In this compelling episode, Dr. Candace Sprott engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. John Hall, a seasoned Internal Medicine physician with a unique perspective on disability in the medical field. Dr. Hall shares his remarkable career journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and the pivotal decision to transition from Obstetrics and Gynecology to Internal Medicine due to his physical disability. The episode explores the nuances of the day-to-day experiences of physicians and patients with disabilities and seeks to advance the conversation around strategies that promote inclusivity and celebrate intersectionality. 
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Show Notes
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Learning Objectives:
  1. Define the legal framework of disability as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
  2. Identify strategies for person-centered care for people with disabilities, understanding the significance of tailoring interactions with these patients based on individual preferences.
  3. Examine the concept of intersectionality in healthcare, identifying how various aspects of identity, including disability, influence the patient-physician relationship and acknowledging the diverse ways individuals view their disabilities.

[00:30] Welcome and Introduction:
Host: Dr. Candace Sprott, Internal Medicine- and Pediatrics-trained physician.
Guest: Dr. John Hall, practicing in Buffalo, New York, specializing in Internal Medicine, primary care, and obstetric medicine. Current Governor, New York Upstate Chapter of American College of Physicians

[02:15] Defining Disability:
  • ADA definition: "an individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."
  • Dr. Hall's perspective: Legal definitions vs. lived experiences; the importance of recognizing accessibility and inclusivity.

[06:00] The Power of the Stethoscope:
  • Dr. Hall shares his narrative on the privilege of being a physician and how the stethoscope can change perceptions, allowing individuals with disabilities to be seen beyond their disability.

[08:00] Physician-Patient Relationship and Intersectionality:
  • The unique dynamics of the physician-patient relationship.
  • Discussion on intersectional identities and how individuals may view and express their disabilities differently.

[11:00] Training Challenges and Career Pivot:
  • Dr. Hall's training in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the challenges faced due to his visible physical disability.
  • The fortunate pivot towards Internal Medicine and obstetric medicine, aligning with his interests.

[14:00] Day-to-Day Practice and Person-Centered Care:
  • Dr. Hall's approach to recognizing and addressing disabilities in his patients.
  • The importance of acknowledging disabilities but not letting them overshadow the person.

[17:00] Accessibility vs. Inclusivity:
  • Differentiating between legal requirements and real-life experiences regarding accessibility and inclusivity.
  • The need for diverse voices in creating policies and environments.

[22:00] Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Medicine:
  • Dr. Hall emphasizes the positive impact of DEI efforts, expanding to include more diverse populations, including people with disabilities.

[28:00] Closing Thoughts:
  • Dr. Hall expresses hope that the conversation can contribute to a deeper understanding of the spirit of DEI, encouraging continuous improvement in inclusivity.

[29:00] Outro

Credits:
Guests: Dr. John Hall
Host/Associate Producer: Dr. Candace Sprott 
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman
Production Assistants: Dr. Erynn Beeson, Andrea Anampa-Guzmán
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.com


References and Resources:
  1. Hall JD. The Power of the Stethoscope. J Gen Intern Med. 2023 May;38(6):1552-1553. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-08012-3. Epub 2023 Jan 17. PMID: 36650325; PMCID: PMC10160322.
  2. https://msdci.org/: MSDCI is a student-led organization striving to support and serve medical students with disability and/or chronic illness. 
  3. https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/resources: 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. 

Disclaimer: The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with. 

The DEI Shift podcast is proudly sponsored by the American College of Physicians Southern California Region III Chapter.  
The DEI Shift theme music is by Chris Dingman. Learn more at www.chrisdingman.com. 

Twitter and Instagram @TheDEIshift, email at [email protected], and our website www.thedeishift.com

Disclaimer

.The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.
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