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.
Takakuwa
Kevin M
KM
Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA.
Ernst
Amy A
AA
Weiss
Steven J
SJ
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States