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Associations between disability status, workplace accommodations, and well-being among practicing physicians and
Lisa M Meeks1,2, Romie N Velani3, Maggie Salinger4
1Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
Health Affairs Scholar
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Physicians with disabilities experience lower well-being, but workplace accommodations improve outcomes. Access to accommodations is key for physician retention and workforce sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Occupational Health
- Health Equity
Background:
- Physicians with disabilities face significant inclusion barriers impacting well-being and retention.
- Burnout and fulfillment disparities are known, but the role of accommodations is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between disability status, accommodation access, and well-being in physicians.
- To identify accommodations as a factor in physician workforce sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study at an urban academic medical center.
- Analyzed data from 928 physicians and trainees with complete disability information.
Main Results:
- Physicians with disabilities reported lower fulfillment, higher burnout, and less belonging.
- Those with accommodations showed improved well-being.
- Attending physicians with accommodations had higher clinical efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Disability correlates with negative workplace outcomes.
- Accommodations enhance physician well-being and efficiency, supporting workforce sustainability.
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