Healthcare for Humans

We welcome Bradd Williams, a seasoned healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience, who currently works at Homestyle Direct, a medically tailored meal provider. Exploring the intersection of food, health, and equity, we discuss how eliminating food deserts and delivering nutritious meals can improve chronic health conditions, particularly for underserved populations. Bradd shares insig...

We delve into the critical topic of fax machines and their surprising impact on health equity with Bevey Miner, a seasoned expert in healthcare technology. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Bevey illuminates the complexities of healthcare data sharing and the disparities marginalized communities face due to outdated technologies like fax machines. We explore the challenges of interopera...

We welcome back Dr. Avantika Waring from 9 AM Health to discuss her vision for cardiometabolic care, emphasizing equity in treating diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension through innovative virtual models. Dr. Waring highlights the importance of a diverse workforce in delivering culturally relevant care and addressing structural inequities. We delve into the challenges of making medic...

We welcome Sven Gerlinger to discuss the importance of health equity in patient experience at Northwell Health. We explore how equitable care is deeply personal and why it's essential to segment data to ensure all voices, especially those from smaller communities, are heard. We delve into the need for diverse methods of gathering patient feedback, emphasizing the value of in-depth research and hom...

We dive into the significance of health equity and systemic ageism in healthcare with Dr. Maria Carney from Northwell Health, a leading geriatrician and palliative medicine physician. Dr. Carney shares her expertise on the challenges and solutions in caring for our aging population, highlighting the importance of social health and addressing multigenerational caregiving dynamics. We also discuss t...

We delve into the "Food is Medicine" concept with Dr. Reshma Gupta, Chief of Population Health and Accountable Care at UC Davis Health, exploring how culturally appropriate food programs can enhance health outcomes and bolster local economies. Our discussion highlights the importance of cultural connections, integrating economic and environmental factors, and addressing food insecurity through inn...

Join us as we delve into the pressing issues of food sovereignty, nutrition, and cultural revitalization with our guests Romajean Thomas and Valerie Segrest from the Muckleshoot Tribe. We explore the challenges of accessibility and cost of fresh produce, the critical role of education in understanding cultural ecosystems and ethical harvesting practices, and the powerful impact of the Indigenous-l...

Our episode "Final Feeding Feasible Feasts" explores vital issues surrounding food insecurity and dignity through an enlightening conversation with Angel Swanson, founder of Feeding Feasible Feasts. We uncover the importance of shifting from a scarcity to an abundance mindset, the environmental benefits of food recovery programs, and the implementation of electric vehicles for CO2 reduction. Angel...

We delve into the multifaceted challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees, focusing on mental health, identity, and community resilience. Our guests, Olga and Tamara, discuss the emotional burdens of displacement and the efforts to foster hope and belonging through peer support and cultural activities. Addressing issues ranging from trauma and domestic violence to the stigma surrounding mental illness...

In part two of our four-part series on caring for Ukrainians, we explore the intricate relationship between the Ukrainian community's history and their health beliefs, focusing on the American healthcare system's impact. Hosts Dr. Raj Sundar and guest Tamara discuss the challenges of translating preventive care practices like vaccination and mammograms to a community with deep-rooted self-reliance...

Discover 'Healthcare for Humans,' a podcast revolutionizing culturally competent and responsive care. Host Dr. Raj Sundar challenges healthcare norms, exploring how cultural understanding improves patient outcomes. From food practices to belief systems, each episode uncovers insights for healthcare professionals, patients, and anyone passionate about health equity. Biweekly episodes feature expert...

Summary: We dive into Ukrainian immigrant's and refugees' experiences and historical context with our guest, Tamara Cunitz. She shares her family's journey from Ukraine to the US during World War 2 and how it has fueled her passion for nursing and community health. As the executive director of the NASHI Immigrants Health Board, Tamara illuminates the cultural diversity within Ukraine and explains...

