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A 20 month hybrid professional development experience for disability resource professionals (DRPs) seeking expertise in medical education
Questions?
Join us for a virtual open house and information session on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET Register here.
Applications due March 3, 2025 by 12 pm EST
Building Capacity
Supporting Diversity.
The DRP Academy is a specialized, hybrid professional development program designed to empower disability resource professionals with the expertise needed to ensure equitable access in medical education. This comprehensive curriculum challenges participants to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and build their capacity to support students with disabilities in health professions training.
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Key Highlights
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Didactic Instruction: Participants gain foundational knowledge in disability law, institutional policies, and principles of inclusive education, forming the groundwork for understanding accommodations in health professions training.
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Self-Directed Learning: Learners are encouraged to explore tailored materials at their own pace, deepening their understanding of key concepts and fostering critical thinking around complex scenarios.
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Simulated Practice: Through simulated environments, participants engage in realistic scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled setting and refine decision-making processes.
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Standardized Student Interactions: Role-playing with standardized students provides participants with opportunities to practice effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving in determining appropriate accommodations.
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Case-Based Learning: Real-world cases offer an interactive platform to develop analytical and legal reasoning skills. Participants work collaboratively to evaluate scenarios, identify barriers, and propose equitable and compliant solutions.
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Post Academy Mentorship: Upon successful completion of the on-site components of the DRP Academy, each participant will be assigned to a mentor group that will meet once per month and be facilitated by an experienced health science DRP.
"Receiving this knowledge and establishing connections during the DRP academy was such a lifechanging, genuine experience."
Jacque Knedler, MS
DRP Class of 2023
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Eligibility Criteria
Each year the academy selects applicants who are DRPs that work with medical students. The Academy strives to invite participants representing diversity in institution type, degree program, disability resource experience and personal characteristics. Applicants must:
have at least 3 years of general DRP experience
currently hold a position that is charged with determining and implementing reasonable accommodations (didactic and clinical) for students with disabilities in health professions and/or medical education programs.
receive an endorsement from supervisor
be able to participate in all remote and on-site meetings
For more information about the 2025-2026 DRP academy, check out the DRP Academy Information and Expectations
DRP Academy Leadership
The DRP Academy leadership and instructor team is comprised of professionals with diverse experiences and skills. DRP Academy leaders and instructors have significant experience as DRPs serving students with disabilities in health science education programs, have served in leadership positions in national organizations, conducted research, and developed resources and publications promoting disability inclusion and accessibility in health science education.
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Jamie Axlerod
Executive Committee & Instructor
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Grace Clifford
Co-Chair, Curriculum Developer, & Instructor
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Jennie Biggers
Assistant DRP Instructor
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Sarah Triano
Instructor
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Lisa Meeks
Executive Committee & Instructor
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Matthew Sullivan
Co-Chair, Curriculum Developer, & Instructor
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Jennifer Gossett
Instructor
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Jan Serrantino
Executive Committee & Instructor
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Emily Langham
Instructor
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Rosezetta Henderson
Assistant DRP Instructor