The Pritzker School of Medicine is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including students with a range of disabilities. Working closely with students and The University of Chicago Student Disability Services office, Pritzker is ready to provide resources to create an accessible learning environment for all members of our medical school community.
“As someone with a disabled family member, ensuring equity for students across a wide range of disabilities is not only important to me but also part of our commitment at Pritzker. We will work thoughtfully and diligently to make sure students with disabilities are able to thrive as members of our learning community.” - Dr. Vineet Arora, Dean for Medical Education
The Pritzker School of Medicine welcomes applications from prospective students with disabilities, and does not discriminate on the basis of disability or any other protected class status. The University’s non-discrimination policy is available here.
We are also committed to accessibility and to providing reasonable accommodations, including during the application process. Prospective students requesting accommodations for either the application or interview process should reach out to our Admissions and Financial Aid Administrator, Bethany Shephard.
Upon admission, all accepted students are provided with contact information for Student Disability Services along with information on requesting a confidential consultation and how to begin the accommodation request process.
Students matriculating to the Pritzker School of Medicine are encouraged to initiate contact with The University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in order to establish formal accommodations. Once SDS has reviewed appropriate accommodations, they will communicate with the Disability Services Liaison at Pritzker, Dr. James Woodruff (Dean of Students).
Registering with Student Disability Services to request accommodations
Examples of past accommodations used at the Pritzker School of Medicine (note: this list is not inclusive of all accommodations that could be granted):
- Learning Disability - Past Pritzker students have received academic accommodations to mitigate the impact of a learning disability. Examples include extended time for exams and notetaking assistance. Review Student Disability Services' guidelines and recommendations for learning disability accommodations.
- Chronic Health Conditions - Past students have received accommodations to address chronic orthopaedic conditions that affect a student's capacity to sit and stand, using special seating equipment and elevated or portable desk-like platforms.
- Temporary Disability (acute injury) - Pritzker has worked with students experiencing a temporary disability, such as an injury resulting from an accident, to ensure their continued learning and participation. One example would be additional time or delayed testing for a student with a concussion. The Student Disability Services office also supports students with temporary condition accommodations.
- Pregnancy - While pregnancy is NOT a disability, Pritzker has worked with students to accommodate their continued learning and participation during pregnancy and after. The University of Chicago Equal Opportunity Programs office provides resources for pregnant and parenting students.
Who at the Pritzker School of Medicine can advise me regarding the acquisition of accommodations?
Dr. James Woodruff, the Dean of Students at Pritzker, is the School's Disability Services Liaison. If the student prefers, the student may also access advice from Dr. Wei Wei Lee, Associate Dean of Students and Professional Development, the Pritzker faculty Ombudspersons, or proceed directly to the University of Chicago Office of Student Disabilities Services.
Will conversations about my disability be confidential?
Yes, all conversations about your disability and any accommodations you seek or secure are confidential.
Who determines if accommodations are appropriate?
Students who wish to receive accommodations must apply to the University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services for accommodations.
What does the accommodations process look like?
Students meet with the University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) to discuss their concerns. SDS may request additional information pertaining to the history of prior disability and accommodations. The information gathered supports a decision regarding the implementation of accommodations and, if approved, the nature of those accommodations. Once the accommodations are determined, SDS will communicate on the student’s behalf with Pritzker (Dr. Woodruff) to initiate implementation of accommodations.
Will I need documentation from my doctor?
Documentation from prior medical and accommodations evaluation may be needed. A meeting with Student Disability Services at the outset of the process will determine if such documents are needed.
How long does this process take?
The timeframe for approval of accommodations depends on the details of a particular case, but can be as short as 2-3 weeks.
Who should I speak to if I am experiencing issues with my approved accommodation?
If a student’s approved accommodation(s) is not being properly provided, the student should reach out to Dr. Woodruff. If the student believes they may need additional accommodations or the student seeks to amend their existing accommodation, they should contact the University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services.
Is the University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services in charge of accommodations for the USMLE Boards exams?
No. Applications for accommodations regarding the USMLE exams are handled directly by the USMLE.
University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services
Student Disability Services Liaison: James Woodruff, MD - Dean of Students
- Email Dr. Woodruff
- Phone: (773) 795-1051
Wei Wei Lee, MD - Associate Dean of Students and Professional Development; Director, Wellness Programs
- Email Dr. Lee
- Phone: (773) 702-6840
Pritzker School of Medicine Faculty Ombudspersons
Pritzker Chiefs (Peer Ombudspersons)
- Email the Pritzker Chiefs (contact individual Chiefs at the link above)
University of Chicago Office of Student Disability Services
Pritzker Alliance on Disability (student group)
Applying for USMLE accommodations
University of Chicago Student Wellness
University of Chicago Equal Opportunity Programs (Title IX)
Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illness (MSDCI)
Key Words: Accessibility, Disability, Disability Services, Disabilities, Accommodations