
The Docs with Disabilities initiative uses research, education, and sharing of stories to drive change in perceptions, disability policy, and procedures in health professions, biomedical and science education.
Our aim is to build more inclusive educational environments for trainees with disabilities and increase representation of disabled clinicians and scientists in the biomedical workforce.
Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The DWDI recognizes and values diversity in all its forms and is committed to embracing and supporting the myriad of identities our team and community bring to the experience.
We firmly believe, in order to foster the next generation of medical and health science clinicians, scientists, and DRP's, we must not only embrace the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, but also make intentional efforts to represent diversity across our programs, being mindful of race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, disability status, educational background, and other complex layers of privilege and power.
The DWDI is committed to actively challenging bias and discrimination and pursuing efforts to ensure differences are welcomed, varied perspectives are readily available, and that our community is filled with a spirit of belonging and inclusion.
Press

TIME MAGAZINE COVERS DWDI
The DocsWithDisabilities initiative, which started as a social media campaign in 2018 and then a podcast highlighting stories of disabled health care workers, will now include research groups, mentorship opportunities, policy recommendations and training for medical professionals on how to better include people with disabilities. Read more...

PRESS RELEASE
On the heels of the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Dr. Lisa Meeks, an assistant professor of Learning Health Sciences and Family Medicine at the University of Michigan, and her team, launched the DocsWithDisabilities Initiative, a first-of-its-kind coordinated effort to systematically improve the inclusion of disabled individuals in health professions education. Read our press release...
Our Goals

Elevate People
Share stories of physicians, nurses, and medical professionals, in their own words.

Foster Awareness
Increase visibility of disabled health care providers.

Build Community
Create a virtual space for people to connect and support one another in their journeys.

Impact Inclusion
Conduct research and education that informs policy and practice.