Event Description

In this engaging discussion on neurodiversity, disability, and inclusion in medicine, DM3P leadership interviewed pediatrician Dr. Anisha Rastogi and disability advocate Dennis Tran about their experiences navigating neurodivergence in healthcare from both the provider and patient perspectives. They discussed how diagnosis, family and cultural influences, accommodations, and self-advocacy have shaped their personal and professional journeys. While Dr. Rastogi discussed being a neurodivergent Indian American health professional, Mr. Tran spoke to the experience of a queer, neurodivergent Vietnamese American patient advocate. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions during the event.

Speakers

Anisha Rastogi

Dr. Anisha Rastogi grew up all over the Midwest, moving out West for the first time to pursue residency. Previously, she earned a PhD in brain-computer interfaces and was on track to develop new technologies as a physician scientist for adults with physical disabilities. She discovered her love of kids and found that her true gift was to hold space for families facing illness and disability. Dr. Rastogi saw herself in children who were neurodivergent like her, in their parents who had not been diagnosed in childhood, and in all people with chronic conditions that were difficult to pin down. Dr. Rastogi is now a pediatrician who will begin her fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital in July 2026. Her vision is to serve neurodivergent people across the lifespan and in a holistic way.

Dennis Tran

Dennis Tran is a queer, disabled, partially blind, late-identified autistic ADHDer and proud Vietnamese American. He works as a cultural and inclusion strategist, storyteller, and narrative consultant, partnering with organizations that want thoughtful, lived-experience-informed approaches to accessibility, inclusion, and strategy. Mr. Tran has a background in Public Health Policy, and built his career across media, tech, entertainment, and digital health, working as a storyteller, advocate, and consultant on projects that shape how disability and identity are understood. Mr. Tran has spent the past five years consulting with media and production teams, building partnerships across sectors, and advising organizations such as the Institute for Exceptional Care on resources that support healthcare professionals serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His perspective on systems, culture, and belonging is informed by navigating life with multiple disabilities and neurodivergences, many of which were unidentified for much of his life. Dennis’ social handle: IG: @denvtran and LN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisvtran/

Meeting Agenda

Introduction and announcements by DM3P leadership: 15 min

Fireside chat with Dennis Tran and Anisha Rastogi: 55 min

Audience Q/A: 20 min