Ciara Martinez, MS2
John Sealy School of Medicine
The Inclusive Medicine Initiative (IMI) is an innovative partnership between UTMB and Galveston’s Ball High School that aims to improve healthcare experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while preparing future physicians to deliver more inclusive, neuro-affirming care. Through a unique “Reverse Clinical” model, students with disabilities take an active role in simulated healthcare interactions, helping medical students better understand the patient perspective and build skills in disability-competent communication.
By combining hands-on learning, health literacy education, and crisis preparedness training, the program addresses healthcare disparities and medical anxiety often experienced by individuals with disabilities. The initiative also equips medical students with practical frameworks for fostering patient autonomy, reducing bias, and creating more accessible healthcare environments.
Through this collaborative, community-centered approach, IMI seeks to establish a sustainable model for disability-inclusive medical education, strengthen connections between UTMB and local schools, and advance equitable healthcare for individuals of all abilities.