Seven Habits For Succeeding As A Medical Interpreter

Seven Habits For Succeeding As A Medical Interpreter

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The connection between a patient and doctor who do not speak the same language is the medical interpreter, an essential component of public health systems. Interpreters are able to communicate both the concerns of the patient and the doctor's medical knowledge accordingly so the patient receives the care he or she needs.

In order for medical interpreters to be successful, they must have extensive knowledge of languages and medical terminology and be familiar with a hospital's operating procedures. Most importantly, they need to be able to properly convey the substance of both the patient's and the doctor's sentences.

Here are seven habits that make an excellent medical interpreter:

1. Be Voracious about Research

A medical interpreter should always be adding to his or her knowledge base. Researching and becoming familiar with new terms that are added to medical dictionaries yearly; subscribing to medical journals; and achieving an extensive understanding of medical research are ways to reach the next level in the medical interpreting world.

2. Analyze your Responsibilities

A thorough understanding of medical terms as well as the languages spoken by both the patient and doctor is key for medical interpreters. Patients usually want to know more than just the translation of the name of a disease; they also want to know what it is.

3. Keep Current on the Latest Developments

The world of medicine is constantly developing and changing. It is extremely important for those involved in the medical interpreting world to know where the research is and where it is going in order to better understand and communicate effectively between the doctor and patient.

4. Think as Both Doctor and Patient

The medical interpreter links the doctor and patient together, and in order to do so must be able to understand and convey the perspectives and concerns of both doctor and patient.

The concerns of a patient:

- The precise nature of the ailment. - If and how the ailment can be treated. - The cost of treatment.

The concerns of a doctor:

- The patient's medical history (including allergies). - Making sure the patient understands the diagnosis and plan for treatment. - Being able to rely on the patient to give feedback and updates on recovery progress.

5. Relate to the Patient as a Person

It can be an unnerving experience to be in a hospital in a foreign land and not speak the same language as the doctors. Therefore, understanding the patient on both social and cultural levels in order to address their concerns is another important component of medical interpreting.

6. Synergize

An effective medical interpreter is able to take both the extensive medical knowledge of a doctor and the patient's knowledge of his or her body and bring them together without leaving out any details or crucial information. Interpreters must accurately translate the diagnosis into the patient's language, while keeping in mind that some medical terms may not translate directly into another language. The translator must also have empathy; a great knowledge of the medical diagnosis, process and treatment; and the ability to think about different aspects of the situation. This means they will be able to convey to the patient what the issue is and the limitations of the treatment, with some perspective on how effective and essential the procedure will be.

7. Never Stop Learning

It's extremely important for a medical interpreter to become familiar with the latest medical research by purchasing or subscribing to the latest medical dictionaries and reading them cover to cover.

Commitment to staying on top of the latest medical journals, dictionaries, research papers and updated developments in the medical world is an important attribute of a great medical interpreter. Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of medicine allows a medical interpreter to give the patient more than just the translated name of an ailment. An effective interpreter can also discuss the treatments, options, effects and benefits of the treatment with the patient.

About the Author:
Training and education are important aspects of a quality medical interpreter. Learn more about medical interpreting and training at www.AffordableLanguageServices.com, the website for Affordable Language Services.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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