Summary: We discuss the importance of understanding the diverse demographic makeup of patients and tailoring healthcare metrics like A1c and blood pressure to community needs. We explore the challenges of engaging immigrant communities, emphasizing trust and cultural inclusivity. We'll hear about successful community-driven initiatives, the shift from volume-based to value-based care, and the pitf...

Summary: We explore the experiences of Korean immigrants with Cheryl Lee, the chief executive director of the Korean Women's Association. We discuss the historical waves of Korean immigration, the pivotal role of Korean churches in providing communal and cultural support, and the shift in church engagement among second-generation Korean Americans. We also examine the dietary practices and cultural...

Summary: We continue our series Dr. Anne Marie Liebel, founder of Health Communication Partners. We delve into the pressures faced by clinicians to be perfect and resolve issues quickly, exploring how this impacts patient care. Dr. Anne Liebel discusses the cultural legacy of paternalistic medicine and the deficit perspective that assumes patients are lesser than clinicians. Dr. Raj Sundar suggest...

Summary: We continue our language series with a conversation featuring Dr. Anne Marie Liebel, founder of Health Communication Partners. We explore her journey from education to healthcare, focusing on improving patient relationships and employee retention through equitable communication. We delve into reflective practice, practical strategies, and the power of viewing patients' strengths rather th...

Summary: We delve into the power of language in healthcare, focusing on how language shapes patient experiences and trust. Reflecting on biases, especially in physician notes, we examine studies revealing how negative language disproportionately affects black and Latino patients, and the resulting implicit biases among medical students. We emphasize the significance of cultural humility and respec...

Summary: We explore the heart-wrenching yet inspiring journeys of Tom, Arnold, Cathy, and Brainze as they navigate the challenges of being LGBTQIA+ individuals in Africa. Despite facing severe rejection, discrimination, and legal persecution, they find hope and empowerment through Safe Place International's Dream Academy. Raj Sundar leads a conversation on the importance of leadership development,...

Summary: We dive into the enduring impacts of historical events on healthcare perceptions and practices, particularly focusing on the Marshallese and Afghan communities affected by latent tuberculosis (TB). Host Raj Sundar and guests including Disney, Jasmine, Duncan Reid, and Franky explore themes such as cultural literacy in healthcare, the influence of past military activities and nuclear tests...

Summary: In this reflection series, we delve into the grave impact of military occupation and nuclear testing on Bikini Atoll, as Duncan Reid links this history to the high rate of tuberculosis in the Marshallese community. We explore community beliefs and experiences with BCG vaccination and TB, confronting stigma and confusion surrounding the disease, as illustrated in deep conversations with Dr...

Summary: This episode will review the complexities of managing latent tuberculosis within the Congolese community, discussing the critical need for cultural sensitivity and community engagement when addressing latent TB. With insights from Dr. Jean Jacques and host Duncan Reid, we unpack healthcare providers' challenges, from bridging language and cultural gaps to tackling the stigma associated wi...

Summary: We dive into the complexities of navigating the US healthcare system with insights from Franky and Mohammad, focusing specifically on the Marshallese community's challenges and the widespread misconceptions about TB screenings in diverse populations. Together, we explore culturally responsive strategies to improve trust and treatment adherence, including employing trusted community messen...

Summary: We sit down with H. Nina Kim to explore the delicacy of discussing hepatitis B without trigger, the consequential distrust in healthcare within immigrant communities tied to historical traumas, and the necessity for culturally sensitive approaches. We delve into the responsibility of healthcare providers to empower and educate patients using relatable metaphors and community-led initiativ...

Summary: We dive deep into the nuanced world of healthcare interpretation and cultural competency with Michael Byun, exploring the critical role language and cultural understanding play in delivering care to diverse communities. Michael reflects on his experience at ACRS and their 50 years of service, addressing the challenges faced by Asian American Pacific Islander communities, from misconceptio...

Summary: On this episode, we interview Theresa Fujiwara, co-founder of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS). We discuss the grassroots origins of ACRS and its pivotal role in providing culturally responsive mental health care to the Asian Pacific Islander community, filling a void left by national institutions. We then talk about the organization's approach, which blends Eastern and We...