Healthcare interpreters are essential language and culture brokers
for patients with limited or no proficiency in the English language.
An interpreter facilitates smooth and effective communication between
the doctor and the patient. By ensuring the patient understands the
doctor’s diagnosis and treatment recommendations and the doctor
understand any cultural factors that affect the patient’s response
to western medicine, the interpreter enables the patient to receive
the same quality of care as other patients. Training requirements vary
by institution, but generally involve courses in medical terminology,
bilingual or multilingual certification, and cross-cultural understanding.
