21 I Latine/Caring for Undocumented Latinx Patients Through Illness Narratives (Dr. Odette Zero)

Healthcare for Humans

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How can we make sense of suffering and create meaning in our lives through illness narratives? Join us as we welcome our special guest Odette, a family medicine physician who specializes in caring for the Latinx community, particularly undocumented individuals. In this captivating conversation, Odette shares her personal experiences with illness narratives in Guatemala and how this approach has shaped her practice in medicine.

We dive into the complexities of providing care for undocumented individuals, exploring the importance of relationship-building with the Latinx community. Odette shares insights on how to talk about intimate partner violence with patients who are undocumented and how Susto, a cultural belief in the cause of illness, plays a part in their understanding of their disease. Together, we uncover valuable strategies for providing culturally responsive care in these challenging situations.

Lastly, we discuss the realities of caring for undocumented patients and how medical professionals can advocate for them on both an individual and system level. Odette emphasizes the need for cultivating hope as an art and skill, and reminds us that even if we may not feel like we are making system-level change, our work can still make a difference for a single patient. Don't miss this thought-provoking and heartwarming conversation on illness narratives and the intricacies of caring for the undocumented Latinx community.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Culture and Health Narratives

(0:16:25) - Illness Narratives and Undocumented Healthcare

(0:25:45) - Undocumented Mothers' Fear and Healthcare Access

(0:31:11) - Building Trust and Safety in Healthcare

(0:43:53) - Advocacy for Undocumented Patients

(0:47:33) - Medical Advocacy and Activism

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:00) - Culture and Health Narratives

Odette discusses illness narratives, Susto, and intimate partner violence with undocumented patients.

(0:16:25) - Illness Narratives and Undocumented Healthcare

Odette shares her experience with illness narratives, creating a space for someone to tell their story, and the importance of relationship building with the Latinx community.

(0:25:45) - Undocumented Mothers' Fear and Healthcare Access

Undocumented mothers, cultural barriers, language barriers, sexism, pathways to citizenship, legal benefits, medical education, and creating safe spaces are discussed.

(0:31:11) - Building Trust and Safety in Healthcare

Odette shares strategies to build trusting relationships, normalize conversation, create a safe space, acknowledge documentation status without judgement, and avoid writing sensitive information.

(0:43:53) - Advocacy for Undocumented Patients

Odette advocates for undocumented patients, building trusting relationships to ensure they receive care.

(0:47:33) - Medical Advocacy and Activism

Odette emphasizes cultivating hope, advocating for healthcare on a personal level, and making a difference for one patient.