Advancing PA Training to Bridge the Disability Care Gap
Kendra Clark, DMSc-S, MPAS, PA-C and the Disability Health Education Initiative are seeks to equip PA students with confidence, cultural competency, and clinical skills to ensure equitable care for the disability community, one of the largest underserved populations in the United States.
Her mission is deeply personal. Her younger brother experienced a traumatic brain injury as a child, which revealed systemic health care gaps and the need for better provider preparation. Later, her own health journey would solidify her resolve.
Clark shared, “Experiencing vulnerability as a patient reinforced what my family had long known: the health care system too often misunderstands or overlooks disability. Living both as a clinician and as a patient sharpened my purpose. The Disability Health Education Initiative is that purpose in action.”
To fill this health professions education gap, she plans to develop innovative, evidence-based training modules that combine insights from interdisciplinary experts, disability advocates, and the lived experiences of the disability community. The curriculum will address disability identity, bias reduction, communication strategies, and clinical accommodations.
Clark will track increases in student/faculty knowledge, confidence, and attitudes for her pilot project. Long-term goals include tracking curriculum integration and sustained use. Ultimately, she strives to document improved care because of the curriculum.
“Embedding disability health education within PA training will dismantle barriers, improve patient-provider interactions, and ultimately enhance care quality for this underserved population,” Clark added.
This project extends the Health Foundation’s commitment to addressing health disparities and fostering professional practice.