Episode 99: Navigating Medical Training: Fireside Chat on Accommodation Disparities Among Medical Trainees with Non-Apparent Disabilities

Interviewees: Dr. Jo Hartland and Dr. Megan Brown

Interviewer: Lisa Meeks

Description:

In this compelling episode of the Docs with Disabilities podcast, host Lisa Meeks explores the unique challenges and privileges faced by medical professionals with non-apparent disabilities. Recorded at the 2024 Annual Scholarship Meeting in Warwick, UK, this episode features insightful conversations with Dr. Megan Brown and Dr. Joe Heartland.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Navigating disclosure and accommodation requests for non-apparent disabilities

• Structural and climate-related barriers in medical training

• The privilege and peril of having a non-apparent disability

• Personal experiences with masking and unmasking disabilities

• The impact of mental health-related disabilities in the medical field

• The culture of medicine and its disconnect with self-care

Trigger Warning:
Around three-quarters into the episode, the topic of suicidality is discussed in a direct manner. If this topic is triggering for you, we suggest forgoing this episode. Your health is our priority.

Keywords: Non-Apparent Disability, Autoimmune Disorder, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiverse, Hip Surgery, Walking Stick, Cane, Scooter, Medical Training, Mental Health, Psychological Disability, UK, Accommodations. 

Transcript

Bios: 

Dr Megan Brown (she/they) is a Senior Research Associate in Medical Education at Newcastle University, in the School of Medicine, in the UK. She trained as a doctor, but decided to leave practice and has subsequently pursued medical education research. She is multiply disabled – she uses a walking stick, and is neurodivergent. Megan’s research has focused on issues relating to the clinical education workforce within the UK, and equality, diversity, and inclusion within this workforce across the spectrum of undergraduate to postgraduate experience. She is a published poet, and is passionate about creative methods of expression and research.

Dr Jo Hartland (they/them) qualified from Cardiff University in 2013 and left NHS clinical work in 2018. They have worked at the University of Bristol Medical School since 2018, and are the current School Deputy Education Director for Student Equity Diversity and Inclusion. Their teaching focuses on the integration of marginalised people’s voices in healthcare curriculums, and empowering students to be agents of change in the face of health inequity. They sit on the executive board of the UK Medical Schools Council EDI Alliance, with a focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion and reasonable adjustments for disability. Their research interests lie in the intersection of professionalism and how this can act as a gatekeeping device for marginalised communities accessing healthcare careers. Outside of their university work Jo is a queer health activist and lead author of the GLADD UK Charter on So-Called LGBTQ+ ‘Conversion Therapy’. In 2022 they received the NHS England LGBTQ+ Health Advisor Award and Attitude magazine’s 2023 Pride Award.

 

Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks 

Audio editor: Jacob Feeman

Digital Media: Katie Sullivan and Lisa Meeks 

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Resources: 

Disability Pride Month 2024 Special Virtual Issue: Medical Education 

Association for the Study of Medical Education