Stories from Those Who Interpret for Others in Healthcare
Stories from Those Who Interpret for Others in Healthcare
Appropriate medical care relies on good communication between patients and their healthcare providers. This VOICES issue includes stories from people who have served as healthcare interpreters. Interpreters are used when providers and patients do not share a common language, for example, when there is a mismatch in spoken language, or when one party is nonverbal, deaf, hard of hearing, or non-signing. Professional interpreters are trained in language, cultural traditions, interpersonal communication, and medical vocabulary. Their services provide a crucial connection point between patients and healthcare professionals for the accurate sharing of important information.
“Medical interpreting is a profession fraught with challenges, complexities, and a profound sense of responsibility. While the authors play a pivotal role in bridging language and cultural divides within healthcare, their stories demonstrate that their contributions are often overlooked and undervalued. The stories contribute to a deeper understanding of the experiences of medical interpreters and underscore the importance of supporting their work to improve patient care and health outcomes."