Medical delivery without representation?: Examining disability representation within the healthcare community

Abstract

 Individuals with disabilities comprise approximately 13% of the overall population. This editorial explores recent events that may involve ableism. The recent COVID pandemic created a rapid need and pressure to develop ventilator allotment policies. Many concluded several state policies were discriminatory in nature toward persons with disabilities (PWD). Lack of disability representation in medical fields may contribute to such discrimination within state and hospital medical policies. The underrepresented numbers of PWD in medical fields are explored. We conclude that improved education for all medical providers is needed. Possible strategies for improving healthcare representation and delivery within the United States are discussed.