It is one thing to be fluent in multiple languages and to have the ability to accurately interpret between the two. But just as important, the interpreter must fully understand the material that is being presented. This is even more important in the specialized field of medical interpretation.
Medical Interpreters’ Responsibilities
Medical interpreters are used in hospitals, doctor’s offices, courts, conferences and any other medical area where the patient or audience does not speak the native language of the medical staff. A medical interpreter’s responsibilities are to interpret/translate information from the medical staff to the patient. In addition, if the patient has any questions or concerns, a reverse interpretation is required so doctors and nurses can properly address the patents symptoms, concerns or questions.
Obviously, it is critical that the interpreter fully understand a vast amount of medical terminology in both languages. It is critical that the interpretations be as accurate as possible so that the patient receives the proper care.
The last thing you want is an interpreter that does not understand medical terminology. In that case, problems can arise within the communication process between all involved. When time is critical, you don’t want your interpreter to slow down the treatment process as they try to use the proper terminology or stop to research it.
The Importance of Specialized Interpreters
Even highly experienced medical interpreters encounter difficult situations. Last week we encountered a difficult request, a large medical facility here in the Midwest had a client from Iraq who was the primary care giver for an elderly gentleman. The care giver only signed Iraqi sign language and was completely deaf. Our work flow was:
English -> American Sign Language -> Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) -> the Iraqi care giver then back again.
Although we prepare for all situations, encounters such as these that keep our work load fun and challenging. The medical appointment went every well and that is due to the professionalism and experience of the interpreters that worked on this case. If they had only limited medical knowledge or were inexperienced, the relay of the information to the caregiver would have been very difficult to convey.
At Atlas Language Services, we only hire the most qualified health care interpreters that have specialized educations in the field of medical interpretation. While it is not necessary, Atlas looks to hire interpreters that come from schools that offer specialized medical interpretation certificate programs to insure you have the best interpreter to meet all your medical interpretation and translation needs.
FAQs
Why is it important for medical interpreters to have specialized knowledge?
Specialized knowledge in medical terminology ensures that interpreters can accurately communicate complex medical information between healthcare professionals and patients, preventing misunderstandings that could affect patient care.
What are the main responsibilities of a medical interpreter?
Medical interpreters are responsible for translating information from healthcare staff to patients and vice versa. They must accurately convey symptoms, concerns, and treatment plans to ensure effective communication between doctors and patients.
Can medical interpreters handle situations involving multiple languages and forms of communication?
Yes, experienced medical interpreters can handle complex communication scenarios, including those involving multiple languages and sign languages. For example, a case may involve both spoken and signed languages, as demonstrated by the example of interpreting for a caregiver using Iraqi Sign Language.
What qualifications should a medical interpreter have?
Medical interpreters should have a strong understanding of medical terminology in both languages they work with. Ideally, they should hold specialized certifications in medical interpretation to ensure they meet the high standards required in healthcare settings.