Immigrant health care workers serve a vital function within the American health care system

Early this month, it was reported that President Donald Trump, having grown frustrated from discussions regarding a bipartisan deal on immigration, asked why proposals continued to provide special protections for immigrants from the countries of El Salvador and Haiti, and the continent of Africa. He reportedly exclaimed, “Why are we having all these people from sh*thole countries come here?” The statement has been largely denounced both at home and abroad, and the United Nations human rights spokesman condemned the use of vulgar language, and the disparagement of people from entire countries and continents. Immigrants have served a vital and necessary part of the American workforce since the country’s foundation. This is seemingly most evident in health care. It is estimated that approximately 16 percent of the health care workforce is foreign-born, with more than one in four physicians and one in five registered nurses having been born outside of the United States. Among African-American health care providers, many foreign-born individuals originate from the Caribbean and Africa. Immigrant health care providers serve a vital function within the American health care system, often delivering care in high-need areas throughout the United States which would otherwise be left with dramatic shortages. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Public Health & Policy Washington Watch Source Type: blogs