WSUGME welcomes trainees with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring full and equal employment, access to public accommodation, and the provision of educational opportunities to all disabled qualified residents in training in our residency/fellowship programs.

Persons with disabilities who are covered under this policy include applicants seeking admission to residency programs and residents who, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet the essential functions of their residency or fellowship program. 

The process begins by the matched or current resident or fellow submitting a request for an accommodation to the Employment Service Center of the WSU Office of Equal Opportunity, which can provide detailed information and advice about disability accommodation and access. The procedure for requesting an accommodation and the accommodation request form for Individuals with Disabilities can be found on this OEO webpage.

Resources available at the national level

There are several national organizations that focus on assisting trainees and physicians with disabilities.

The Docs with Disabilities Initiative (DWDI) uses "research, education, and sharing of stories to drive change in policy and procedure leading to more inclusive educational environments for students with disabilities." Their website contains resources, materials, research opportunities, a podcast and book club, and guidelines for medical students, residents, faculty, and program leadership. The site has a short video that provides an overview of disability in healthcare professions.

• The Docs with Disabilities Podcast aims "to highlight disability stories and research while providing valuable education for Disability Resource Professionals."  There are podcast episodes on a variety of topics, including interviews with disabled doctors as well as experts in disability.  In July 2023, GME Associate Dean and DIO Anne Messman was interviewed by DWDI Executive Director Lisa Meeks about her experiences as a physician with multiple sclerosis and how she shared her diagnosis with co-workers and colleagues.  Listen to this podcast here.

Stanford Medicine Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Equity (SMADIE) acts as an advocate for resources, education, training, policies, accessibility, and services at Stanford Medicine. SMADIE is "guided not just by law and an accommodations-based approach but goes beyond by dismantling systemic discrimination through universal design."

Medical Students with Disability or Chronic Illness (MSDCI) a national student organization that seeks to support and serve trainees with a disability and/or chronic illness. MSDCI is "committed to increasing accessibility of medical education for trainees of all abilities as well as advocating for and improving health equity for patients with disabilities."