A Case of Culture: How Cultural Brokers Bridge Divides in Healthcare Paperback – January 23, 2022

The author has written an important and compelling argument for the presence of, and intervention by "Cultural Brokers" -- persons of similar, if not identical, cultural and linguistic heritage -- as a liaison between a patient and health care provider, if maximum benefit, and understanding, between the two is going to lead to an optimal outcome. Who better to present this treatise than a first generation American child of immigrant parents, whose own background includes health care practices very far removed from modern American medicine, and, who is working as a health care Cultural Broker in one of the most diverse communities in America. A well written and excellent guide to health care in an increasingly diverse America -- highly recommended.

Snigdha has written such a powerful book about the current divide in healthcare. The way she was able to relate her experiences as an Indian American to those of other cultural groups was touching. Her notation of the cultural broker, awareness, and emphasis on the mental health of current physicians is something we all should be more wary of! I could not recommend her book enough; it's a great read.

Love Snigdha’s ability to bridge the cultural divide and convey the power of traditional medicine through powerful storytelling. A must read for any healthcare worker who hopes to deliver effective patient care in an increasingly diverse, multi-cultural world!

Such an important perspective for anyone in a service industry - from healthcare to waiting tables. You could be a cultural broker on any given day and that act of compassionate listening could save a life or, at the least, make someone’s day less of a struggle. This is a treasure trove book of seemingly tiny moments in the lives of ordinary people that made the world of difference to others whom they served by hearing their hearts in times of need. Read it today! You won’t be disappointed.

The book is both informative and entertaining. It is very well written and helpful. Cultural brokers are very important in treating many patients. I learned a great deal about how communication bridges traditional medicine and current medical treatments. Bravo!

Working in healthcare for many years, I had never really thought of "cultural brokers" until I read this book, but it's been part of my life as a child of immigrant parents and I have memories of my oldest sibling in this role. I've also had many encounters with family members of patients I've helped who served as their cultural broker.This book is a much needed topic of exploration in patient care that Nandipati illustrates so well with real life examples. I also thoroughly enjoyed her personal stories and anecdotes. Whether you've had many years of experience in healthcare or interested in healthcare, this is an absolute must read given the growing cultural diversity in the U.S.. Informative books like this grant us the opportunities for understanding.I applaud Nandipati for this much needed book!

“It is not the facts that make a difference…but cultural brokers’ shared sense of identity with the community..” that made a difference in educating ethnic groups.I have thought of mind over body and many other topics around health care but never imagined cultural aspects associated with health care. The author wove an interesting mix of anecdotes to highlight how cultural idiosyncrasies can affect dispensing healthcare. It is a little understood topic and the author brought to light a point of view which is important to not only to medical professionals but also to cultural groups at large…Worth reading!

This book is about bridging the culture gap between practitioners of western medicine and non-mainstream american patients with cultural nuances that may get in the way of communication, diagnosis or healthcare delivery. After reading it, I think it is also a treasure trove of nuggets of cultural education and everyone must read it whether they work in healthcare or not. The author's story telling style made it enjoyable, I looked forward to seeing how each story ended. A fantastic read!