Medical Students Step Up for Disability Awareness

Medical students often lack exposure to disability issues, which can lead to misunderstandings and unease when treating patients with disabilities. A group aimed to change this by creating an optional course. They wanted to boost students' skills in understanding and supporting people with disabilities. To get started, they did some research. They looked at what was already being taught and talked to people with disabilities in the community. This helped them figure out what was missing in the medical school curriculum. They also found out what topics were important to the community. The course, called Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)-Minded for Disability, had five sessions. It was offered in 2023 and 2024. Eleven students took part. Before and after the course, students filled out a survey. They rated their confidence on a scale from one to five. They also answered open-ended questions. After the course, students reported feeling more confident in all areas. They gained a better understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face when trying to get healthcare. They also learned how to stand up for their future patients with disabilities. What made this course unique was the involvement of people with disabilities in its creation. This ensured the content was relevant and highlighted the real-life experiences of people with disabilities. The course did more than just teach students about disability and health issues. It gave them the tools to advocate for people with disabilities. This is a big deal because it means future doctors will be better equipped to care for this often-overlooked group. However, it is important to note that this course was optional. It would be interesting to see if the same results could be achieved if the content was integrated into the core curriculum. The course also shed light on the gaps in current medical education. It showed that there's a need for more disability education in medical schools. This is not just about teaching students to be more aware. It's about empowering them to make a real difference in the lives of their patients. The course was a step in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go. Medical schools need to make disability education a priority. They need to ensure that all students, not just those who choose to take an optional course, are equipped to provide the best possible care to all patients.