Our interpreters provide comfort, information, and resources to our patients in their native language during what can be stressful hospital visits. This allows our staff to provide the highest quality care. Congratulations to our interpreters for completing the Medical Interpreter Training Program!
Congratulations to our NYC Health + Hospitals Medical Interpreter Skills Training Program graduates. Today we celebrate you! Your excellence, dedication and commitment to using your bilingual talents to continue enhancing our patients’ experience was shining bright today! Thank you to everyone who attended; Our graduates, Language Access Coordinators, DEI and WD Teams, our marvelous interns and Dr Katz for your support!
Special recognition to Cristina Ponsell, Nelly, and our partners at Alta for their work in making this event come together!
Congrats Graduates! Health Equity starts with communication and it starts with you!
#Diversityisourspecialty#languageaccess#Equity
Today, I had an enlightening interaction at my doctor’s office, which reminded me of the incredible diversity and the communication challenges that come with it. I met with a nurse whose accent made it difficult for me to understand her when she mentioned medical terms. Aware of the potential language barriers, she kindly asked if I needed a translator. I appreciated this gesture but explained that my difficulty stemmed from adjusting to various accents since moving to the U.S. in my late twenties.
Later, during a discussion with my doctor where the nurse was present, her demeanor shifted to a more engaging and friendly approach. This change was a gentle reminder of how patience, understanding, and clear communication are vital, especially in healthcare settings where clear understanding is crucial.
This experience reinforced the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of and sensitive to linguistic and cultural nuances. This not only improves patient care but also enhances the relationship between healthcare providers and their patients.
Let's continue to embrace our diverse society and strive for effective communication in all our professional encounters.
#Healthcare#Diversity#CommunicationSkills
Your bridge for connecting with Spanish-speaking stakeholders. Medical interpreter trainer. Spanish/English medical interpreter and translator. ATA board member. CATI board member. Conference presenter (ATA, CHIA)
Marisa Rueda Will, CHI bravo!
WITHOUT A DOUBT our work as healthcare interpreters is NOT just about input and output.
Cynthia E. Roat is right. We are more than information conduits.
We will be replaced by technology if all we do is act like a piece of software.
I really see similarities with what is moving full-steam ahead with translator recognition. Rarely was a translator's name even mentioned in a book. At most it was somewhere at the end, where no one looks. After raising awareness (and making noise!) we are seeing translator's names on the FRONT COVER of books 🤸♀️ 😃 👏 And FYI...those translators use technology to IMPROVE their work.
Still with access to remote interpreters, when I arrive to an encounter and I get "Oh, thank god you're here" in two languages, I'm providing something the phone and video are not. Those modalities are still absolutely necessary, but why does a medical team still call me, despite having instantaneous interpreter access through another means? Because I'm better.
At my hospital coworkers tell me they are nervous about being replaced by the remote interpreters. It is a real threat (but many hospitals that did away with staff interpreters have seen it was a mistake and are figuring out how to bring them back, FYI).
My response is they have to be better than the phone, they have to give something more (and who are we kidding, really it has to be noticed by providers because they can influence the C-suite on business decisions).
Although I logically understand our inheritance from legal interpreting, we also have very different realities. I don't think a legal interpreter was ever overhead paged to help with a rapid response where there are 12 people in the room, or where you have a provider+family meeting to discuss palliative care for a five-year-old child. C'MON.
We are part of the treating team. We are all on the same side, fighting the same adversary (illness/condition), and we are all aiming for the same outcome. Our hospital has new medical students and residents arriving every year. Our staff interpreters have relationships with some patients and families that span YEARS. Same with providers. That experience should be valued and leveraged for improved patient outcomes, not diminished or minimized. And we can do all that while maintaining healthy professional role boundaries.
For all those interpreters out there who are afraid of being replaced by technology: if you act replaceable, you will be replaced. Too many don't see themselves in a legitimate profession, doubt their own skills, are simply disinterested in staying the profession (for a variety of reasons) and all that bleeds through in your work.
If we don't define who we are, and how we present ourselves, others will do it for us, using their criteria, their lenses, their filters. And then we lose, providers lose, patients lose.
