[Judy Guarin]

Good afternoon to all, a pre-session it’s a very important step in medical interpreting because it helps with the accuracy, professionalism, and trust during the visit. Doing a pre-session with myself (the interpreter), the Provider, and the Patient helps to reassure that everyone understands their roles and boundaries. For me, a pre-session will help me to mentally prepare by reviewing the medical terminology that will be used and to be familiar with the topic of the visit. With the Provider, a pre-session allows clarification of the type of interpretation he/she is looking for and what topic will be discussed, also very important to inform the importance of short segments for accuracy during the interpretation to prevent misunderstandings, for example; the Provider continuing to speak without pauses can lead to inaccurate interpreting and confusion. For the Patient, the pre-session will build trust and comfort, by introducing myself, explaining who I am and what my role is; reassuring confidentiality and accuracy on interpreting word for word everything he/she are going to say, will allow the Patient to feel less anxious and more open to speak the truth and be comfortable with what will be said and discussed during their visit.
Not having these pre-sessions can create scenarios of confusion about the roles, mistranslated medical information or health issues, loss of Patient’s trust etc.
I belief a brief pre-session is always beneficial during quick visits or emergencies, this allows to reinforce everyone’s roles and gives the Patient trust, which it’s very important. It will always avoid misunderstandings and confusions.

[Judy Guarin]

Hi Emily, Yes I agree with you 100%! A pre-session with yourself it’s mostly important because gathering all of the information from both the Patient and the Dr. prior to the visit will allow the interpretation to run smoothly and effectively.

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Brian, I agree with you, doing a pre-session it’s absolutely important and interpreting can also be done without a pre-session if there’s not time for one.

[Judy Guarin]

Hello, Correct! Agree 100%

[Judy Guarin]

Hi Brian, That’s exciting to hear! Colombia is indeed a beautiful country and also very fun, and the weather it’s great!

[Judy Guarin]

Sorry, I meant Alejandra…

[Judy Guarin]

Great point Brian, Very well explained and detailed. However, correct me if I’m wrong but as interpreters we are not allowed to interpret the patient’s body gestures verbally. We must act as the patient and show the exact body gestures/sounds and not try to interpret what we think or see the patient is trying to say they are feeling. It is the Dr’s responsibility to ask the patient what he/she is feeling if the message is only given by body gestures and not actual words.

[Judy Guarin]

I think the most accurate way is to transfer the original message “I’m fine” with all the emotions given, sounds, facial expressions etc…

[Judy Guarin]

Good afternoon all! I think the difference between an Interpreter and a Translator is that an interpreter has to deliver the original message from one language to another without changing the meaning of the message and it’s done as a third person from one person to the other and this is done verbally or by signed language with the pressure of having to get it done immediately… The interpreter has to understand the message and deliver it accurately. A translator, on the other hand, deals with written texts, documents etc. they have to translate the message word for word but have the opportunity to revise it before delivering it. An interpreter’s challenge can be sharp listening, quick thinking and the ability to make tones and emotions almost instantly without time to research on the message being delivered. As with the translator some of the challenges can be accuracy, words and meanings from one language to another, this can be very challenging for a translator because they have to research the message without changing the meaning or the message, the translator has no one to ask to repeat or explain what they are trying to say. In conclusion both the interpreter and translator have similar responsibilities and challenges with the exception that the interpreter has more pressure to deliver the message in real time, and need to memorize everything said in the original message. The translator has more time to deliver the message in a written matter with less pressure but must be very thorough and accurate.

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Brian, I’m with you on being nervous but it’s going to be just fine. We got this! Looking forward to this learning experience with you!

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Alexandra, I visited Chile about 3 years ago, I stayed in Concepcion. Very beautiful Country. Looking forward to this new learning experience with you!

[Judy Guarin]

Thank you Art for such a warm welcome! I’m looking forward for this new learning opportunity, Thank you for your help and patience with me.

[Judy Guarin]

Awww so sweet!

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 5 days ago by Judy Guarin.

[Judy Guarin]

Good afternoon to all! My name is Judith Guarin. I was raised and have lived in the U.S for 30+ years. I am a single mother of a 22 year old female. I’ve worked in the Dental field for 18+ years as a Dental Assistant/Office Assistant. I fluently speak English and Spanish. I am currently staying for an extended time in my native Country, Colombia S.A. for family/business matters. The reason why I’ve considered taking your online course is due to the flexibility and convenience of being able to do it virtually away from home during my stay in Colombia. I’ve been interpreting for many years as Brian mentioned “leisurely” and I enjoy it! During pandemic, I stayed home for 3 months as many people had to, and I took advantage of an amazing opportunity that was offered; to take an online course for medical interpreting, which was state and nationals certified. This was a door opening to better job opportunities in the interpreting field as well as for a new career. Unfortunately because of Covid 19 we were not able to go through with completing the last step of the course; to take the nationals test in order to be able to interpret anywhere in the U.S as well as online. Fortunately I was able to get a job with a company from Florida interpreting for the school department in RI which did not require the nationals’ certification, and that’s what I did for about 1.5 years. During my search for online job opportunities while staying in Colombia, I came across with an old friend who gave me the information about your virtual interpreting program and I was able to join! I, like Brian and Alexandra I’m very excited to have joined your program, but I’m also a bit nervous because interpreting for the schools it’s very different than interpreting for the medical field. I feel I have forgotten all of the medical terminology and requirements I learned during pandemic which is why this is a great opportunity for me at this time. Thank you, and I look forward to an amazing learning experience with you all!

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