Residents with disabilities: a national survey of directors of emergency medicine residency programs

BACKGROUND: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) has been in effect since 1990. The present study shows response to this act for emergency medicine (EM) residents nationwide. METHODS: A total of 121 surveys were mailed to the directors of American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved residency programs. A definition of disability was provided, and a second mailing was sent to those not replying. RESULTS: Ninety-two program directors (76%) responded, representing 4,644 residents. Of these, 62 residents (1.3%) were reported as having a documented disability. Programs with a known disabled resident were significantly more likely to have available resources for assistance. Forty-seven (52%) of the program directors suspected a resident might have an undiagnosed disability, and 40 (85%) of these recommended testing or referral. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide array of disabilities among EM residents. Available assistance varies. This may apply to other residencies as well.