational head of Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change in India, a nationwide group of health professionals with disabilities dedicated to social justice. Furthermore, he is a member of the core group on disability at the National Human Rights Commission.

Bonus: We Don't Shy Away From Our Disability: Dr Satendra Singh

Interviewer: Dr. Peter Poullos

Interviewees: Emmanuel Asenso, DO, Allison Kessler, MD, MSc, Joseph Samona, DDS, Satendra Singh, MD

Description: 

This episode of the DWDI podcast brings together four incredible individuals for a live recording session during the 5th annual SMADIE conference on April. The panel featured Emmanuel Ascenso, Dr. Joe Simona, Dr. Satendra Singh, and Dr. Allison Kessler, all of whom had previously been interviewed on the podcast and had garnered significant listenership.

Each guest shared their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their experiences as healthcare professionals with disabilities. Throughout the episode, the guests touched on themes of mentorship, intersectionality, and the importance of allies in driving change. They also highlighted the need for tailored feedback, proactive advocacy, and the power of sharing personal stories to educate and empower others.

The episode underscored the significance of acceptance, education, and cross-movement solidarity in creating a more inclusive healthcare environment. 

 Key Words: ADA, Accommodation, Clinical Work, Ableism, Storytelling, Podcast, DocsWithDisabilities, Stuttering, SCI, Deaf, Physical Disability.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/DWDI_Ep_96_Transcript

 Docs With Disabilities Original Interview Episodes Linked

Bio's: 

Dr. Emmanuel Asenso Jr is a second-year resident physician in the combined Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins and MedStar Franklin Square in Baltimore, MD. He was born and raised in Northern Virginia to Ghanaian immigrant parents. He completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, completed his Masters in Public Health from George Washington University in DC, and then completed medical school at Rowan University SOM in New Jersey. He is a person with a childhood-onset fluency disorder, also known as stuttering. Navigating a communication disorder throughout training has been challenging, rewarding, and full of lessons. He is passionate about supporting marginalized people and advocating for health equity through primary care and public health. He is also interested in the intersectionality between racism and people with disabilities. 

Allison Kessler, MD, MSc, is the Section Chief of Renée Crown Center for Spinal Cord Innovation. She is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Medicine. Dr. Kessler is the Associate Director of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's SCI Medicine Fellowship. She holds appointments at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine as Assistant Professor in the Department of PM&R. 

Bonus: Behind the white coat interview

Dr. Joseph Samona graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed AEGD residency at the University of Texas Health San Antonio. He currently works as an associate in private practice in the Metro Detroit area. He is also profoundly Deaf and is a strong advocate for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who are underrepresented in the dental field. He have given lectures at several dental schools and local dental organizations on effective communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.  He also developed a project where he created a series of educational videos about oral health in American Sign Language on YouTube to increase accessibility to oral health care.  He is currently a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Dental Association.

Satendra Singh, MD, serves as the Director Professor and Coordinator of the Enabling Unit at the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. Additionally, he holds the role of Co-chair of the International Council for Disability Inclusion in Medical Education and is a steering committee member of the Health Humanities Consortium. As a disability justice advocate, he has spearheaded numerous policy reforms, notably the inclusion of disability rights as mandatory competencies in the new medical curriculum in India. He serves as the organizational head of Doctors with Disabilities: Agents of Change in India, a nationwide group of health professionals with disabilities dedicated to social justice. Furthermore, he is a member of the core group on disability at the National Human Rights Commission.

Bonus: We Don't Shy Away From Our Disability: Dr Satendra Singh

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Description:

In this special live recording of the "Docs with Disabilities" podcast, host Lisa Meeks interviews medical professionals and educators who have worked to transform technical standards in Canadian medical education to be more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

The panel discusses the shift from restrictive technical standards to core competencies, highlighting the importance of diversity-affirming frameworks over mere accommodations. They share personal stories and insights on the impact of these changes on medical learners and the broader healthcare system. The panel delves into the motivation behind their critical evaluation of outdated technical standards and explains how the project intentionally included individuals with disabilities. This initiative, which expanded across Canada, has garnered multiple endorsements, including from the AFMC and the Medical Deans of Canada.

