Interview

1. What drew you to become a medical interpreter, especially at a free clinic setting?

My daughter became a medical interpreter and began volunteering in healthcare settings. After some time, she encouraged me to join her. Having lived in Spain for many years and being fluent in Spanish, I decided to become a medical interpreter as well. I have always enjoyed volunteering and have a strong background in service, including time spent in the Peace Corps, which made this opportunity especially meaningful to me.

2. How is interpreting in a free clinic different from working in a hospital or private practice?

Interpreting in a free clinic setting is different from working in a hospital in that the work is different; appointments are shorter, we never know who we will be interpreting for since there are no set appointments, and there is a lot of gratitude from patients who interpret for them. Sometimes, the different accents are hard, but they are not as difficult as some might expect. Overall, you get used to the differences quickly and adapt. 

3. What unique challenges do patients at free clinics face when it comes to communication?

One unique challenge patients at free clinics often face is feeling intimidated or unsure about what concerns they are allowed to discuss during their visit. Many patients may initially come in for a specific service, such as vaccinations, but after building trust with the healthcare team and realizing the clinic is a safe and welcoming environment, they may feel more comfortable asking about additional health concerns that they had previously hesitated to bring up. This highlights the importance of creating an atmosphere where patients feel empowered to discuss all of their healthcare needs. Also, not being able to speak to the provider directly is tough.

4. Can you share a moment that really stayed with you: something that reminded you why this work matters?

Several patients were able to have their healthcare needs addressed simply because they were finally able to communicate their medical situations. Many expressed immense gratitude when their concerns were resolved. One particularly memorable experience I have had involved helping two sisters obtain the immunizations and health records they needed to begin working. Because they did not speak English, navigating the healthcare system had been especially challenging. They were amazed to learn that the services were provided free of charge and were incredibly thankful for the assistance they received.

5. What’s a common misconception people have about interpreters?

One challenge interpreters face is that patients sometimes mistake them for medical professionals and direct medical questions to them rather than the physician. Another common misconception is that interpreters automatically know the Spanish translation for every medical term. In reality, medical terminology can be highly specialized, and I occasionally need to look up unfamiliar terms to ensure accuracy. For example, when I first began interpreting, I did not know that the Spanish word for “seizure” is convulsiones. In the moment, especially in a fast-paced clinical setting, it is not always possible to know every term immediately.

6. Beyond language, how do you help bridge cultural gaps between patients and providers?

Beyond language, I try to help bridge cultural gaps between patients and providers by trying to let the patient know they can ask anything. I try to make them feel comfortable, that they are safe, and that the people around them want to help. I try to help encourage them to be a part of the appointment.

7. What does a typical day look like for you at the free clinic?

A typical day at the free clinic depends largely on how many interpreters are available. On nights when there are fewer interpreters, I am constantly busy and may not have a chance to sit down. When there is a full team, usually around six interpreters, I may work with one or two patients throughout the entire evening. Despite the workload, I enjoy the busier nights because the time passes quickly and there are many people who need assistance. I find it especially rewarding to help patients overcome language barriers and access the care they need, making the experience both meaningful and gratifying.

8. What skills does someone need to do this job well that people might not expect?

Some skills people need to do this job well are that they need to be able to keep an open mind because anything can come at you in varied scenarios. It works best if you are a flexible person for medical interpretation and are willing to be at peace with not knowing everything because it is such a broad category to interpret, and also be willing to look up information on the fly. 

9. What do you wish more people understood about your work?

I wish more people knew how important and needed interpreting is, and how helpful it is to the many immigrants who work here and potentially don’t have a full grasp of English. Interpreting helps patients have much better access to medical care.

10. What keeps you coming back to this work?

I love the community, from the medical doctors, students, and volunteers, and it feels worthwhile as a volunteer opportunity, as if I am accomplishing something 

11. One word to describe the experience: Fulfilling