As the COVID-19 pandemic abates, migration across the globe has increased. Health care professionals are likely to encounter immigrant populations who have unique needs. Join us in learning with Dr. Lorena Bonilla (Internal Medicine Hospitalist and Assistant Professor at Florida University/Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine) about factors that influence the health care of immigrants, how to approach patients with cultural sensitivity, and ways physicians can incorporate advocacy into their practice to help support migrants.

Definition of Terms:
​In this podcast, we use the terms migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum. Here we wanted to define these terms. A migrant is an individual who migrates from one location to another usually seeking employment or education. An immigrant is an individual who seeks to live in another country permanently. A refugee is an individual who is forced to flee their home because of violence or persecution. Additionally, someone who applies for asylum is seeking protection from dangers in their home country and is awaiting their claim for refugee status to be legally determined. For further reference, rescue.org has an article outlining these terms. https://www.rescue.org/article/migrants-asylum-seekers-refugees-and-immigrants-whats-difference.

Click here to claim CME/MOC credit for listening to the episode!

Show Notes
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Learning Objectives
  1. Identify key social determinants of health that affect immigrant populations.
  2. Recognize factors that influence the health care of migrants and refugees.
  3. Summarize a situation from your own clinical experience in which understanding the culture of a patient enhanced your ability to care for them. Identify how you can be consistent in ensuring that you consider the role that culture plays in the lives of your patients.

[00:00] Welcome and Introductions

[00:51] Introducing Guest Dr. Lorena Del Pilar Bonilla

[02:25] “A Step in Your Shoes” Segment

[03:32] Introduction on Immigrant Health

[04:28] Dr. Bonilla’s Story of Inspiration
  • Dr. Bonilla discusses barriers in communication with language discordance between patients and physicians
  • ​The importance of translators to prevent the lack of communication and good delivery of care'

[07:11] Dr. Bonilla Highlights her Advocacy work
  • Doctors for Camp Closure
  • Collaboration with other organizations who focus on the humanitarian care of patients
  • Social determinants of health
  • Investing in understanding the lives of your patients
    • Curiosity and the fuel to discover more about the patients one serves
    • The importance of self education and asking questions to partner with patients

[10:45-16:27] Suggestions on Best Practices in Immigrant Health
  • Ways to improve health care delivery to immigrants
    • ​Focusing on patient centered and intercultural approaches
    • Understanding the nature of your patient’s needs and barriers that might exist (financial, cultural, etc)
    • Learning from success and failures of others who have worked in this area
  • Community organization/clinics can help to provide resources to patients who may be worried about their legal status
  • Education for immigrant populations on available resources

[16:27-18:57] Language Used Surrounding Immigrants
  • Dr. Bonilla describes Title 42 
  • Biases and the media
  • The contributions of immigrant

[18:57-20:43] Categories That Influence Care: 3 C’s

[20:43-21:56] Importance of Understanding Culture in Patient Care

[21:56-23:29] Educating Ourselves as Physicians
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[23:29-27:04] Dr. Bonilla’s work with Doctors for Camp Closure
  • ​National work in Washington DC
  • Local advocacy in detention centers
  • The importance of developing good relationships with many professionals

[27:04-28:44] Take-Home Points & Closing

[28:44-29:55] Outro

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References:
Doctors for Camp Closure - a non-partisan organization of physicians and healthcare professionals from all specialties who oppose the inhumane detention of migrant populations and refugees arriving to the United States of America. https://d4cc.squarespace.com/
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Additional Reading:
  1. A short summary on the work of Doctors For Camp Closure as part of Shutdown Glades Coalition. https://www.aclufl.org/en/press-releases/shut-down-glades-coalition-update-five-wins-and-road-ahead
  2. WHO. Promoting migrant health – striving for peace and decent life for all. In: Promoting migrant health – striving for peace and decent life for all. Geneva: WHO. p. 2017.
  3. Brandenberger, J., Tylleskär, T., Sontag, K. et al. A systematic literature review of reported challenges in health care delivery to migrants and refugees in high-income countries - the 3C model. BMC Public Health 19, 755 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7049-x

Resources for physicians:
  1. AMA Center for Health Equity - https://www.ama-assn.org/topics/ama-center-health-equity
  2. Resources for Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Here are links to resources highlighting education, employment, health, housing and resettlement, legal advice and safety. https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/resources/support-resources-immigrants-refugees/

Credits:
Guest: Dr. Lorena Bonilla
Co-hosts/Producers:  Dr. Brittäne Valles, Dr. Ricardo Correa
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin 
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Tiffany Leung
Senior Producers: Dr. Maggie Kozman, Dr. DJ Gaines
Editor/Assistant Producer: Clara Baek
Production Assistants: Ann Truong
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman

Disclaimer: The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with. 

The DEI Shift podcast is proudly sponsored by the American College of Physicians Southern California Region III Chapter.  

The DEI Shift theme music is by Chris Dingman. Learn more at www.chrisdingman.com. 
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Contact us: [email protected], @thedeishift, thedeishift.com 

Disclaimer

.The DEI Shift podcast and its guests provide general information and entertainment, but not medical advice. Before making any changes to your medical treatment or execution of your treatment plan, please consult with your doctor or personal medical team. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by The DEI Shift. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by The DEI Shift team are those of each individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The DEI Shift team and its guests, employers, sponsors, or organizations we are affiliated with.