Members of the committee meticulously re-envisioned Technical Standards for Canadian Medical Education, offering a comprehensive redefinition of the functional abilities required for medical training. This new document aims to dismantle obstacles and create a more inclusive admissions process for Canadian medical schools.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the committee's findings and recommendations, providing admissions teams with guidance on best practices and key messaging. The panel discussion explores the driving force behind this crucial initiative and examines the potential impact of the final document endorsed by the Board of the AFMC.

Discover how the document offers exemplar Functional Abilities for Students Entering and Completing Medical School, paving the way for more meaningful opportunities and greater disability inclusion in Canadian medical education.

Transcript

Resources: https://icam-cimu.ca/

Keywords: technical standards, medical education, doctors with disabilities, ableism, healthcare, health policy, Canadian healthcare, disability inclusion

Bios: Dr. Julia Hanes (she/her) is a second-year resident in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia. She completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University. Throughout her academic pursuits Dr. Hanes has been a keen advocate for improved inclusion and accessibility. Dr. Hanes spearheaded a program to increase accessibility in the intramural sport and recreation program, which included a longitudinal sitting volleyball intramural program. While at medical school Dr. Hanes drafted and advocated for an accessibility policy for all of the Aesculapian Society events, which included all social events, orientation events and interest group activities. This accessibility policy has now been spread to several universities across the country and discussed at institutions across the US. Dr. Hanes is an active member of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD). Through this group Dr. Hanes is leading a project to develop a national curriculum on disability. She has co-authored documents to help disabled student's transition from undergraduate studies to medical school, from pre-clerkship to clerkship and clerkship to residency. As a disabled student herself navigating often inaccessible educational environments, Dr. Hanes has paved a pathway for students following her to tread through. Her self-advocacy efforts prompted the creation of curb cuts, push button installation, swapping of doorknobs to handles, height adjustable tables, and more. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Hanes has done research in the field of childhood disability, including work to improve the quality of care and treatment of children and youth with disabilities and their families. Dr. Hanes is a passionate disability advocate and is eager to share how her experiences of ableism in medical education shapes her perspective and her advocacy efforts.

Dr. Holmes has an MD from UBC in 1984. After ten years of family practice, she enrolled in Internal Medicine at UBC, went on to complete a Critical Care fellowship at UBC and has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada since 1999. From 2001 to July 2018, Dr. Holmes practiced critical care medicine at Kelowna General Hospital where she was involved in clinical education of medical students, residents, and fellows in the ICU. In her current role as Associate Dean Undergraduate Medical Education, she works with senior leadership at all sites of UBC to provide overall curricular oversight of all four years of the UGME program. As Head of the UBC Division of Critical Care, she is responsible for academic leadership of clinical care, education, and research in critical care. Dr. Holmes serves as Vice Chair of the UGME Deans'; Council for the Association of the Faculties of Medicine in Canada (AFMC) and collaborates on initiatives such as the Culture of Academic Medicine Initiative, the Okanagan Charter Collaborative for the AFMC and is Chairing the "Re-envisioning Technical Standards in Canadian Medical Education" Working Group. Dr. Holmes also serves on the Committee for the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and holds the position of Chair of the CACMS Standards Subcommittee. She is on the Board of the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) and serves as Chair of the CaRMS Board EDI Subcommittee. Through these roles, Dr. Holmes is committed to cultivating respectful, compassionate, and health-promoting environments in academic medicine, where equity, decolonization, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, belonging (EDDIAB) and social justice are prioritized. Dr. Holmes' academic interests include promoting learner wellbeing, fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments, social accountability of medical schools, and facilitating the professional identity formation of health professionals. In 2015, she received the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit for her outstanding contributions.

Rachel Giddings is a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Making medical education more accessible to students with disabilities is a particular interest of hers. Her current research is focused on the technical standards currently utilized by medical schools across Canada. In addition, Rachel is a member of the "Re-envisioning Technical Standards in Canadian Medical Education" Working Group.

