Breaking Barriers: Dr. Claudia Martinez’s Journey from Patient to PRM Advocate

Empowering Leadership and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities: An Inspiring Conversation with Dr. Claudia Martinez

On this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the ISPRM community spotlighted an extraordinary story of resilience, advocacy, and leadership. Dr. Claudia Martinez, a PRM fellow specializing in spinal cord injury medicine, shared her powerful journey of overcoming challenges, advocating for inclusivity, and breaking barriers as both a physician and a person with a disability.

“When my doctors told me I couldn’t be a physician, I decided to prove to myself that I could,” she shared. Dr. Martinez’s journey through rehabilitation not only restored her independence but also introduced her to the field of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM), where she found her calling.

As we commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, let us amplify the voices of leaders like Dr. Martinez and commit to creating an inclusive, sustainable future for all.