Docs With Disabilities Initiative
The Docs with Disabilities initiative uses research, education, collective leadership 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.
Our Work
The Docs with Disabilities Initiative (DWDI) values diversity in all its forms and is committed to supporting the unique identities our team and community bring. To develop the next generation of medical and health science professionals, we believe in embracing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while ensuring intentional representation across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, disability status, and more.
We are deeply committed to equity in health professions training and to deconstructing racism ableism and heterosexism. Our programs not only embrace these principles but actively work to advance them. This commitment extends to being mindful of the complex layers of identity and privilege, creating spaces where differences are celebrated and valued.
DWDI works to challenge bias and discrimination while ensuring that diverse perspectives shape our efforts in research, education, mentorship, and leadership development. By fostering a sense of belonging and advancing structural equity, we aim to uplift those who have historically been underserved and underrepresented in health professions.
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.