Applying for Accommodations
Stephanie Moss, MD she/her/ella PGY-2 Psychiatry at Rosalind Franklin University Chief Resident for Medical Student Education & Resident Wellness
Disclosures
Recording Video - will edit and cut during participation questions Presenting today in the city of Chicago is located on the ancestral lands of many Indigenous nations, most notably:Council of the Three Fires (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations)As well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo, and Illinois Nations Personal Lens & Experience based on identities of being Mexican-American, First Generation Doctor, Married, Hetero-sexual, Cis-Female with invisible disabilities which include PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Endometriosis, & Intersticial Cystitis
Disclosure
Disability Definition
Disability in Medicine
My Journey
Applying for Accommodations
Accommodations Personal Statement
Overview
Accommodations Provider Letter
Accommodations in Residency Apps & Interviews
Laws & Protections
Why we need YOU disability in Medicine
Q&A / Discussion
What is a disability?
My Definition
Definition of a Disability
A physicial or mental health condition limiting your ability to do your very best in academics, work environment, relationships, or in life in general
An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
Definitions
Disability in Medicine
Stats
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/graduation-questionnaire-gq
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/graduation-questionnaire-gq
LOA Survey: Disabilities & Under-represented in Medicine
Total Number of participants: 59 medstudents from different medical schools Demographics: • 20 of 41 students (48.7%) identified as Hispanic/ Latinx • 29 of 41 respondents (70.7%) to the gender question identified as female • 16 of 40 students (38%) disclosed household income of below ($25,000), placing many at or below federal poverty line URM: 32 of 41 (80%) • 15 of 32 (46.9%) due to first-generation student status • 10 of 32 (31.3%) due to race • 6 of 32 (18.8%) due to disability 22 of 59 students took an LOA between M2 and M.3 37 of 59 students had to take a LOA to study for Step 1 or 2 29 reported having diagnosed disability or chronic illness • 17 of 29 (58.6%) students disclosed a diagnosis of ADHD, • 15 of 29 (51.7%) disclosed a mental health
There is power in being vulnerable
Brene´ Brown
My Journey
My Med School Timeline
M3
LOA
M2
M1
M4
Dual Applied Psychiatry & Family Medicine Disclosed in Applications & Interviews Pubs & NEW Podcast
Clinicals with Accomodations (breaks & sick time) STEP 2: 1.25 Extended Testing Time & Double Break time
Sex&Repro Block - Failed Diagnosed with Endometriosis & Infertility Struggled to Pass Step 1
Failed STEP 1 x 2 1st Time Accomodations Requested to NBME Double break Time Significant Health Challenges & Financial Struggles
Moved to Chicago with my Husband (also M1 at Rush)
COVID in March --> Virtual Classes
@medpsycmoss
USMLE/COMLEX Accommodations Application
Personal Story/Statement
[Your Name][USMLE/COMLEX ID] To whom it may concern, This personal statement explains my request for [extra break time, testing time, testing over two days, etc] for my upcoming [USMLE STEP/COMLEX] examination due to my diagnosis of [Diagnosis with Codes].
Personal Statement
Attached in my application are the following: • Letter from [Doctor - DO/MD] • Letter from [Therapist/Councler] • Letter from [Academic Advisor/Accommodations Dept] • Previous Accommodations from [Exam/School] • [Imaging, Testing, Neuro/Psyc Evaluations, etc]
Personal Statement
Attached in my application are the following: • Letter from [Doctor - DO/MD] • Letter from [Therapist/Councler] • Letter from [Academic Advisor/Accommodations Dept] • Previous Accommodations from [Exam/School] • [Imaging, Testing, Neuro/Psyc Evaluations, etc]
Personal Statement
My academic background struggles [with or without] accommodations: • Grades in Elementary, Middle School, High school, College, Medical School • Prior examples in testing Standardized Testing Environments [IB, AP, pSAT, SAT, ACT, MCA T, USMLE, COMLEX, etc] • Emotional symptoms while taking tests • Physical symptoms while taking tests • Running out of time during the exam (Guessing without reading) or break time
Personal Statement
How I addressed struggles [with or without] accommodations: • Going to a doctor/therapist • Getting Tutoring • Taking a Leave of Absence • Going to a Course on How to Study for Tests • Getting Medications, Surgery, Treatment, therapy • Yoga/Mindfulness training • Assistance and mobility devices, etc
Personal Statement
How my Health Condition or Disability impacts me in my: • Personal life - relationships, sleep • Academics - Medical School, Didactics, studdying • During Testing Environment -
Personal Statement
It is for the above reasons related to [health condition/disability] that I am seeking: Extra break time Shorter Testing Blocks Extra testing time Testing over multiple days Seperate room, Ability to bring water/snacks/meds in the room Other? I require this because standard testing conditions can be detrimental to my body, mental health, and test taking experience.
