Celebrating
at the University of Michigan
Winter 2018
Disability Health –
Family Medicine Leads in Education, Patient Care and Research In This Issue From the Chair 2 Clinical Mission 3 Education Mission 5 Research Mission 8 Alumni News 12 Faculty Activity 13
The Department of Family Medicine is poised to become a premier institution in providing research, recommendations and resources on the inclusion of people with disabilities in medicine. With our faculty members leading the way in patient care, education and research, the vision of establishing a center for disability health is within reach as others look to partner, support and enhance our ongoing and future initiatives. Education More than 20% of Americans – nearly 57 million people – live with a disability. Yet, as few as 2% of practicing physicians share this experience and the majority acquire their disability after training. Lisa M. Meeks, Ph.D., lecturer, has a clear vision to improve disability inclusion and access in medical education. Dr. Meeks is currently working to establish the University of Michigan Medical School as the model for educating other medical schools on students with disabilities where anyone can access both physical space and learning experiences. In turn, this curriculum will facilitate informed and improved care for individuals with disabilities and expand opportunities for qualified learners in medical education. Creating a diverse team of physicians – including doctors with disabilities – would be good for both patients and doctors.
Patients feel more comfortable around doctors with whom they have shared experiences and this includes those with disabilities. “Learners need effective structures that are sometimes missing, such as clear policies around disabilities and knowledgeable disability service providers. But that is not enough,” says Dr. Meeks. “They also need a culture that lets them know they are welcome.” Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami, M.D., assistant professor of family medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, is also assisting with this effort in his role as director for medical student success with Michigan Medicine’s Office for Health Equity and Inclusion. In this role, he supports the medical students in regard to their well-being, professional development, transition to the wards, taking their boards, applying to residency, and more. He serves as a resource for all students creating an environment where everyone can feel valued and thrive. Patient Care Michigan has a hearing loss population of approximately 870,000, including more than 90,000 Deaf people. Individuals with hearing loss struggle with significantly higher burdens of both medical and behavioral health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes Continued on page 13
http://medicine.umich.edu/dept/family-medicine