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Healthcare for Humans

Healthcare for Humans

This show is dedicated to educating clinicians on how to care for culturally diverse communities so we can be better healers.

62 I When Food Meets Healthcare: Making Nutrition Accessible with Bradd Williams

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 insights into his company's mission to provide not just meals but dignity and love through diverse, culturally responsive menu options tailored by registered dietitians. We delve into the company’s efforts in addressing both rural and urban food insecurities, emphasizing the importance of providing equitable access to nutrition as a fundamental human right. Tune in to understand how Homestyle Direct is making strides in healthcare through food, incorporating seasonality, recognizing cultural preferences, and ensuring every patient feels valued and heard. Overview: 04:19 Seasonal, affordable frozen produce ensures quality meals. 07:15 Promoting healthier choices with familiar foods. 10:42 Treat everyone fairly, ensure access to resources. Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
January 2, 2025

61 I The Hidden Equity Gap: How Outdated Tech Hurts Healthcare Access with Bevey Miner

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Bevey illuminates the complexities of healthcare data sharing and the disparities marginalized communities face due to outdated technologies like fax machines.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 interoperability, the necessity of structured data for meaningful analytics, and the importance of tech equity in bridging the gaps in healthcare access and outcomes. From discussing digital cloud faxing solutions to advocating for policy changes, we highlight the intersection of technology and health equity, urging for a unified approach to data sharing that includes all healthcare providers and patients. Overview: 00:00 EHR incentives neglected behavioral health and upgrades. 05:07 Implement translation technologies, output as FHIR resource. 09:00 Structured data enables effective health outcome analysis. 12:06 Tech equity funding needed for healthcare databases. Resources: Consensus Solutions Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
December 30, 2024

60 I Transforming Cardiometabolic Care: Innovation Meets Equity with Dr. Avantika Waring

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 medications like semaglutide accessible to all, the complex interplay of diet, environment, and genetics, and the need for family-inclusive health interventions. Through thoughtful conversation, we explore how equitable access to healthcare can transform patient outcomes and the importance of addressing both medical and social determinants of health. Overview: 00:00 Prioritizing diverse hires for company growth. 03:18 Effective self-managed care essential for lifelong health. 07:56 Employer equity improves health access through insurance. 10:04 Promote family health literacy despite economic challenges. Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
December 26, 2024

59 I Beyond Metrics: Building Equitable Patient Experience with Sven Gierlinger

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 home visits. The conversation also touches on implicit biases within healthcare interactions and the significance of supporting both staff and patients in these challenging scenarios. We discuss designing healthcare experiences that cater to marginalized communities to benefit everyone and the importance of including caregivers in the patient experience. Finally, we highlight the critical role of cultural and language considerations in providing comprehensive, equitable care. Overview: 00:00 Segment data, diversify methods, conduct in-depth research. 03:25 Adopting new diet due to health, stigma. 06:38 Bias exists; clinician prioritizes patient's comfort. 12:09 Prioritize comprehensive, equitable support for patients, caregivers. Resources: The Aging Revolution (Book) Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
December 23, 2024

58 I The Future of Geriatric Healthcare — Ageism and Equity with Dr. Maria Carney

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 the groundbreaking changes needed in healthcare systems to better serve older adults, emphasizing the role of compassionate communication and the evolving landscape of Medicare. With insights from Dr. Carney's co-authored book, "The Aging Revolution," we explore the future of aging and healthcare, making a compelling case for systemic reform to ensure dignity and quality care for all. Overview: 00:00 hlth conference explores healthcare innovation and equity. 04:49 Over 65s will outnumber under 18s soon. Leadership focus on personalized, impactful healthcare plans. The Aging Revolution: Workforce, healthcare, future directions. Book explains healthcare systems and aging progress. Resources: The Aging Revolution (Book) Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
December 13, 2024