I can't wait to see what else Marisa has for us at the Atrium Health summit in a couple weeks!!!
Licensed Medical and Community Interpreter Trainer - Language Access Educator - Certified Healthcare Interpreter - Spanish-to-English Medical Translator - Owner, Tica Interpreter Training and Translations, LLC
At the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) Symposium for Interpreter Trainers in January, I was struck by a concept Cynthia E. Roat shared. She stated that unless healthcare interpreters can find a way to become more than just conduits of information, we will eventually be replaced by technology.
At first, I thought Cindy should go to confession for having shared such a blasphemous thought. I mean, who in their right mind would say those words out loud if they are a healthcare interpreter by trade? Upon further reflection, I realized Cindy had done me a favor by making me examine all the elements I bring to an encounter that aren't just transmitting messages from one language into another.
My work as a healthcare interpreter is not strictly a matter of input and output. My work is about building connections. It is a craft that allows people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences to communicate with one another in a meaningful way to express their thoughts and beliefs. It is about building trust and having a safe space to ask questions and learn information.
Throughout the coming year, I plan to examine this in depth and find sources that support what I know from 18 years of working as a certified healthcare interpreter to be true. Healthcare interpreters provide much more than language access, they are the key to building relationships and connections that make it much more likely to LEP patients to thrive.
Let's start with something small, but important today--health literacy. If a patient is not able to communicate their needs verbally or by reading educational information, they are going to struggle more. They will not be able to ask questions or may not feel comfortable doing so. They may say they understand when they don't. They may inadvertently conceal important information because they don't realize it is a clue for the doctor to treat them more effectively.
Please join me on this journey and share your thoughts along the way!
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)The National Board of Certification for Medical InterpretersAmerican Translators AssociationCross-Cultural Communications, LLC#ATA#LanguageAccess#AAITE#NCIHC#NAJIT#CHIA#CertifiedHealthcareInterpreter#CommunityInterpreter#CCHI#NBCMI#1nt#xl8#publishedauthor#makeadifference#ticatrainer#ticatuesdays
Attention all medical professionals! Are you considering working internationally as a doctor? If so, it's important to understand the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. In order to work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, for example, individuals must hold a recognised medical degree, complete a two-year foundation program, and obtain full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Additionally, doctors must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). It's also important to be aware of any specific visa or immigration requirements for working in the UK as a doctor.
If you're a doctor looking to expand your career internationally, make sure you are well-informed about the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. Understanding the specific requirements for working in the United Kingdom, we can help you navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of successfully securing a position. By staying up-to-date on the necessary qualifications and taking the appropriate steps to meet them, you can position yourself for a successful international medical career. #MedicalProfessionals#InternationalDoctors#GlobalHealthcare
Attention all medical professionals! Are you considering working internationally as a doctor? If so, it's important to understand the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. In order to work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, for example, individuals must hold a recognised medical degree, complete a two-year foundation program, and obtain full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Additionally, doctors must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). It's also important to be aware of any specific visa or immigration requirements for working in the UK as a doctor.
If you're a doctor looking to expand your career internationally, make sure you are well-informed about the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. Understanding the specific requirements for working in the United Kingdom, we can help you navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of successfully securing a position. By staying up-to-date on the necessary qualifications and taking the appropriate steps to meet them, you can position yourself for a successful international medical career. #MedicalProfessionals#InternationalDoctors#GlobalHealthcare
Attention all medical professionals! Are you considering working internationally as a doctor? If so, it's important to understand the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. In order to work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, for example, individuals must hold a recognised medical degree, complete a two-year foundation program, and obtain full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Additionally, doctors must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). It's also important to be aware of any specific visa or immigration requirements for working in the UK as a doctor.
If you're a doctor looking to expand your career internationally, make sure you are well-informed about the qualifications needed to practice in different countries. Understanding the specific requirements for working in the United Kingdom, we can help you navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of successfully securing a position. By staying up-to-date on the necessary qualifications and taking the appropriate steps to meet them, you can position yourself for a successful international medical career. #MedicalProfessionals#InternationalDoctors#GlobalHealthcare
Are you a foreign-trained doctor aspiring to practice in Sweden? Here are some valuable tips to guide you through the job search process:
1️⃣ Understand Licensing Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) requirements for foreign medical professionals.
