From the heart of Seattle’s Asian Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American (ANHPIA) community, the Healthcare for Humans podcast acts as a vital link closing systemic gaps in patient care. It offers a deep dive into the relationship between cultural identity and medical services, shedding light on the challenges faced by the ANHPIA community.

Healthcare for Humans, which debuted in May 2022, has aired 39 episodes featuring a diverse range of healthcare professionals, historians, and community advocates. The podcast aims to enhance listeners’ comprehension of different communities and explore culturally tailored healthcare approaches.

Through interactions with community experts, the podcast tackles important topics such as health perceptions, effective strategies for Western healthcare providers, the significance of cultural interpreters, and methods to establish trust and mental well-being in environments where mental health stigma is prevalent, especially among immigrant populations.

Co-founded by Dr. Raj Sundar and Tessa Chu, the podcast spotlights stories often overlooked, providing a platform for marginalized voices in medical discussions. Healthcare for Humans offers a unique mix of personal narratives, cultural perspectives, and professional insights.

The podcast stemmed from Dr. Raj Sundar’s reflections on gaps in the healthcare system. He shared, “I realized I wasn’t fully meeting the needs of immigrant and refugee patients. The healthcare system tends to stereotype individuals without considering their unique values and beliefs. This realization prompted me to use podcasting as a tool to amplify diverse voices, offering a more nuanced outlook.”

Tessa Chu, in addition to her podcast role, sits on the board of Directors at the International Community Health Services (ICHS), demonstrating her dedication to advocating for underserved populations and facilitating access to affordable healthcare.

Reflecting on her parents’ healthcare encounters, Chu highlighted the challenges immigrants face within the traditional U.S. healthcare system. She expressed, “Navigating the healthcare system can be daunting for immigrants and individuals from diverse communities. Through this podcast, we delve into the specifics of these communities’ stories, tailoring care to their unique needs.”

With a foundation of 39 episodes and an ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices, the podcast has featured guests from various communities and plans to include more episodes focusing on Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino communities.

Episodes cover a wide array of topics, from Ron Chew’s exploration of Chinese immigration history to Tagoipah Mathno’s insights into healthcare challenges within the Cham community, shedding light on varied healthcare experiences across cultural groups.

The podcast also delves into culturally sensitive nutrition with Aliya Haq from the International Community Health Services discussing the link between dietary habits and cultural identity, an often overlooked aspect of traditional healthcare.

Moreover, the podcast touches on the historical significance of organizations like the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) in supporting Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees, providing essential medical care and broader social services for mental well-being.

Looking forward, the podcast aims to address critical issues in collaboration with the King County Department of Health, specifically focusing on hepatitis B and latent tuberculosis, conditions that disproportionately affect immigrant communities, particularly Asians.

Through informative discussions, the podcast aims to destigmatize these diseases and encourage preventive measures and screenings within these communities.

By partnering with community stakeholders, Healthcare for Humans not only educates but also empowers listeners to take proactive steps toward better health, establishing itself as a transformative educational platform.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is ANHPIA?

ANHPIA stands for Asian Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander American, encompassing diverse communities within these demographics.

### How many episodes has the podcast aired so far?

The podcast has produced 39 episodes to date, featuring a wide range of topics and guests from various cultural backgrounds.

### What are some upcoming topics the podcast will cover?

The podcast plans to focus on hepatitis B and latent tuberculosis, addressing these conditions’ impact on immigrant communities, with the aim of educating and raising awareness among listeners.Public Discourse

A collaboration focusing on the continuous professional development of clinicians integrates the use of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. This initiative aligns with the podcast’s aim to foster understanding across various cultures.

By incorporating this educational method, healthcare providers can meet part of their licensing requirements while gaining valuable insights into the unique perspectives and requirements of the communities they serve. This integration of professional development aspects allows the podcast to expand its impact beyond storytelling, creating a space where empathy and comprehension hold significant importance.

Dr. Sundar highlighted the importance of this educational aspect, mentioning, “Healthcare knowledge is always advancing, and as professionals, it’s crucial to stay updated. Our podcast contributes to this by providing CME credits through content that encourages reflection, addressing gaps in cultural awareness and patient care.”

Through an in-depth exploration of healthcare narratives, the podcast sheds light on the diverse experiences within Seattle’s multicultural communities, promoting deeper understanding and empathy.

Healthcare for Humans welcomes everyone to engage in this ongoing dialogue. By subscribing and sharing feedback, listeners actively participate in shaping a healthcare discourse that values empathy and cultural awareness. Join the community dedicated to promoting inclusive and empathetic care at www.healthcareforhumans.org.

This content is created in partnership with our media sponsor Communities of Opportunity, a collaborative effort striving for healthy and thriving communities.