Dorothy W. Tolchin, MD, EdM is the inaugural Director of Disability Education at Harvard Medical School (HMS), driving a longitudinal stakeholder-engaged curriculum in the principles and practice of high-quality healthcare for individuals with disabilities. At HMS, Dr. Tolchin also serves as faculty advisor for three student groups centered around disability in healthcare. Dr. Tolchin oversees research and scholarship in disability education at HMS and beyond, mentoring students and fostering collaborations with colleagues across medical schools. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Tolchin presents locally, nationally, and internationally on inclusive healthcare and the development of a disability-competent healthcare workforce.
As a true “Partner in Progress,” Dr. Tolchin has been the bridge between HMS and The Arc of Massachusetts. Through her leadership, all Harvard medical and dental students now participate in Operation House Call (OHC) as a mandatory element of their training. In the classroom and in their homes, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are directly teaching students the lessons they want and need future clinicians to hear about respect, communication, and the lived experience of healthcare. Some students have taken their involvement with OHC a step further, joining The Arc’s advocacy efforts at the State House. The partnership between Dr. Tolchin and The Arc of Massachusetts is transforming the way future clinicians understand and interact with the disability community.
Dr. Tolchin is a recent fellow of the Harvard Law School Project on Disability and senior editor of the book, Inclusive Care for Patients with Disabilities: A Practical Guide. In addition to her work in disability education, Dr. Tolchin holds key roles in palliative care education and rehabilitation/post-acute care education at HMS and through the Association of Academic Physiatrists. Across all aspects of her work, Dr. Tolchin cherishes the privileges of supporting students, welcoming community members into medical education, and witnessing the new perspectives both learner and educator gain when they are brought together. Dr. Tolchin earned her AB summa cum laude, EdM, and MD from Harvard.
Dr. Tolchin is changing the culture of healthcare. Join us as we celebrate her incredible leadership and the “possibility” she creates every day!
