A GIM Redefines Physician Inclusion in Medicine

Are you a medical student or resident living with a disability and/or chronic illness, and unsure what accommodations you’re entitled to during training? Or, as a medical trainee or practicing physician, are you aware of these accommodations so you can better support your peers and colleagues?

Dr. Michael Quon, FRCPC (General Internal Medicine), joins host Dr. Cameron Wong to explore an often overlooked but essential part of medical training: recognizing, requesting, and providing appropriate accommodations. Early in his career, Dr. Quon experienced a moderate traumatic brain injury... a moment that shifted his understanding of medicine from both sides of the stethoscope. He explains how this experience motivated his advocacy and leadership in disability inclusion within the physician community.

Dr. Quon clarifies what accommodations can look like at the learner level, offering concrete examples for those who may not even know where to begin. He also speaks to the persistent barriers in this work: the widespread lack of awareness around accommodation rights, and the stigma that leaves many trainees reluctant to disclose their needs for fear of being judged as “less capable.”

Importantly, Dr. Quon also shares how he received the Royal College’s Canadian Aid & Action Fund to support the development of the Physician Health Inclusion Community of Practice , an initiative dedicated to advancing accessibility and creating safer, more supportive environments for physicians and trainees across Canada. For more resources, check out the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities. 

If you particpate in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It’s free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.