#86 - Food Allergy and its Impact on the Hispanic Community

Do food allergies impact all communities in the same way? 

Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss the impact of health disparities on allergy outcomes within the Hispanic and Latino communities. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo highlights the challenges posed by immigration status, language barriers, and cultural factors that contribute to unequal access to healthcare. These disparities often lead to difficulties in managing conditions like food allergies and asthma.

Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo emphasizes the importance of having an advocate in the healthcare system. Dr. G and Dr. Henandez-Trujillo discuss how building a strong relationship with your doctor is key to better outcomes. 

Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo also addresses how cultural beliefs and practices within the Hispanic community influence the understanding and management of food allergies and the need for healthcare providers to enhance their cultural competency.

What we cover in our episode about health disparities in the Hispanic and Latino Communities:

• Health Disparities: Immigration status and language barriers significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes in the Hispanic community.
• Role of an Advocate: Why it is important to have an advocate and maintain a strong relationship with your healthcare provider to navigate the healthcare system.
• Challenges with Allergy Testing: What are the difficulties the Hispanic population faces with allergy testing, including issues related to insurance coverage?
• Cultural Beliefs and Practices: How cultural beliefs and practices within the Hispanic community influence the understanding and management of food allergies.
• Cultural Competency: How healthcare providers can enhance their cultural competency to better serve Hispanic patients.

About Our Guest

Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she specializes in treating allergies and immune conditions in children. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo is deeply committed to addressing health disparities and improving healthcare access for underserved communities. She is actively involved in research and education, focusing on culturally competent care and advocating for patients within the Hispanic community. Her clinical interests include food allergies, asthma, and other allergic conditions.

More resources about XXX: 

• ¿Qué es una alergia alimentaria?
• GoogRx Espagñol 
• Serie de conferencias virtuales Unidos Hablemos