In an op-ed for The New York Times, Dr. Blauwet comments on her experience thus far in the medical industry as a physician with a disability. She said the range of patients’ reactions to learning she is a wheelchair user varies, usually by generation. Younger patients who have grown up with a heightened awareness of disability in society typically do not react negatively.
However, Dr. Blauwet said older patients more often react with confusion, curiosity or dismay.
She wrote such reactions do not necessarily stem from an individual’s direct prejudice against physicians with disabilities, but rather their lack of experience interacting with physicians with disabilities.
“People with disabilities often express fear or dissatisfaction with our healthcare system because they face poor access and discriminatory attitudes. This must change. Perhaps having more doctors with disabilities is one solution. As with any underrepresented group in medicine, professional diversity should reflect our population’s diversity. That simple change can bring awareness, empathy and a shared experience that ultimately makes all of us better,” Dr. Blauwet wrote.
To read Dr. Blauwet’s full op-ed, click here.
More articles on hospital-physician relationships:
Report: At least 3,085 hospital employees filed sexual harassment claims between 1995 and 2016
At least 12 physicians disciplined by state medical boards following involvement with Avanir Pharmaceuticals: 7 things to know
Former Merck CEO donates $250M to Columbia University medical school to eliminate student debt
