Medical Interpretation

Medical interpreters work with non-English speaking patients in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and mental health clinics. They act as conduits between patients and medical professionals by listening to the professional and orally translating information into a patient’s native language in layman’s terms. The medical interpreter then translates the patient’s response back to the professional, using proper medical terminology. Interpreters may translate such information as the reason for a medical visit, past medical history and family medical history, as well as explaining medical and surgical procedures, giving medical care instructions, providing drug information and scheduling follow-up appointments.

During the visit, cultural misunderstandings between a professional and patient may occur. Medical interpreters must anticipate these events and try to avoid them. Interpreters also are privy to sensitive information, so they must maintain patient confidentiality at all times.