Personal Statement
Will residencies see if I recieved accomodations in medschool? What about on STEP/COMLEX? Do I have to have a Neuro-Psych testing to get accommodations? Do I have to have a letter from a doctor?
Common Questions Recieved
Letters from Provider
What should the Letters Say
[Your Name] has been a patient of mine since [Date]. Patient has a diagnosis of [Diagnosis with Codes] particularly as it applies, there is a significant amount of impairment that would limit [her/his] academic functioning and test-taking ability on [USMLE/COMLEX]. The patient can experience the following symptoms during test-taking [ex: difficulty focusing,sustaining attention over long periods of time, remaining at ease, pain while sitting, intrusive thoughts, etc]
What should the Letters Say
Below are specific symptoms that patient has and how the patient meets [DSM/Medical] criteria for [Diagnosis] DSM/Medical Criteria - Specific example of impairment impacting academics or life
What should the Letters Say
Per patient’s history [examples of previous testing failures, exam retakes, course retakes, etc] with of testing in standard test-taking formats and parameters have not been sufficient to meet the needs of her symptomatology that is a product of her diagnoses. Patient adheres to regular follow up appointments for assessment and medical management including: [Medications, Surgeries, Therapy, supportive devices, etc].
Accommodations for REsidency
Residency Accommodations
In Person to Supervisor (PD, Attending, Chief) To Human Resources or Accessibility Office Staff or current students After being offered a job or hired
Example Questions to Ask:
- Have you had collegues with health conditions or disabilities?
- What resources have you provided for other individuals who have more academic needs?
- Have there been any recent employees who have taken parental leave?
- What happens when someone needs to call out, is there a back up person or do co-workers have to pick up patients?
- I would like to disclose I have a disability because....
- Is there an appropriate person who I can talk to regarding additional needs I may require?
@medpsycmoss
Focussed Disclosure
Ask yourself:- What is the purpose of my disclosure? - Is this to help me or them feel better? - What is the most important thing for them to know? - Am I ACKNOWLEDGING or EXPLAINING myself? - Will this harm our professional relationship in any way?
Learn more at medpsycmoss.com
Laws & Protections
"The ADA prohibits employers from asking questions that are likely to reveal the existence of a disability before making a job offer (i.e., the pre-offer period). This prohibition covers written questionnaires and inquiries made during interviews, as well as medical examinations. However, such questions and medical examinations are permitted after extending a job offer but before the individual begins work (i.e., the post-offer period)."
Facts Sheet: www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/job-applicants-and-ada#potential
CAN NOT ASK (before)
Can ask AFTER
- Do you have a disability which would interfere with your ability to perform the job?
- Do you _____ health condition?
- How many days were you sick last year?
- Have you ever filed for workers' compensation?
- Have you ever been injured on the job?
- Have you ever been treated for a mental health condition?
- What medications are you currently taking?
- Completion of a medical physical
- Urine Drug Screen
- Letter from Phsycian
- What reasonable accomodations do you require?
- Can you meet this list of essential functions with accomodations or accessibility?
@medpsycmoss
Finding a disability Friendly REsidency
Things to look for in a program
- Flexible Scheduling
- MANY Sick, Vacation, & Weekend Days off
- Flexible Call Off System
- Less or NO 24 hr call
- Program Valuing Wellness (SHOW vs SAY)
- Counceling & Therapy Assistance
- Residents with Families or building families
- Section on Website on Accommodations
- Disability Information listed in Contract
- Offers & Covers GOOD Health Insurance
- Offers Disability Insurance
Disability Friendly Programs
More Open
Least Open
Psychiatry
Consider Specialties most Open to Disabilities
Neuro-surgery
Family Medicine
General Surgery
OBGYN
Pediatrics
Neurology
Urology
Internal Medicine
Plastics
Anesthesia
Ortho
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Why We need Disability in Medicine
Benefit to Patients
Benefit to Medicine
Patients can see themselves in their doctor Strengthen Trust & Communication Inspire patients to keep going in face of their illness & disabilities:"If you can do it, I can too" Breaking down sociatal image of doctors being "Super-human" Un-said understanding of "I get it"
Normalizing disabilities in medicine opens in a new tab or window in the medical community It is crucial to breaking down stereotypes and encourages a more empathetic and understanding healthcare environment.
Doctors are humans too!
Life as a Patient Doctor Podcast
Takeaways
- Weigh the Pros & Cons if Disclosing Publically or in a Residency Application
- Know the laws regarding what a future employer Can & CAN NOT ask you
- If you are disclosing keep it focussed and with a specific purpose
- You are NEEDED in medicine
- Programs who don't take ALL of you are not worth your time!
