Hello all, my name is Cristina Restrepo and I live in the state of Rhode Island. I am originally from Colombia and speak fluent Spanish as well as English. I moved into the United States when I was 15 years old and ever since I moved here I have been passionate about helping others, especially when it comes to language barriers.
My parents and many family members speak broken English or don’t speak it at all. So I used to serve as an interpreter for my family in all kinds of life situations and circumstances. In 2016 I lost my beloved grandmother to cancer and in between doctors appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments and specialists visits I realized that I could use my bilingual skills to help other patients that face the same struggle of not speaking the English language. I truly believe that it is crucial for patients to understand completely and thoroughly what is happening with their health, specially when diagnosed with any illness or disease.
With my grandmother I had the experience of translating in many medical settings, however, I didn’t not have the medical background needed to do it accurately. Many years passed by and I became a Dental hygienists and that motivated me even more to become a medical interpreter as where I work we see patients with diverse backgrounds many of them being Hispanics. Many of them do not speak English and I have to translate for my fellow coworkers with diagnosis and treatment plans that involve a lot of medical terminology.
I am excited to expand my knowledge in medical terminology and use the skills gained to help others be heard and understood. Also to help medical providers communicate effectively with their patients.
