How we marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
The College celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December by hosting a dynamic and thought-provoking session 'Blurred: Disability inclusion in medicine'.
The session included Dr Sharad Philip, Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Guwahati, India and Dr Shevonne Matheiken, Specialty Registrar (ST6) in the East of England, Co-Chaired by Dr Amrit Sachar, RCPsych Joint Presidential Lead for Equity and Equality and Dr Amrita Joottun, Equity Champion, RCPsych General Adult Faculty.
The theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 was amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. This theme recognised the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all.
The webinar combined professional insights of psychiatrists with lived experience of disability, Dr Philip and Dr Matheiken, who explored how transcultural perspectives can shape disability inclusion, patient care and mental health of health care professionals.
Dr Philip, navigating a career in Psychiatry with severe visual impairment, offered a wealth of insights from his personal and professional journey. Dr Matheiken, with lived experience of ADHD, shared her reflections on the rollercoaster ride of being a doctor with a hidden disability.
Highlights included a discussion on the role of technology in disability inclusion, featuring ChatGPT’s interpretation of poetry by our guests, as well as live poetry recitations and moments of humour to inspire and connect.