Part 3: Creating the Conditions for Disclosure

What makes disability disclosure feel safe, supported, and meaningful in healthcare? In the final episode of the Disclosureseries, we move beyond the barriers to examine the conditions that allow disclosure to lead to access, trust, and belonging. Through the perspectives of medical students, physician assistant students, fellows, physicians, and educators, this episode explores how institutional systems, responsive accommodations, inclusive leadership, and everyday acts of advocacy shape disclosure experiences across medical training and practice. Contributors reflect on the importance of flexible accommodation processes, proactive communication, faculty and peer support, and the role of community in fostering psychological safety. Together, these stories demonstrate that while policies create opportunities for access, people create the conditions for trust—and that building environments where disabled learners and clinicians can thrive ultimately strengthens healthcare for everyone.

Featured Contributors

• Anonymous Physician Assistant Student
• Khaja Siddiqui
• Anonymous Medical Student
• Anonymous Fellow
• Dr. Andrea Lendaris
• Dr. Karla Castro-Frenzel

Transcript

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vgn-NGI52buG-xXUxIOCBMhd3oM6Jyz-9W0KDP-KwG0/edit?usp=sharing

Keywords

Disability disclosure Disability accommodations Medical education Clinical accommodations Medical students with disabilities Residents with disabilities Healthcare workplace culture Psychological safety Faculty advocacy Inclusive leadership Accessibility in medicine Physicians with disabilities Health professions education Disability inclusion Healthcare culture Community and belonging Identity safety

Production Team

Developer, Writer, Executive Producer: Sofia Schlozman

Co-Producers: Rylee Betchkal and Lisa Meeks

Co-Producer, Sound Selection and Editing: Gabe Abrams

Sound Production: Next Day Podcast

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan