Washington Episodes

Sept. 3, 2024

52 I Ukraine—Rooted in Resilience: Exploring the Nation's Historical Journey (Tamara Cunitz, Part I)

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 the waves of immigration driven by political and social upheaval, from the forced famines under Stal...
Aug. 20, 2024

51 I Equity as Value — Integrating Cultural Inclusivity in Healthcare Reform

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 pitfalls of targeting system-level metrics over patient well-being. Hiroshi shares his personal journey ...
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July 30, 2024

50 I Caring for Korean American Patients: Beyond Kimchi and K-pop

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 beliefs that influence Korean American health behaviors and discuss strategies for healthcare provi...
May 1, 2024

45 I Cross-Cultural TB Reflections II—Marshallese, Afghan, & Congolese Perspectives, Overcoming Historical Shadows for Better Health Outcomes

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 on community health, and the critical role of education in overcoming health-related stigmas. Toget...
April 17, 2024

44 I Cross-Cultural TB Reflections—Ethiopian, Kenyan & Marshallese Perspectives w/ Duncan Reid and Franky Erra

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. Ejara in the Ethiopian community and Reverend Paul Karume of the Kenyan community. Navigating thro...
April 3, 2024

43 I The Human Side of Latent TB: The Congolese Community Perspective

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 with treatment. Our conversation highlights the vital role of Congolese clinicians, the importance of ...
March 21, 2024

42 I The Human Side of Latent TB: Culturally Responsive TB Care w/ Franky and Mohammed

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 messengers, understanding patient education needs, and addressing the nonclinical aspects of care. Our dis...
March 7, 2024

41 I Hepatitis B—Culturally Responsive Care to Address the Stigma & Silence (H. Nina Kim)

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 initiatives, emphasizing the importance of dismantling stigma and fostering hope. In our conversation, we und...
Feb. 21, 2024

40 I 50 Years Later—Michael Byun Reflects on ACRS Approach to Addressing Holistic Health of AAPI Communities

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 misconceptions in traditional healing practices to the stigmatization of mental health. We examine the importanc...
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Feb. 7, 2024

39 I The Founding of Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS): A Conversation with Theresa Fujiwara

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 Western medicine, and the significance of community engagement in healing from trauma. The episode als...
Jan. 24, 2024

38 I Navigating Machismo, LGBTQ+ Identity, and Mental Health in Latino Communities (Fernanda Mazcot)

Summary: In this episode, we continue the conversation with guest Fernanda Mazcot about the challenges of mental health accessibility, focusing on the value of drop-in services in breaking down barriers and making mental health more approachable and inclusive. The discussion also delves into the specific approaches to addressing mental health for the youth in the Latino community, including nonclinical methods such as workshops, book clubs, and cultural events. The conversation addresses sensiti...
Jan. 18, 2024

37 I Solutions to the Mental Health Crisis—Culturally Responsive Mental Healthcare by BIPOC, for BIPOC Communities (Fernanda Mazcot)

Summary: In this episode, we discuss the challenges and barriers individuals from different cultures face in accessing mental health support, featuring guest Fernanda Mazcot. We explore the stigma and perceptions of mental illness within Latino communities, emphasizing the need for better understanding and conversation around mental health. Mazcot shares her personal experience as a caregiver and the impact of limited access to mental health resources, advocating for tailored mental health servi...
Dec. 12, 2023

35 I Therapeutic Violence—How Mental Healthcare Falls Short in Immigrant Communities

This episode features community leaders and prior podcast guests Ahmed Ali, Joseph Seia, Jennifer Huong, James Hang, and Morhaf. The episode delves into the complexities of mental health care within culturally diverse communities, emphasizing the need for culturally competent and trustworthy healthcare professionals and the challenges of language barriers, historical oppression, and cultural stigmas. The conversation covers topics such as the historical context of mental health in immigrant comm...
Nov. 27, 2023

34 I Filipinos— Beyond the Rice Cooker: Cuisine and Cultural Values of the Filipino Community (Devin Cabanilla)

In this episode, host Raj Sundar engages in a conversation with Devin, a dedicated community organizer within the Filipino-American community, exploring the intersection of nutrition and cultural values within healthcare. Raj and Devin navigate the intricacies of Filipino cuisine, delving into its complexities influenced by various cultures. The discussion extends to the challenges of providing dietary counseling within the Filipino community, considering the unique aspects of their culinary pr...
Nov. 20, 2023

33 I Filipinos— The Story of the "Forgotten Asians" (and how did we get SO MANY incredible Filipino nurses in healthcare?) (Devin Cabanilla,)

In this episode, host Raj Sundar explores the history and experiences of Filipino Americans in the healthcare profession with guest Devin Cabanilla. Together, they discuss the complex identities of Filipino Americans shaped by colonization and diaspora and its impact on their contributions to healthcare. The conversation covers waves of Filipino immigration to the U.S., from early 1900s elite students to post-World War II healthcare professionals and war brides. They delve into the clash betwee...
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July 25, 2023

24 I Culturally Sensitive Nutrition—Are You Still Talking about "Whole Grains"? (Aliyah Haq)

Aliyah Haq is an experienced registered dietitian with a career spanning 25 years. As the former president of Nutrition First, a prominent public health organization, she spearheaded a nationwide program emphasizing the importance of holistic nutrition education. In this episode of "Healthcare for Humans," host Dr. Raj Sundar and guest Aliyah Haq delve into the topic of culturally sensitive nutrition counseling. They stress the importance of building trust and understanding with patients, ackno...
Guest: Aliya Haq
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June 26, 2023

22 I Latine/Using Community Health Workers to Care for the Undocumented (Dr. Ponce-Gonzalez)

When I first met Dr. Ponce Gonzalez, I was struck by her passion for the Latinx community and her dedication to making a difference in their lives. In today's episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with her to discuss the unique challenges Latina workers face in the healthcare system and the complexities of the Latinx community. As the founder and executive director of the Community Health Worker Coalition for Migrants and Refugees, Dr. Ponce shared her story of being born in Nicaragua, th...
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June 13, 2023

21 I Latine/Caring for Undocumented Latinx Patients Through Illness Narratives (Dr. Odette Zero)

Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast How can we make sense of suffering and create meaning in our lives through illness narratives? Join us as we welcome our special guest Odette, a family medicine physician who specializes in caring for the Latinx community, particularly undocumented individuals. In this captivating conversation, Odette shares her personal experiences with illness narratives in Gua...
Guest: Odette Zero
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May 29, 2023

20 I AAPI—Do You Even Know Who The "Cham Refugees" Are? (Tagoipah Mathno)

Join us for an insightful conversation with Tagoipah, a second-generation Cham refugee from the greater Seattle area. Tagoipah shares the important distinction between refugees and immigrants and how their families and community were forced to flee Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge era. We also explore the rich history and identity of the Cham people, an indigenous minority group from Southeast Asia, and how their long history has been shaped by various empires and assimi...
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May 14, 2023

19 I Latine/Afro-Latinx—What Do You Mean Black AND Latinx? Navigating Racial and Coloristic Oppression as an Afro-Latina (Sandra Huber)

In this episode, we dive deep into the Afro-Latino Latinx identity, as experienced by Sandra Huber from Panama to the United States, where her identity shifted from being simply Panamanian to being labeled as Hispanic, Latina, and eventually Afro-Latina. We discuss the challenges of navigating racial and coloristic oppression within Indian and Latin American communities, as well as within broader American society. We also touch on the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's blackness an...
Guest: Sandra Huber
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April 24, 2023

18 I Latine/DACA-From Undocumented Immigrant to Family Medicine Doctor: The IMPACT of DACA (Ale Duran)

In this episode, I share the inspiring journey of Dr. Duran, a family medicine resident who immigrated to the US from Mexico at the age of 14. Despite facing obstacles such as being undocumented and not having a Social Security number, Dr. Duran pursued higher education with the help of supportive individuals like her high school teacher, Mrs. Holland. We delve into the challenges Dr. Duran faced in financing her medical education and navigating the DACA program, as well as the impact it has on ...
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April 11, 2023

17 I Latine/Mexican—What's the Real Story about Mexican Immigration to the US? (Dr. Jerry Garcia)

In this episode of Healthcare for Humans, we talked to Dr. Garcia again and delve into the often-overlooked history of Mexican immigration in the United States and its connection to the labor market. From desperate times to discriminatory attitudes, we uncover the complex story of Mexican immigrants and their contributions to the country's workforce. We explore the structural causes that have shaped their history and highlight the need for accessible, safe, and responsive healthcare for all comm...
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March 30, 2023

16 i Latine—Wait, or is it supposed to be Hispanic, Latino, Latinx or Chicano? (Dr. Jerry Garcia, Daniel Padron)

Dr. Jerry Garcia is a professor at Texas Christian University with expertise in teaching Chicano/Latino Studies, US History, and Mexican History. He was previously the Vice President for Educational Programs at Sea Mar Museum, where he curated the new Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture in Seattle, WA. His deep commitment to promoting education, diversity, and inclusion has made a positive impact on the educational landscape and beyond. Daniel Joaquin Padron is a Community Health Educa...
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March 14, 2023

15 I The Model Minority Myth—Be small, Don't take up so much space, Don't cause trouble (Dr. Denise Yu)

Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ Earn CME Credits: Clinicians, enhance your learning by earning valuable continuing education credits while listening. Utilize your CME funds to join our community. Support Our Mission: Non-clinicians, explore exclusive content and contribute to our collective journey. Be an Active Participant: Go beyond listening. Shape our narrative by co-cr...
Guest: Denise Yu