Ep 63: Innovative Healthcare for Individuals with IDD: Dr. Toni Benton on Collaborative Care

In this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude is joined by Dr. Toni Benton, a professor and medical director at the University of New Mexico's Family Medicine department. Together, they dive into the complexities of healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Benton shares insights about her work with the Transdisciplinary Evaluation and Support (TES) Clinic, a program that's been providing innovative, community-based care for over 30 years. Dr. Benton explains how her team, which includes medical professionals, social workers, and various specialists, provides comprehensive evaluations for individuals across New Mexico. The TES Clinic addresses complex medical, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges, working closely with families and care teams to find effective solutions. Through thoughtful case studies and examples, Dr. Benton emphasizes the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary healthcare, highlighting how their evaluations have transformed lives. Listeners will also hear about the clinic's capacity-building efforts, where Dr. Benton's team teaches and supports local clinicians to ensure long-term care improvements. Dr. Benton offers practical tips for professionals working with individuals who cannot communicate verbally, stressing the importance of listening with more than just ears and recognizing subtle signs during physical exams. Tune in for a deep dive into this unique model of care and discover how collaboration and dedication can enhance health outcomes for people with IDD.