Physicians with Disabilities: A Conversation with Dr. John Hall

The DEI Shift

Many Internal Medicine physicians may have limited awareness and understanding of the diverse accommodation needs that physicians and patients with disabilities may require. This gap in knowledge can hinder the creation of inclusive work environments, affect the overall well-being and performance of physicians with disabilities as well as negatively impact the patient-physician relationship.

You are invited to join Dr. Candace Sprott as she explores the knowledge gaps that Internal Medicine physicians may have related to effective communication and interactions with physician colleagues and patients who have disabilities. Her guest, Dr. John Hall, shares his personal experience understanding diverse communication styles, utilizing accessible communication tools, and being aware of potential barriers in the healthcare setting.

First, listen to the podcast. After listening, ACP members can take the CME/MOC quiz for free.

CME/MOC:

Up to 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits ™ and MOC Points
Expires December 07, 2026   active

Cost:

Free to Members

Format:

Podcasts and Audio Content

Product:

The DEI Shift

The DEI Shift's mission is to create a podcast series on diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) in medicine that sparks discussion and provides practice-changing data and stories for a physician, student, allied health professional, and health care leader audience. Listeners will be able to gain useful information to improve their practices and environments, to gain empathy, cultural competency, and humility, and to learn more about emerging D.E.I. concepts. The DEI Shift will discuss issues related to gender, race, sexuality, religion, ability, socioeconomics, and so much more.

Host/Associate Producer: Dr. Candace Sprott

Guest: Dr. John Hall

Production Assistants: Dr. Erynn Beeson, Andrea Anampa-Guzmán

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.

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 thedeishift@gmail.com, and our website www.thedeishift.com

Contributors

Pooja Jaeel, MD, ACP Member –  Co-Executive Producers

John Hall, MD, FACP - Guest

Candace Sprott, MD, MBA, FACP -  Host/Associate Producer

Maggie Kozman, MD, ACP Member – Co-Executive Producers

Tammy Lin, MD, MPH, FACP – Executive Producer

Erynn Beeson, MD, ACP Member – Production Assistant

Andrea Anampa-Guzmán, MD – Production Assistant

Reviewers

Tammy Lin, MD, MPH, FACP – Stock: Abbott Labs, AbbVie, Inc., Cybele Microbiome

Marianne Parshley, MD, FACP

None of the contributors or reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.  All financial relationships have been mitigated.

Release Date: December 8, 2023

Expiration Date: December 7, 2026

CME Credit

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American College of Physicians and the DEI Shift.  The American College of Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American College of Physicians designates each enduring material (podcast) for 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABIM Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Points

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to .5 medical knowledge MOC Point in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.  Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

How to Claim CME Credit and MOC Points

After listening to the podcast, complete a brief multiple-choice question quiz.  To claim CME credit and MOC points you must achieve a minimum passing score of 66%.  You may take the quiz multiple times to achieve a passing score.