- APPLY for accommodations early in case they request more information or you need to appeal
@medpsycmoss
Refrences & Resources
https://msdci.org
UADA national network- https://adata.org
Job accommodation Network https://askjan.org
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) www.eeoc.gov/
https://medpsycmoss.com/disabilities-resources
Resources
Thank you!
Questions? Thoughts?
Did you know...
Does the window allow for adding more extensive content? You can enhance your genially by incorporating PDFs, videos, text... The content of the window will appear when clicking on the interactive element.
Accommodations Presentation
Stephanie Moss
Created on October 23, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Higher Education Presentation
View
Psychedelic Presentation
View
Harmony Higher Education Thesis
View
Vaporwave presentation
View
Geniaflix Presentation
View
Vintage Mosaic Presentation
View
Modern Zen Presentation
Explore all templates
Transcript
Applying for Accommodations
Stephanie Moss, MD she/her/ella PGY-2 Psychiatry at Rosalind Franklin University Chief Resident for Medical Student Education & Resident Wellness
Disclosures
Recording Video - will edit and cut during participation questions Presenting today in the city of Chicago is located on the ancestral lands of many Indigenous nations, most notably:Council of the Three Fires (Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations)As well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo, and Illinois Nations Personal Lens & Experience based on identities of being Mexican-American, First Generation Doctor, Married, Hetero-sexual, Cis-Female with invisible disabilities which include PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Endometriosis, & Intersticial Cystitis
Disclosure
Disability Definition
Disability in Medicine
My Journey
Applying for Accommodations
Accommodations Personal Statement
Overview
Accommodations Provider Letter
Accommodations in Residency Apps & Interviews
Laws & Protections
Why we need YOU disability in Medicine
Q&A / Discussion
What is a disability?
My Definition
Definition of a Disability
A physicial or mental health condition limiting your ability to do your very best in academics, work environment, relationships, or in life in general
An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.
Definitions
Disability in Medicine
Stats
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/graduation-questionnaire-gq
https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/report/graduation-questionnaire-gq
LOA Survey: Disabilities & Under-represented in Medicine
Total Number of participants: 59 medstudents from different medical schools Demographics: • 20 of 41 students (48.7%) identified as Hispanic/ Latinx • 29 of 41 respondents (70.7%) to the gender question identified as female • 16 of 40 students (38%) disclosed household income of below ($25,000), placing many at or below federal poverty line URM: 32 of 41 (80%) • 15 of 32 (46.9%) due to first-generation student status • 10 of 32 (31.3%) due to race • 6 of 32 (18.8%) due to disability 22 of 59 students took an LOA between M2 and M.3 37 of 59 students had to take a LOA to study for Step 1 or 2 29 reported having diagnosed disability or chronic illness • 17 of 29 (58.6%) students disclosed a diagnosis of ADHD, • 15 of 29 (51.7%) disclosed a mental health
There is power in being vulnerable
Brene´ Brown
My Journey
My Med School Timeline
M3
LOA
M2
M1
M4
Dual Applied Psychiatry & Family Medicine Disclosed in Applications & Interviews Pubs & NEW Podcast
Clinicals with Accomodations (breaks & sick time) STEP 2: 1.25 Extended Testing Time & Double Break time
Sex&Repro Block - Failed Diagnosed with Endometriosis & Infertility Struggled to Pass Step 1
Failed STEP 1 x 2 1st Time Accomodations Requested to NBME Double break Time Significant Health Challenges & Financial Struggles
Moved to Chicago with my Husband (also M1 at Rush)
COVID in March --> Virtual Classes
@medpsycmoss
USMLE/COMLEX Accommodations Application
Personal Story/Statement
[Your Name][USMLE/COMLEX ID] To whom it may concern, This personal statement explains my request for [extra break time, testing time, testing over two days, etc] for my upcoming [USMLE STEP/COMLEX] examination due to my diagnosis of [Diagnosis with Codes].
