'I'm the UK's first deafblind doctor - my disability makes me a better medic'

Alexandra Adams, the United Kingdom’s first deafblind doctor, has spoken publicly about how her unique sensory challenges have shaped her path to medicine. At 32, Adams recounts how a simple act of compassion during her recovery from surgery at 16 sparked her journey toward becoming a physician. That moment, when a doctor took the time to ask her, “Are you okay?” rather than moving past her bed, marked a turning point in her life. Adams was born deaf and blind, with just under 5 percent central vision in her left eye and no vision in her right. She describes her perception of the world as one where she sees color and shape, but in low light, she cannot see at all. Her hearing loss is classified as severe to profound sensorineural deafness, and she has used hearing aids since the age of two. Removing them allows her to disconnect from sound when needed, a small comfort in her daily life. At 16, Adams was an active member of the British Para-swimming team, preparing for the 2012 Paralympics. However, complications arose after an operation to repair a large hernia, leading to over a year of hospitalization and multiple surgeries. During this time, she developed a deep sense of empathy for patients undergoing similar experiences. This newfound understanding led her to observe the interactions between doctors and patients, learning firsthand about the importance of compassionate care. Following her release from the hospital, Adams pursued her A-levels at a residential school for visually impaired and blind students in Kent. It was there that she found a community of peers facing similar challenges. Initially shy and reliant on her family, she grew into a confident leader, eventually becoming head girl of the institution. Determined to pursue a career in medicine despite the skepticism she faced, Adams traveled to Tanzania to gain practical experience in healthcare settings. There, she encountered barriers rooted in assumptions about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Despite this, she remained resolute in her goal to become a doctor. To achieve her dream, Adams took matters into her own hands. She purchased her own textbooks and studied independently, ultimately earning a medical degree from the University of Cardiff. Now qualified, she has adapted traditional medical tools to suit her needs. For instance, she uses a white cane for mobility and relies heavily on her smartphone, which features applications that assist with both her visual and auditory impairments. These include screen magnification software and tools that convert handwritten notes into digital text, which are then read aloud via her hearing aids. One of her notable adaptations involves using a specialized ophthalmoscope clipped to her iPhone. This device projects images of a patient’s retina directly onto her phone screen, allowing her to conduct thorough examinations. Additionally, she utilizes a Bluetooth-enabled stethoscope that connects to her hearing aids, providing clearer audio reception compared to conventional models. This innovation came to her attention during a trip to the United States, where she connected with other physicians who share similar sensory limitations. As she continues her medical practice, Adams emphasizes that her disability has not hindered her ability to provide effective care. Instead, she believes it enhances her capacity for empathy and understanding, qualities she attributes to the unique perspective gained from navigating the world with limited senses. Her story stands as a testament to resilience and determination, challenging preconceived notions about the limits of human potential in the field of medicine.