5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  The ACP calls for structural reforms in medical education and healthcare to address disparities faced by patients with disabilities.

• 2

  Patients with disabilities experience significant health disparities, including higher mortality rates and barriers to accessing care.

• 3

  Only 3% of practicing physicians and 5% of medical students in the US have disabilities, highlighting a lack of representation.

• 4

  The ACP recommends designating patients with disabilities as a Special Medically Underserved Population to improve care access.

• 5

  Barriers in medical education persist, with many schools lacking clear policies on accommodations for students with disabilities.