Physicians have disabilities too: New research calls for a more accessible medical workforce
New research indicates that 5% of practicing physicians report a disability "always or often," and another 12% report disability "sometimes." The authors call for action on improving accessibility to ensure equity and sustainability in the physician workforce. The study is published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
A new study highlights that 5% of practicing physicians in Canada report a disability always or often, and 12% experience disability occasionally. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published the research, which calls for improved accessibility to ensure equity and sustainability within the physician workforce. Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that mental health disabilities were the most common, followed by visual impairments.
Female physicians were more likely to have disabilities compared to their male counterparts. Despite generally declining disability rates with age, 5.2% of physicians under 35 years old still reported disabilities. The study, based on the mandatory 2021 Canadian long-form census, provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of disabilities among physicians.
The authors emphasize that supporting physicians with disabilities is crucial for Canada's health systems, as accessible workplaces and equitable policies can promote well-being and retention. Additionally, increasing accessibility may enhance patient care by better representing the diverse population served.
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