Disability Health Research

Nearly one in four Americans identify themselves as a person with a disability, with most having experienced significant health inequities. People with disabilities are rarely the focus of health care efforts, including in the areas of research, education, and employment. As a result, they remain underrepresented in medical education settings and healthcare professions. 

The U-M Medical School Department of Family Medicine supports MDisability, a collaborative program led by Professor Michael M. McKee, MD, MPH, that focuses on improving primary care for people with disabilities through medical education, research, clinical care, and community partnerships.

Additionally, postdoctoral scholars, clinicians, and researchers who wish to study or practice disability health have limited pathways for advancing their knowledge. A critical need exists to address disparities and underrepresentation through coordinated initiatives across primary care, medical education, and research.

MDisability is committed to providing opportunities for training, research, and education, which contribute to culturally compassionate, person-centered primary care and increased representation of people with disabilities.