57 I Food is Medicine: How UC Davis is Bridging Healthcare and Community w/ Dr. Reshma Gupta

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 innovative healthcare models. By sharing patient stories and program successes, we illuminate the transformative power of culturally relevant, nutritious food in healthcare settings. We envision a future where healthy food is accessible and affordable and examine the need for policy advocacy, better data collection, and community collaboration to achieve it. Overview: 03:29 Food empowers health, community, climate, and economy. 06:11 Connect with communities for culturally palatable food. 12:51 Food unites communities through cultural cooking classes. 14:57 Understanding, connecting, and revitalizing community food initiatives. 19:42 Deliver local, healthy, affordable foods to schools. 22:35 Medicaid targets disparities; Medicare lacks similar policies. 26:52 Early adopters invest in wellness, promising results. 28:56 UC Davis cafeteria offers gourmet-quality meals. Resources: Food is Medicine - UC Davis Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
November 26, 2024

56 I Food is Medicine (& Relationship) — Indigenous Wisdom on Food Sovereignty w/ Feed 7 Generations

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-led food movement. Learn about innovative initiatives like the Feed 7 Generations Poster, Native Grown and Gathered Project, and Feed 7 Generations Youth Program, designed to reconnect communities with traditional food systems and sustainable practices. Hear firsthand experiences of integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare, advocating for food is medicine, and promoting preventative health through ancestral diets. Our discussion underscores the importance of collective action, community engagement, and the interconnectedness of humans and ecosystems in creating a holistic approach to health and nutrition. Overview: Accessibility and Cost of Fresh Produce Consumer Education and Sustainable Resources Feed 7 Generations Poster and its Principles Indigenous-Led Food Movement and Healing from Colonization Resources and Accessibility through Feed 7 Generations Native Grown and Gathered Project during the Pandemic Feed 7 Generations Youth Program and Future Stewards Food as Medicine Discussion critiques and approached Produce Prescriptions vs. Traditional Food Preferences Roma Jean's Experience with Non-Traditional Healthcare. Resources: Feed 7 Generations Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
November 4, 2024

55 I Food is Medicine: Reclaiming Culture, Restoring Dignity – Feeding Feasible Feasts with Angel Swanson

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 shares the significance of food sovereignty and nutritious food within the African American community, cultural nuances in food preparation, and adapting traditional Black cuisine for better health. We discuss her innovative 24/7 food hubs, which restore dignity by avoiding rigid criteria, and the challenges traditional food banks face. The dialogue also delves into the broader impact of food distribution, gardening as a means of self-sufficiency, and the need for compassionate guidance in food assistance programs. Through Angel’s experiences and insights, we emphasize a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing food insecurity while maintaining cultural identity and dignity. Overview: Introduction and Context Guest Introduction: Angel Swanson Understanding Food Hubs Abundance vs. Scarcity Mindset Food Recovery Programs Food Sovereignty & Nutritious Food Food as Medicine Challenges of National Programs Trust and Dignity in Food Distribution Innovative Community Programs Over-Collection Solutions Angel's Favorite Meal Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action Resources: Feeding Feasible Feasts Next Step: Visit our website, Healthcare for Humans, and join our community to enjoy exclusive benefits at https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/ Earn 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-creating episodes with us. Be part of our community by visiting https://www.healthcareforhumans.org/support/. Follow us on Instagram @healthcareforhumanspodcast
October 25, 2024
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Healthcare for Humans

My name is Dr. Raj Sundar, a family physician and community organizer. This is an independent project that I created, so I can become a better healer to the many different communities that I care for. Like many of you, I've fallen short in caring for and healing many of my patients, especially when their values and beliefs seem foreign to me.

We all have felt those large gaps between our agenda as clinicians and the lives of our patients.

These gaps, sometimes an abyss, are exacerbated by our contemporary systems. This show is my creative power restive and uprising to help address this gap. In this podcast, as I learn, I hope to educate clinicians on how to care for culturally diverse communities so we can all be better healers for all patients, no matter who they are. I hope this podcast re-orients us to what's important to our patients and how they came to be where they are now.

By better understanding their worldview, we can better care for those patients we struggle to help, within the context of their own struggle, and thereby, even ameliorate our own struggle.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Host

Raj Sundar, MD

Raj Sundar, MD

Raj Sundar is a family physician and a community organizer, dedicated to creating systems that prioritize the dignity of each individual.

His leadership approach is rooted in enabling and facilitating others to achieve a shared purpose, and his goal is to contribute to the creation of institutions and communities that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive by honoring people's histories and uplifting their hopes.

He strives to empower others to create meaningful change and cultivate conditions that enable individuals to flourish.

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