2️⃣ Language Proficiency: Ensure your Swedish language skills meet the necessary standards. Many medical positions require fluency in Swedish, so investing in language courses can be beneficial.
3️⃣ Networking is Key: Connect with fellow medical professionals, attend conferences, and join relevant online forums. Networking can open doors to potential opportunities and provide insights into the industry.
4️⃣ Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Highlight your international experience, medical qualifications, and any relevant certifications. Customize your application for each position to showcase your alignment with the role.
5️⃣ Explore Recognition Programs: Investigate programs that evaluate foreign qualifications. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare can provide guidance on the recognition of your medical degree.
6️⃣ Stay Informed on Job Portals: Regularly check medical job portals and hospital websites for open positions. Some popular platforms include Region Stockholm, Vårdförbundet, and Läkarjobb.
7️⃣ Be Patient and Persistent: The process may take time, but persistence pays off. Keep refining your approach, staying informed about the healthcare system, and reaching out to potential employers.
Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions. Together, let's build a supportive community for foreign medical professionals pursuing their careers in Sweden! 🌍👩⚕️👨⚕️ #MedicalProfessionals#JobSearch#SwedenOpportunities
I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Dr Ignacio Correa-Velez, whose invaluable insights and guidance have played a vital role in shaping our project.
Our approach is grounded in action-learning research, and Dr Ignacio's expertise has been a true game-changer.
Do you want to learn more about the project?
The project aims to develop and promote career pathways for bilingual educators and support workers in the health and community care sectors. These pathways will both support and facilitate the training and employment of more professionals in this high-need, high-skill occupation.
The project will consist of three key phases:
1. Engagement in Design: Involving bilingual workers, government representatives, and employers.
2. Reflection on Phase 1: Conducting interviews with bilingual educators, employers, and participants in bilingual education sessions, followed by the analysis and reporting of findings.
3. Act and Adapt: Future actions will be informed by the feedback received from participants and stakeholders.
https://lnkd.in/ezAnpEuQ#True#ECCQ#JobsQueensland#BilingualHealthWorkforce#ActionLearning#QUT
At the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) Symposium for Interpreter Trainers in January, I was struck by a concept Cynthia E. Roat shared. She stated that unless healthcare interpreters can find a way to become more than just conduits of information, we will eventually be replaced by technology.
At first, I thought Cindy should go to confession for having shared such a blasphemous thought. I mean, who in their right mind would say those words out loud if they are a healthcare interpreter by trade? Upon further reflection, I realized Cindy had done me a favor by making me examine all the elements I bring to an encounter that aren't just transmitting messages from one language into another.
My work as a healthcare interpreter is not strictly a matter of input and output. My work is about building connections. It is a craft that allows people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences to communicate with one another in a meaningful way to express their thoughts and beliefs. It is about building trust and having a safe space to ask questions and learn information.
Throughout the coming year, I plan to examine this in depth and find sources that support what I know from 18 years of working as a certified healthcare interpreter to be true. Healthcare interpreters provide much more than language access, they are the key to building relationships and connections that make it much more likely to LEP patients to thrive.
Let's start with something small, but important today--health literacy. If a patient is not able to communicate their needs verbally or by reading educational information, they are going to struggle more. They will not be able to ask questions or may not feel comfortable doing so. They may say they understand when they don't. They may inadvertently conceal important information because they don't realize it is a clue for the doctor to treat them more effectively.
Please join me on this journey and share your thoughts along the way!
Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI)The National Board of Certification for Medical InterpretersAmerican Translators AssociationCross-Cultural Communications, LLC#ATA#LanguageAccess#AAITE#NCIHC#NAJIT#CHIA#CertifiedHealthcareInterpreter#CommunityInterpreter#CCHI#NBCMI#1nt#xl8#publishedauthor#makeadifference#ticatrainer#ticatuesdays
