"Our Patients Are More Frightened and Sicker Than Ever" with Dr. Robin Canada and Elizabeth Whidden

Host Dr. Larry Barsh sits down with two frontline Philadelphia healthcare providers to discuss the mounting health crisis driven by fear of immigration enforcement in immigrant communities.

The conversation draws on a powerful New York Times op-ed the guests co-authored in February, titled "Our Patients Are More Frightened and Sicker Than Ever," and explores real patient stories, systemic failures, and what listeners can do to help.

Dr. Robin Canada - Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. Primary care physician and community health leader serving as Associate Division Chief for Community Engagement and Director of Residency Education at a clinic specifically for immigrant patients in South Philadelphia. Co-author of the February New York Times op-ed.

Elizabeth Whidden - Fifth-year MD/MPH student at the University of Pennsylvania, months away from beginning her residency in internal medicine. Former immigrant case manager. Current leader of an organization coordinating medical-legal partnerships for asylum seekers. Co-author of the February New York Times op-ed.Widespread fear in immigrant communities is causing patients to avoid medical care, even those with legal status.ICE activity has been described as indiscriminate — affecting documented residents, mixed-status families, and U.S. citizens.

Medical Consequences of Detention

Interruption of medications for diabetes, hypertension, post-stroke care, dialysis, and addiction leads to rapid deterioration.Reportedly 40+ detainee deaths in 2025; 6–8 already reported in 2026 (exact figures uncertain).

An ACLU analysis found roughly 95% of detention deaths between 2021–2024 were preventable with proper medical care.Detained individuals face lack of food access, irregular bathroom schedules, absence of exercise, and extreme psychological stress.

How Clinics Are Responding

Switching to phone-based telemedicine appointments when ICE threat levels are high.Locking clinic waiting rooms to prevent unannounced ICE entry; installing security in the vestibule.Increased proactive outreach to high-risk patients who have stopped coming in.

Writing letters of medical necessity for detained patients to support legal and consulate efforts.

Coordinating medical-legal partnerships for asylum seekers through student-led organizations.

Relevance to Seniors

Many caregivers in senior living and skilled nursing facilities come from immigrant communities — ICE enforcement directly disrupts elder care.Undocumented seniors are also directly affected — the episode highlights a man in his late 60s on dialysis being worked up for cancer who lives under dual threats of illness and deportation.

How You Can Help

Donate to legal aid organizations in your city — immigration lawyers are working around the clock on habeas petitions and there is a serious shortage.

Support safety-net clinics caring for immigrant patients — these communities often have no access to Medicaid, Medicare, or food assistance.

Search for immigrant rights organizations in your city — most have a "how to help" section on their website with both financial and volunteer opportunities.

Attend protests and rallies — as Dr. Canada notes, the world is watching, and advocacy from seniors carries special weight.

Stay informed and speak out — sharing the realities of what is happening in your community can shift the conversation.

Referenced Article

"Our Patients Are More Frightened and Sicker Than Ever" — New York Times op-ed, February 2025, by Dr. Robin Canada and Elizabeth Whidden.

The piece describes the devastating health consequences of immigration enforcement on patients in Philadelphia's South Side and calls for systemic reform.

Article by Dr, Canada

https://closler.org/passion-in-the-medical-profession/detained