Improving undergraduate medical training on intellectual and developmental disabilities through clinical skills sessions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.82029Abstract
At the University of Toronto, in collaboration with Special Olympics Ontario (SOO), we integrated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) into first-year clinical skills sessions through the existing volunteer patient program. Students reported increased confidence and communication skills, while volunteers felt respected and empowered. This initiative addresses a critical training gap by offering early, authentic exposure to a population often marginalized in healthcare. Other institutions can adopt this model to foster more well-rounded, inclusive medical trainees. Embedding individuals with IDD into clinical education improves learner preparedness and promotes equity, empathy, and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
References
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3. Stone EM, Bonsignore S, Crystal S, Samples H. Disabled patients' experiences of healthcare services in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Health Serv Res. 2025 Mar 4;60(4):e14598. Epub ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.14598
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