Collaboration with Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Enhances Future Physicians’ Ability to Provide Inclusive Healthcare
HEMPSTEAD, NY – This morning, Dr. Bradley Porche, PhD, executive director and superintendent of Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, participated in a groundbreaking session at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell to educate future physicians on effective communication strategies with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing patients.
As part of Hofstra’s Patient, Physician, and Society (PPS) curriculum, which immerses medical students in the experiences of patients with disabilities early in their education, Dr. Porche shared critical insights into the barriers Deaf individuals face in healthcare settings. Drawing from both his personal experiences as a Deaf professional and his expertise in Deaf education, he emphasized the importance of equitable communication in medical care.
“Imagine being unable to convey your health concerns to your doctor or struggling to understand their instructions. This is a reality for many Deaf individuals,” shared Dr. Porche in a written statement. “By educating future healthcare providers on effective communication strategies, we can enhance health literacy and ensure equitable care for all patients.”
Many Deaf and Hard-of Hearing individuals encounter significant challenges when accessing healthcare, often facing difficulties obtaining vital health-related information and struggling to communicate effectively with providers. Addressing these issues through medical education can lead to better patient outcomes and a more inclusive healthcare system.
“First-hand patient stories can be more impactful and memorable than reading a textbook. We value our relationships with community organizations like Mill Neck Services and appreciate presentations that provide students with narratives about the real-life experiences of those in this community,” said Lyndonna Marrast, MD, MPH, co-director of Patient, Physician & Society and associate professor of medicine and science education at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
This collaboration between Mill Neck and Hofstra University underscores the shared commitment to improving healthcare experiences for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. By integrating specialized training into medical education, today’s session helped equip future physicians with the skills needed to provide compassionate, accessible, and effective care for all patients.
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About Mill Neck Family of Organizations
The Mill Neck Family of Organizations, founded by Lutheran Friends of the Deaf in 1947, includes Mill Neck Foundation, Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, Mill Neck Services, and Lutheran Friends of the Deaf. Mill Neck is dedicated to creating a world in which Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals are included, empowered, celebrated, and embraced as equals through quality and accessible education, sign language, spiritual development, employment, and habilitation programs and services. To learn more about the Mill Neck, please visit millneck.org or call 516-922-4100 / SVRS® 516-558-3315.
About the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Established in 2008, the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell was founded by two equal partners: Hofstra University and Northwell Health. The School of Medicine is built upon the strong clinical and graduate medical education programs of Northwell, as well as the robust research and academic programs of both Hofstra and Northwell’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. For nine years in a row, the Zucker School of Medicine has been recognized among the top medical schools nationwide for medical research (2016-2024, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools), and for the fourth year as one of the most diverse medical schools in the country (2021-2024, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools). The institution comprises more than 4,000 faculty members across 25 academic departments and enrolls a diverse community of over 400 students. For more information, visit medicine.hofstra.edu.
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