Personal Statement
Attached in my application are the following: • Letter from [Doctor - DO/MD] • Letter from [Therapist/Councler] • Letter from [Academic Advisor/Accommodations Dept] • Previous Accommodations from [Exam/School] • [Imaging, Testing, Neuro/Psyc Evaluations, etc]
Personal Statement
Attached in my application are the following: • Letter from [Doctor - DO/MD] • Letter from [Therapist/Councler] • Letter from [Academic Advisor/Accommodations Dept] • Previous Accommodations from [Exam/School] • [Imaging, Testing, Neuro/Psyc Evaluations, etc]
Personal Statement
My academic background struggles [with or without] accommodations: • Grades in Elementary, Middle School, High school, College, Medical School • Prior examples in testing Standardized Testing Environments [IB, AP, pSAT, SAT, ACT, MCA T, USMLE, COMLEX, etc] • Emotional symptoms while taking tests • Physical symptoms while taking tests • Running out of time during the exam (Guessing without reading) or break time
Personal Statement
How I addressed struggles [with or without] accommodations: • Going to a doctor/therapist • Getting Tutoring • Taking a Leave of Absence • Going to a Course on How to Study for Tests • Getting Medications, Surgery, Treatment, therapy • Yoga/Mindfulness training • Assistance and mobility devices, etc
Personal Statement
How my Health Condition or Disability impacts me in my: • Personal life - relationships, sleep • Academics - Medical School, Didactics, studdying • During Testing Environment -
Personal Statement
It is for the above reasons related to [health condition/disability] that I am seeking: Extra break time Shorter Testing Blocks Extra testing time Testing over multiple days Seperate room, Ability to bring water/snacks/meds in the room Other? I require this because standard testing conditions can be detrimental to my body, mental health, and test taking experience.
Personal Statement
Will residencies see if I recieved accomodations in medschool? What about on STEP/COMLEX? Do I have to have a Neuro-Psych testing to get accommodations? Do I have to have a letter from a doctor?
Common Questions Recieved
Letters from Provider
What should the Letters Say
[Your Name] has been a patient of mine since [Date]. Patient has a diagnosis of [Diagnosis with Codes] particularly as it applies, there is a significant amount of impairment that would limit [her/his] academic functioning and test-taking ability on [USMLE/COMLEX]. The patient can experience the following symptoms during test-taking [ex: difficulty focusing,sustaining attention over long periods of time, remaining at ease, pain while sitting, intrusive thoughts, etc]
What should the Letters Say
Below are specific symptoms that patient has and how the patient meets [DSM/Medical] criteria for [Diagnosis] DSM/Medical Criteria - Specific example of impairment impacting academics or life
What should the Letters Say
Per patient’s history [examples of previous testing failures, exam retakes, course retakes, etc] with of testing in standard test-taking formats and parameters have not been sufficient to meet the needs of her symptomatology that is a product of her diagnoses. Patient adheres to regular follow up appointments for assessment and medical management including: [Medications, Surgeries, Therapy, supportive devices, etc].
Accommodations for REsidency
Residency Accommodations
In Person to Supervisor (PD, Attending, Chief) To Human Resources or Accessibility Office Staff or current students After being offered a job or hired
Example Questions to Ask:
@medpsycmoss
Focussed Disclosure
Ask yourself:- What is the purpose of my disclosure? - Is this to help me or them feel better? - What is the most important thing for them to know? - Am I ACKNOWLEDGING or EXPLAINING myself? - Will this harm our professional relationship in any way?
Learn more at medpsycmoss.com
Laws & Protections
"The ADA prohibits employers from asking questions that are likely to reveal the existence of a disability before making a job offer (i.e., the pre-offer period). This prohibition covers written questionnaires and inquiries made during interviews, as well as medical examinations. However, such questions and medical examinations are permitted after extending a job offer but before the individual begins work (i.e., the post-offer period)."
Facts Sheet: www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/job-applicants-and-ada#potential
CAN NOT ASK (before)
Can ask AFTER
@medpsycmoss
Finding a disability Friendly REsidency
Things to look for in a program
Disability Friendly Programs
More Open
Least Open
Psychiatry
Consider Specialties most Open to Disabilities
Neuro-surgery
Family Medicine
General Surgery
OBGYN
Pediatrics
Neurology
Urology
Internal Medicine
Plastics
Anesthesia
Ortho
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Why We need Disability in Medicine
Benefit to Patients
Benefit to Medicine
Patients can see themselves in their doctor Strengthen Trust & Communication Inspire patients to keep going in face of their illness & disabilities:"If you can do it, I can too" Breaking down sociatal image of doctors being "Super-human" Un-said understanding of "I get it"
Normalizing disabilities in medicine opens in a new tab or window in the medical community It is crucial to breaking down stereotypes and encourages a more empathetic and understanding healthcare environment.
Doctors are humans too!
Life as a Patient Doctor Podcast
Takeaways
@medpsycmoss
Refrences & Resources
https://msdci.org
UADA national network- https://adata.org
Job accommodation Network https://askjan.org
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) www.eeoc.gov/
https://medpsycmoss.com/disabilities-resources
Resources
Thank you!
Questions? Thoughts?
Did you know...
Does the window allow for adding more extensive content? You can enhance your genially by incorporating PDFs, videos, text... The content of the window will appear when clicking on the interactive element.