Produced by:Dr. Lisa Meeks

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Description: 

In this special live recording of the "Docs with Disabilities" podcast, host Lisa Meeks interviews medical professionals and educators who have worked to transform technical standards in Canadian medical education to be more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.

The panel discusses the shift from restrictive technical standards to core competencies, highlighting the importance of diversity-affirming frameworks over mere accommodations. They share personal stories and insights on the impact of these changes on medical learners and the broader healthcare system. The panel delves into the motivation behind their critical evaluation of outdated technical standards and explains how the project intentionally included individuals with disabilities. This initiative, which expanded across Canada, has garnered multiple endorsements, including from the AFMC and the Medical Deans of Canada.

Members of the committee meticulously re-envisioned Technical Standards for Canadian Medical Education, offering a comprehensive redefinition of the functional abilities required for medical training. This new document aims to dismantle obstacles and create a more inclusive admissions process for Canadian medical schools.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the committee's findings and recommendations, providing admissions teams with guidance on best practices and key messaging. The panel discussion explores the driving force behind this crucial initiative and examines the potential impact of the final document endorsed by the Board of the AFMC.

Discover how the document offers exemplar Functional Abilities for Students Entering and Completing Medical School, paving the way for more meaningful opportunities and greater disability inclusion in Canadian medical education.

Transcript

Resources: https://icam-cimu.ca/ 

Keywords: technical standards, medical education, doctors with disabilities, ableism, healthcare, health policy, Canadian healthcare, disability inclusion

Bios: Dr. Julia Hanes (she/her) is a second-year resident in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of British Columbia. She completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University. Throughout her academic pursuits Dr. Hanes has been a keen advocate for improved inclusion and accessibility. Dr. Hanes spearheaded a program to increase accessibility in the intramural sport and recreation program, which included a longitudinal sitting volleyball intramural program. While at medical school Dr. Hanes drafted and advocated for an accessibility policy for all of the Aesculapian Society events, which included all social events, orientation events and interest group activities. This accessibility policy has now been spread to several universities across the country and discussed at institutions across the US.  Dr. Hanes is an active member of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD). Through this group Dr. Hanes is leading a project to develop a national curriculum on disability. She has co-authored documents to help disabled student's transition from undergraduate studies to medical school, from pre-clerkship to clerkship and clerkship to residency. As a disabled student herself navigating often inaccessible educational environments, Dr. Hanes has paved a pathway for students following her to tread through. Her self-advocacy efforts prompted the creation of curb cuts, push button installation, swapping of doorknobs to handles, height adjustable tables, and more. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Hanes has done research in the field of childhood disability, including work to improve the quality of care and treatment of children and youth with disabilities and their families. Dr. Hanes is a passionate disability advocate and is eager to share how her experiences of ableism in medical education shapes her perspective and her advocacy efforts.

Dr. Holmes has an MD from UBC in 1984. After ten years of family practice, she enrolled in Internal Medicine at UBC, went on to complete a Critical Care fellowship at UBC and has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada since 1999. From 2001 to July 2018, Dr. Holmes practiced critical care medicine at Kelowna General Hospital where she was involved in clinical education of medical students, residents, and fellows in the ICU. In her current role as Associate Dean Undergraduate Medical Education, she works with senior leadership at all sites of UBC to provide overall curricular oversight of all four years of the UGME program. As Head of the UBC Division of Critical Care, she is responsible for academic leadership of clinical care, education, and research in critical care. Dr. Holmes serves as Vice Chair of the UGME Deans'; Council for the Association of the Faculties of Medicine in Canada (AFMC) and collaborates on initiatives such as the Culture of Academic Medicine Initiative, the Okanagan Charter Collaborative for the AFMC and is Chairing the "Re-envisioning Technical Standards in Canadian Medical Education" Working Group. Dr. Holmes also serves on the Committee for the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) and holds the position of Chair of the CACMS Standards Subcommittee. She is on the Board of the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) and serves as Chair of the CaRMS Board EDI Subcommittee. Through these roles, Dr. Holmes is committed to cultivating respectful, compassionate, and health-promoting environments in academic medicine, where equity, decolonization, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, belonging (EDDIAB) and social justice are prioritized. Dr. Holmes' academic interests include promoting learner wellbeing, fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments, social accountability of medical schools, and facilitating the professional identity formation of health professionals. In 2015, she received the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit for her outstanding contributions.

