[Johana Colon]

Medical interpreters do a lot more than just repeat words in another language. Their job is to make sure patients and healthcare providers truly understand each other not just the words, but the meaning behind them. There are four main roles interpreters take on message converter, clarifier, cultural broker, and advocate.

The first role, and the one used most often, is the message converter. This is the core of interpreting just faithfully repeating everything said, word for word, in the other language. For example, if a doctor says, “You need to take this medication every morning before breakfast,” the interpreter repeats that exactly to the patient, without changing or explaining anything.

Then there’s the clarifier role. Sometimes a patient might not understand a medical term, or the provider might use complex language. If that happens, the interpreter can briefly step out of the “word for word” role and explain. Let’s say the provider says “You have hypertension,” and the patient looks confused. The interpreter might clarify by saying, “That means high blood pressure,” to help the patient understand better.

Next is the cultural broker. This comes into play when cultural differences affect communication. For instance, in some cultures, people avoid eye contact with authority figures out of respect. If a provider sees this as rude or evasive, the interpreter might explain, “In this culture, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect,” helping both sides avoid misunderstandings.

Lastly, there’s the advocate role. This one is used carefully and only when needed for example, if the patient clearly doesn’t understand something important and might be at risk. If a nurse gives rushed instructions and walks away, the interpreter might say, “I believe the patient didn’t fully understand. Could we go over that again?” It’s not about giving medical advice just making sure the patient’s voice is heard and they’re safe.

Each of these roles has a purpose, and a good interpreter knows when to stick to the script and when to step in for clarity or cultural understanding. It’s all about helping people connect in meaningful, respectful ways.

[Johana Colon]

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Doing a pre session with yourself, the provider, and the patient can really set the tone for a successful interpreting encounter. As an interpreter, having even a brief moment to collect your thoughts before going into a session helps you focus, mentally prepare for the topic, and ensure you’re ready to interpret accurately. It’s also a good chance to check in with the provider understanding the purpose of the session and any special considerations, like dialect or sensitive topics, can make a big difference.

When all three parties are involved, it helps build trust. Patients may not always know what to expect from an interpreter, so explaining your role that you’re there to interpret everything accurately and stay neutral can help them feel more comfortable. It also gives providers a chance to be reminded of best practices, like pausing often and avoiding jargon.

Skipping the pre session can lead to avoidable problems. For instance, if the provider talks too fast or uses complicated medical terms, the interpretation might not be accurate. Or worse, the patient might ask the interpreter for advice or help making a decision, not understanding that the interpreter can’t do that. These kinds of situations can be avoided by just spending a few minutes up front aligning expectations.

Is it always necessary? Not every single time. In emergency settings or when you work regularly with the same team, it might not be practical. But when possible especially in complex or sensitive appointments it’s always worth doing.

[Johana Colon]

Thank you so much for sharing your story — it’s incredibly inspiring. It’s clear that you’ve poured a lot of heart and dedication into your work, and I really admire how you embraced change and followed your passion for communication, even when it meant stepping away from a stable career. That takes a lot of courage.

Your journey into the medical interpreting world sounds both challenging and rewarding, and I appreciate the honesty about the early struggles. It’s encouraging to hear how far you’ve come — it gives me hope that with time, effort, and patience, I can grow the same way. I’ll definitely take your advice to heart and try to be kind to myself during this learning process.

Thanks again for the encouragement — it means a lot coming from someone who’s been in the field for so long.

[Johana Colon]

A lot of people think interpreters and translators do the same thing, but they’re actually very different. The biggest difference is that interpreters work with spoken language, while translators work with written language. So, if someone is speaking another language and you need help understanding them in real time, you’d need an interpreter. But if you have a document in another language that needs to be translated into English, that’s a job for a translator.

Each role comes with its own challenges. Interpreters have to think and speak quickly. They’re listening, processing, and repeating information almost at the same time, and there’s no room to pause or go back. That can be stressful—especially in medical settings where the information is sensitive or urgent. Interpreters also have to deal with different accents, emotions, and even cultural differences, all while staying accurate.

Translators, on the other hand, have more time to do their work. They can use dictionaries or double-check meanings, but that doesn’t mean it’s easier. They have to be super precise and make sure the tone and message of the original text comes through clearly in the translation. It’s not just about changing words—it’s about understanding the whole meaning.

It’s really important to know the difference between the two. Hiring the wrong person for a situation can lead to miscommunication, especially in serious areas like healthcare or legal settings. Understanding the unique skills of interpreters and translators helps everyone communicate more effectively and respectfully.

[Johana Colon]

My name is Johana, and I currently live in Providence, Rhode Island with my husband and our two children, ages 15 and 9. Being a mother is my greatest joy, and my family is the center of my world. My husband and I have been together for 20 years and recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary. As a family, we love spending time together, especially traveling and exploring different countries and cultures.

For the past five years, I’ve worked at Rhode Island Hospital as a Patient Representative. In my role, I primarily assist Spanish-speaking patients with checking in, booking follow-up appointments, and making sure they feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the process. I take great pride in helping bridge the communication gap between patients and providers, and I’ve developed a strong passion for supporting the Latino community through my work.

My goal is to become a certified medical interpreter. I want to advocate for patients who face language barriers and help ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. I believe that everyone should be able to communicate clearly and confidently when it comes to their health. Becoming a medical interpreter feels like the right next step for me—one that aligns with both my experience and my values.

I’m passionate about helping others and proud of the work I do. I’m excited to continue growing professionally while making a meaningful impact in my community.

[Author]

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