Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S.

What happens when you're a U.S. citizen, but your access to healthcare depends on where you live? In this episode of Unsettled Health, Judith Flores and Gustavo Morales of the Latino Commission on AIDS explore how Puerto Rico’s political status shapes healthcare access, from unequal Medicaid funding and physician shortages to challenges facing older adults and people living with HIV. Together, they discuss the systemic barriers, potential solutions, and the role of advocacy in building a more equitable healthcare system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we discuss the financial, legal, and institutional barriers facing undocumented students pursuing medicine—from DACA uncertainty and licensing restrictions, to predatory lending and immigration battle fatigue. We also dive into why supporting these students strengthens healthcare through culturally and linguistically concordant care.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuests:Rachel Fabi, PhDKatherine Narvaez, MD, MPH, MBA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Judith Flores speaks with Dr. Kate Sugarman about the health consequences of immigration detention in the United States. Drawing from her experience reviewing medical records from ICE detention centers, Dr. Sugarman discusses medical neglect, unsafe living conditions, barriers to specialty care, infectious disease risks, and the trauma detention can inflict on individuals and families. The conversation also explores the broader public health impact of detention and how healthcare professionals can use advocacy, volunteering, and their professional voices to push for change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does reproductive justice look like for immigrant families? In this episode, we discuss how immigration policy shapes access to healthcare, prenatal care, and the ability to safely raise children. Together, we explore family separation, the ethical responsibilities of clinicians, and why equitable healthcare is essential for healthier communities.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuest: Rachel E. Fabi, PhD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Unsettled, we examine what happens when immigration enforcement collides with healthcare. Dr. Mark Kuczewski, Dr. Amy Blair, and Dr. Theresa Nguyen join the show to discuss their recent American Journal of Bioethics publication on the ethical challenges clinicians face when treating patients in ICE custody. They explain how hospitals often apply blanket forensic patient policies—originally designed for dangerous incarcerated individuals—to immigrant patients who may pose no threat, resulting in harmful practices like shackling, privacy violations, and barriers to proper medical care.Sanctuary doctoring link Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Unsettled, Dr. Judith Flores is joined by Dr. L. Toni Lewis and Eddie González-Novoa from Liberation Health Strategies to explore what liberation-centered healthcare looks like in practice. Together, they discuss community partnerships, immigrant experiences, mentorship, and how healthcare can move beyond equity toward true healing and belonging.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuests:L. Toni Lewis, MDEddie González-Novoa, MDiv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Judith Flores speaks with Jesús de la Torre of the Hope Border Institute about the human impact of immigration policy at the U.S.–Mexico border. Drawing from the report Cruelty as Policy, they discuss conditions in detention centers, the harm of family and child detention, and the broader public health consequences of current enforcement strategies. The conversation highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform and calls on healthcare professionals and communities to engage in advocacy that upholds dignity, safety, and access to care.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuestJesús de la Torre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of immigration enforcement on healthcare. The panel explores how ICE activity is affecting immigrant patients, creating fear around seeking care, and challenging healthcare providers to maintain trust, confidentiality, and ethical practice.Through personal experiences and clinical insights, the conversation highlights the need for clear protocols in healthcare settings, patient education on their rights, and stronger advocacy to protect vulnerable communities. The episode underscores the broader public health implications of immigration enforcement and the role healthcare professionals can play in supporting immigrant patients.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuests:Roberto Johansson, MDAnne Lifflander, MDChanelle Diaz, MD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Unsettled: Migrant Health in the U.S., we are joined by Dr. Lisa Mattson, President of the Minnesota Medical Association, to discuss how immigration enforcement actions are impacting healthcare delivery in Minnesota. Dr. Mattson shares concerns about increased ICE presence in hospitals and clinics, reports of HIPAA violations and staff intimidation, and how fear of detention is leading some patients to avoid seeking care. We also explore how providers are adapting through home visits, virtual care, and clearer institutional protocols to protect patients and staff, and the broader role of organized medicine in advocating for patient rights and access to care.Host: Judith Flores, MDGuest: Lisa Mattson, MD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Unsettled: Migrant Health in the US, we explore the current state of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in the United States. From long-acting injectable therapies and evolving PrEP options to persistent barriers facing migrant and underserved communities, this conversation examines both progress and gaps in care.We discuss stigma, immigration-related fears, funding challenges, and the role of community partnerships in expanding access. Scientific innovation is advancing, but equity, trust, and culturally grounded outreach remain essential to moving forward.Host:Judith Flores, MDDisleiry Benitez, MPHGuest:Nathaly Rubio-Torio, LMSWShirley Torho, MPHCarlos Salama, MDDaniel Leyva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.