 Rachel Giddings is a second-year medical student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Making medical education more accessible to students with disabilities is a particular interest of hers. Her current research is focused on the technical standards currently utilized by medical schools across Canada. In addition, Rachel is a member of the "Re-envisioning Technical Standards in Canadian Medical Education" Working Group.

Produced by:Dr. Lisa Meeks 

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Interviewees:

Dr. Lynn Ashdown

Dr. Quinten Clarke

Dr. Jerry M. Maniate

Dr. Franco Rizzuti

Description:

In this episode of the "Docs with Disabilities" podcast, co-host Lisa Meeks brings together a panel of doctors with disabilities to discuss their experiences navigating the medical field. The panel, recorded live from the 2024 International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Vancouver, British Columbia, focuses on disability inclusion in Canadian medical education.

The panelists include Drs. Jerry Maniate, Franco Rizzuti, Lynn Ashdown, and Quinten Clark, who share their personal journeys and insights into the challenges and benefits of being a doctor with a disability. They discuss the critical work being done to advance disability inclusion in the medical field in Canada, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, education, and policy development to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

The panelists highlight the need for a shift towards a strength-based approach and away from the traditional medical model of disability. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue, building community support, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and curiosity.

The role of organizations like the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD) is also discussed, highlighting the importance of community building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in the medical field. The panelists stress the need for EDI leaders to support initiatives like CAPD and prioritize accessibility and inclusion for all individuals in training and practice.

Overall, the episode showcases the power of community, collaboration, and advocacy in advancing disability inclusion in the medical field, and highlights the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for doctors with disabilities.

Keywords: medical education, disability, doctors with disabilities, Canadian healthcare, disability inclusion, DEI, ableism, Canada, PGY, Canadian Federation of Medical Students, Ontario Legislature, Canadian Medical Association, CSA standards, Accreditation Canada, Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD), community building

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z3NGvpXduR0kPualb9at_gt6YgSKf6HkzEx7Fm4agwQ/edit?usp=share_link

Produced by:Dr. Lisa Meeks

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Interviewees: 

Dr. Lynn Ashdown

Dr. Quinten Clarke

Dr. Jerry M. Maniate

Dr. Franco Rizzuti

Description: 

In this episode of the "Docs with Disabilities" podcast, co-host Lisa Meeks brings together a panel of doctors with disabilities to discuss their experiences navigating the medical field. The panel, recorded live from the 2024 International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Vancouver, British Columbia, focuses on disability inclusion in Canadian medical education.

The panelists include Drs. Jerry Maniate, Franco Rizzuti, Lynn Ashdown, and Quinten Clark, who share their personal journeys and insights into the challenges and benefits of being a doctor with a disability. They discuss the critical work being done to advance disability inclusion in the medical field in Canada, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, education, and policy development to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

The panelists highlight the need for a shift towards a strength-based approach and away from the traditional medical model of disability. They emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue, building community support, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and curiosity.

The role of organizations like the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD) is also discussed, highlighting the importance of community building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities in the medical field. The panelists stress the need for EDI leaders to support initiatives like CAPD and prioritize accessibility and inclusion for all individuals in training and practice.

Overall, the episode showcases the power of community, collaboration, and advocacy in advancing disability inclusion in the medical field, and highlights the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for doctors with disabilities.

Keywords: medical education, disability, doctors with disabilities, Canadian healthcare, disability inclusion, DEI, ableism, Canada, PGY, Canadian Federation of Medical Students, Ontario Legislature, Canadian Medical Association, CSA standards, Accreditation Canada, Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD), community building

Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z3NGvpXduR0kPualb9at_gt6YgSKf6HkzEx7Fm4agwQ/edit?usp=share_link

Produced by:Dr. Lisa Meeks 

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan