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Medical interpretation plays a critical role in the healthcare industry. Not only does the healthcare professional need to effectively communicate with the patient, but the patient deserves to have a voice, and that’s where a medical interpreter comes in. They are an advocate for patients who experience communication barriers and they work to bridge that gap, ensuring patients receive the care they’re entitled to. A lack of communication in the healthcare industry can lead to mistakes and potential harm for the patient, making medical translation so vital.

What Healthcare Translation Services Look Like

Medical interpretation can be used in a wide variety of settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. Whichever setting you choose to work in, the overall role is primarily the same, ensuring that the patient understands their care. When it comes to the health of an individual, serious or sensitive situations can arise, so assistance in communication becomes even more necessary.

While translation is a key asset in breaking down those communication barriers, medical interpretation is a bit different. An interpreter is physically present to translate between a patient and a doctor, taking notes of visual and vocal cues so that they can better understand the patient’s concerns, symptoms, or medical history to convey to the doctor.

If you’re a medical interpreter, a typical day may include:

• Translating diagnosis and treatment options – For patients who speak a language other than English, interpreters will be present during conversations between them and their doctors. Interpreters will then explain any diagnoses and the treatment options available to ensure there is a mutual understanding.
   
• Facilitating patient follow-up care – Interpreters may provide translations for follow-up phone calls with doctors and nurses, remind the patient of appointment times or locations, and may arrive with them to their appointments.
   
• Translating texts and documents – With medical interpretation, it’s important to also translate any documents or brochures that are provided to the patient. Additionally, this also includes translating medical forms, legal documents, and any billing-related forms as well.
   

In addition to these responsibilities, understand that a typical day in healthcare translation services varies widely. The patients that you’ll be assisting will be dealing with different situations, so know that there is a lot of variation in this career.

If you’re wondering if this career is suited for you, here are a few traits that aid medical interpreters in their roles:

• Being in control of their emotions
• Professionalism
• Punctuality
• Empathy
• Being open to new ideas
• Inquisitiveness
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work in stressful situations
• Active listening
• Levelheadedness