Dr. Lisa Iezzoni: What do Doctors Think of Patients with Disabilities?

Marcus is joined by Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, M.D., MSc, professor of medicine at Harvard University. Dr. Iezzoni shares her journey into medicine and about the physical challenges she experienced during medical school that ultimately led to a diagnosis of M.S. Dr. Iezzoni tells how, in the days prior to the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, her education and training in medicine were not enough to overcome the prejudices of superiors in hospitals. Marcus and Lisa discuss what the world was like for people with disabilities prior to 1990 and how many of the same prejudices still remain. Dr. Iezzoni shares her latest research article that shows, nearly 30 years after the ADA, physician perceptions of patients with disabilities still show a great deal of inequality. Key topics:[1:28] Dr. Iezzoni’s early experiences with medicine[3:58] Lisa’s diagnosis and battle with Multiple Sclerosis[6:52] Some of Lisa’s hurdles during medical school, being a student with a disability[9:16] Constructive dismissal[10:08] Being a doctor with a disability before 1990[12:49] Experiencing the world with equal access through the passage of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA)[13:33] Finding community and connections within one’s disability so we don’t feel alone[17:40] A few approx. stats on Multiple Sclerosis in the U.S.[24:55] Dr. Iezzoni’s impactful work within health policy research and how it affects our current U.S. policies[27:51] The most common disability for Americans[29:01] Dr. Iezzoni’s research on the assumptions of doctors on patients with disabilities[30:34] The most shocking finding from Dr. Iezzoni’s research, in her opinion[31:35] The implications for real world treatment because of this implicit bias[34:00] What can we do to improve the current perception of patients with disabilities?[40:07] What piece of art would Lisa take with her on a desert island?[41:43] What fictional character would Lisa be for a day?[43:25] If Lisa could share one message with the world, what would it be?Resources for you:Learn more about Dr. Lisa Iezzoni’s work: https://mghmonganhealthpolicy.org/faculty/about-dr-iezzoni/Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/Connect with Marcus on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcusEngelSpeaker/Connect with Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusengel/Subscribe to the podcast through Apple: https://bit.ly/MarcusEngelPodcastSubscribe to the podcast through Spotify: https://bit.ly/Spotify-MarcusEngelPodcastLearn more about Dr. Lisa Iezzoni, M.D., MSc:Lisa I. Iezzoni is Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and based at the Health Policy Research Center, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Iezzoni has conducted numerous studies for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institutes of Health, the Medicare agency, and private foundations. Her early career focused on risk adjustment methods for costs and clinical outcomes and assessing quality of care; since 1998, her research has focused on improving the lived experiences and health care quality of adults with disability. She has served on numerous national committees and chaired the Medical Diagnostic Equipment Accessibility Standards Advisory Committee for the U.S. Access Board. Dr. Iezzoni is a member of the National Academy of Medicine in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.Date: 02/08/2022Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in HealthcareEpisode title and number: Episode 33 – Dr. Lisa Iezzoni: What do Doctors Think of Patients with Disabilities?