When patients see an autistic doctor, they find an unexpected gift. getty

Medical training is designed to mold students into doctors who behave, speak, and even think in a particular way. But what happens when a patient encounters a physician whose mind works differently? For many, particularly those who feel misunderstood in the healthcare system, that difference can be an unexpected gift.

More and more doctors are publicly embracing their autism diagnoses, and reshaping how we think about excellence in medicine. Autistic doctors bring a unique blend of clinical strengths that include deep curiosity, pattern recognition, radical empathy, a naturally egalitarian approach and a strong drive to understand their patients. These are not traits unique to individual doctors with autism, ra

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