## A First Person Perspective

This column serves as a personal reflection by Kendra Hebert, a passionate third-year medical student from Garnett Settlement, N.B. For information on First Person stories, please refer to the FAQ.

## Entering the Medical Field

On the first day of my new rotation, I donned my scrubs, wearing my stethoscope with pride and clipping my hospital ID onto my shirt, thinking I looked like any typical medical student. The reality struck me as I approached the nursing station in my wheelchair.

When a nurse I hadn’t met inquired if I was there for an appointment, I found myself taken aback.

“No,” I responded. “I’m the new medical student starting today.”

The immediate regret that washed over her face demonstrated how quickly assumptions can be formed, especially when one doesn’t conform to societal expectations of a doctor. It served as a poignant reminder of how appearances can mislead, and how easily people can forget that the spirit of a physician lies within.

## My Background and Challenges

I’m Kendra Hebert, and while I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as I can remember, living with a physical disability and using a manual wheelchair has led me to question my place in medicine. Once considered able-bodied, my world shifted dramatically at 21 when my mobility began to decline rapidly due to an undiagnosed condition.

What used to be simple tasks became monumental challenges. I had always considered myself active and athletic, making the sudden loss of mobility not just a physical hurdle but an emotional one. The uncertainty of my condition was unbearable, leading me to pivot from my medical aspirations to pursue a Master’s in experimental psychology.

## The Turning Point

Eventually, I received a diagnosis that revealed my genetic disorder to be incurable but stable. With the right care system and adaptive devices, I found renewed independence, emboldening me to follow my dream of applying to medical school—despite the fear and the skepticism that loomed around me. I had never met another physician with a disability similar to mine, adding to the doubts tangled with hope.

Supporting me through this journey was my twin sister Courtney, who shared my genetic condition but faced her battles with internal organs. Together, we pursued our dream of becoming doctors, applying to medical school in July for the following August. Tragically, Courtney passed away due to complications from her treatment just months before I received my acceptance letter. Her memory fuels my perseverance, reminding me daily of the reasons I chose this path.

## Navigating Obstacles

Despite the joys of pursuing medicine, the road is fraught with challenges. Accessibility remains a significant issue; my wheelchair often struggles to fit in spaces designed without consideration for individuals with disabilities. While I can adapt, encountering environments that disable me is frustrating. The very act of opening a door can become a venture filled with obstacles.

Additionally, as a disabled medical student, I often find that people mistakenly see me as a patient rather than a peer. This misperception leads to condescending treatment—from being talked down to, babied, or even met with unsolicited admiration simply for being here. That question, “What’s wrong with you?” often comes before anyone learns my name.

## The Need for Advocacy

Planning is crucial. Unlike my classmates, I can’t just show up; I have to navigate my training with an accommodations plan in mind, while also advocating for equal learning opportunities. I’ve learned to choose rotations where I can be seen as a learner rather than a burden, but it’s an uncharted territory fraught with challenges that I’m still learning to accept.

For every hardship, however, uplifting moments abound. Strangers express pride in seeing someone like me in medicine, recognizing that I have an understanding of what many patients experience.

## A Memorable Experience

One of the most impactful moments during my internal medicine rotation unfolded when I was tasked with consulting a patient who had been hospitalized for weeks with no clear diagnosis. When I entered her room, I saw a woman who was clearly suffering and exhausted.

I introduced myself and invited her to share her story. Unlike many of my colleagues who divided their time across various responsibilities, I had the luxury of time on my side. I listened intently and asked open-ended questions, letting her express her fears and frustrations. Although I couldn’t provide a solution to her medical mystery, she grasped my hand and said it was the first time someone truly listened. That moment, feeling seen and understood, is what I strive to provide for others.

## Finding My Place in Medicine

Being a trailblazer in this field can evoke feelings of isolation and pressure, yet it can also be an extraordinary experience. I remember how significant it would have been to see a physician like me when I first started out. I hope to be the mentor and role model I desperately needed—a beacon of hope for anyone doubting whether they belong in medicine.

## How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

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Whether it’s understanding the intricacies of accommodation policies, dissecting health care regulations, or clarifying your rights as a medical student with a disability, AI legalese decoder simplifies these legal documents into understandable terms. This ensures that you can advocate effectively for yourself, eliminating any barriers to your educational and professional aspirations.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, every aspect of my journey is underscored by the bittersweet triumphs and challenges that shape me as both a medical student and a future physician. While the obstacles can be daunting, the promise of a more inclusive future in medicine drives me forward.

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