With so many medical terms and unfamiliar jargon, patient families can have a hard time understanding exactly what the doctor is saying – especially if English is not the parents’ first language.
A special group of people, medical interpreters, helps these families understand their children’s diagnoses and treatment plans. Akron Children’s Hospital is celebrating our interpreters during International Translation Day on Sept.30.
This day has been celebrated since 1953, but the International Federation of Translators officially launched a day to recognize and promote their work in 1991.
Meet some of the members of Akron Children’s Language Access team:
Language: Burmese
Country of origin: Myanmar
What do you like best about your job or what motivates you? I’m happy to be in touch with the medical field.
Something nobody knows about you: I’m a big eater, and also that I snore at night.
Language: Nepali
Country of origin: Bhutan
What do you like best about your job or what motivates you? I always look for ways to help others, and interpreting was a way for me to help. Getting appreciation from others is always nice to have. Seeing a crying baby and frustrated parents’ faces turn into healthy, happy faces motivates me to be an interpreter.
Something nobody knows about you: It’s a secret.
Language: Karen
Country of origin: Burma
What do you like best about your job or what motivates you? I am happy to be in touch with the medical field.
Something nobody knows about you: I am funny.
Language: Arabic
Country of origin: Jordan
What do you like best about your job or what motivates you? I enjoy the ability to use my native language to help others. I also like meeting new people.
Something nobody knows about you: I enjoy playing video games with my sons.
Language: Spanish
Country of origin: U.S.A.
What do you like best about your job or what motivates you? I love meeting new families and being able to help them navigate the complex world of doctors offices and medical facilities. I especially love learning something new every day!
Something nobody knows about you: I was in a show choir in high school and love to sing!
Akron Children’s offers translation and interpretation services at no cost to patients and families. Learn more about Language Access Services at akronchildrens.org and stop by the 3rd floor display case across from the vending area during the week of Sept. 30.
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