The podcast “Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S.,” hosted by Judith Flores, MD, FAAP, CHCQM, is a forum that explores the trials and triumphs of providing health care for the newest populations seeking asylum in the U.S.
Unsettled aims to build community, serve as an education tool and develop partnerships with individuals who are working on issues that impact the health and well-being of newly displaced persons in the U.S. Episodes address legal, housing and insurance challenges, as well as health care advocacy. They examine the key barriers for migrants—language, mental health and socioeconomic constraints, structural and policy hurdles, cultural misunderstandings, as well as funding issues.
Recent episodes include:
Anniversary Episode in Memory of Dr. Benard Dreyer
In this special anniversary episode of Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S., we honor Dr. Benard P. Dreyer, a passionate advocate for migrant justice. In his memory, we are re-releasing one of our most powerful past episodes, a conversation where he captures the urgency and humanity he championed. He explores the harsh realities faced by migrants, especially children, during their journeys to the United States and in their attempts to establish residence.
Fear and Deportation in the U.S.
In this episode, we explore the challenges immigrants and asylum seekers face in the U.S., from the fear of deportation to the lasting health impacts of displacement. We discuss how policy, rhetoric, and lack of support affect community well-being as well as share possible ways for health care providers, educators, and local communities to create more welcoming and supportive environments.
The Health of a Diverse City: NYC Immigrants
We sit down with Max Hadler, the Director of Policy and Immigration Initiatives at the New York City Department of Health, and dive deep into the realities of immigrant health in the nation’s largest city. Tune in to learn how data, policy, and advocacy intersect to build a healthier future for immigrant communities.
Reversing the Spiral of Silence: Educating for the Dignity of Immigrant Patients
We explore the ethical challenges of caring for undocumented immigrants with Dr. Mark Kuczewski, Professor and Bioethicist at Loyola University Chicago. Through powerful stories and shared resources, we urge providers to learn about immigration, advocate through professional societies, and build cultural understanding to better serve immigrant communities.
Health, Home & Justice: Women Leading Buffalo’s Response to Asylum Seekers
Three inspiring women from Buffalo, N.Y. — Maria Perez-Gomez, Cassie Grainge, and Allana Krolikowski, MD — lead a powerful discussion on immigrant health. Together, they share the work of Jericho Road Community Health Center and Vive Shelter, which provide comprehensive health care and support for asylum seekers and immigrants. The conversation explores the most pressing health challenges facing new arrivals, highlights disparities in care despite access, and emphasizes the importance of language and cultural understanding, trauma-informed care, and advocacy for universal health care.
Barriers to Belonging: The Immigrant Patient
In this episode, Chris Reyes (future MD) and Roberto “Bert” Johansson, MD, discuss Bert’s recent Newsweek editorial on the challenges immigrants face when seeking health care, particularly those arriving from Latin America. Together, they explore why these barriers exist, what initiatives are underway to address them, and how we can all contribute to creating a more equitable health care system.
“Unsettled” is available wherever you get your podcasts. Scan the code below to listen on Spotify:
