Em Pulse

In the second episode of our advocacy mini series with Dr. Anna Yap, we dive into the critical intersection of emergency medicine and immigration health. As emergency physicians, we frequently care for undocumented patients, asylum seekers, and refugees—individuals who face significant barriers to medical care, including fear, cost concerns, and language obstacles. Dr. Ellen Shank, a UC Davis health policy fellow and expert in migrant healthcare, joins us to explore the legal and ethical responsibilities of emergency providers, including how to navigate interactions with immigration enforcement, protect patient rights, and provide trauma-informed care. We’ll discuss practical ways physicians can advocate for these vulnerable populations, from facilitating asylum medical exams to supporting protective hospital policies. Tune in for an essential discussion on how emergency physicians can go beyond medical treatment to become informed advocates for their patients in an evolving immigration landscape. Has ICE co