Ethics

A life of learning

I was twenty years old when my journey of learning began. As a volunteer minister, I took a vow of poverty and served at the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. Not only did I learn many of my life lessons there, but I also learned about working safely on a scaffold. A few years later, […]

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Interpreting at Aquatic Therapy

A number of years ago, I was assigned for the first time to interpret for a patient receiving aquatic therapy. I was in a large, indoor, aquatic center. The atmosphere was quite warm in order to keep the swimmers comfortable. I stood uncomfortable, sweating profusely on the side of the pool shouting instructions to the

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twitter, facebook, together

Social media and antisocial behavior

No doubt you are familiar with this scenario. You walk into a room and say hello to everyone.  No one responds, because they all seem to be zombies with their mouths slightly open and their complete attention on the television.  In fact you can just about say anything like “I quit my job” or “I

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What I learned from chronic illness

Shortly after September 11, 2001 I found myself with a very bad cold. (Click here for my experience on 911.) I was coughing and short of breath. The cold became bronchitis, and seemed to go on forever. My doctor referred me to an allergist. My allergist referred me to a pulmonologist, noticing something in the

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œil, iris, view

Being watched by another interpreter!

From time to time, I find myself interpreting at an assignment and another interpreter observes. It is not the most comfortable feeling to have someone listen to everything you say, ready to point out any mistake that is made. This is the case sometimes when I have been assigned to interpret by the insurance company,

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When the interpreter has to deal with someone flirting

I originally wrote this in 2012. I find it funny because it still happens from time to time. Sometimes the interpreter finds himself in very unusual circumstances.  I have talked about the uncomfortable feeling of interpreting vulgar language. How about interpreting for someone inappropriately flirting? A while back, I was assigned to interpret for a

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Data from Star Trek

Bad News

I originally wrote this in 2011 and since that time the experience has occurred over and over again. It never gets easier. I was recently interpreting for a patient at a doctor’s appointment. The doctor entered the room and in a very clear, straight forward way, told the patient that he had tried everything he

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feather, wallpaper, ostrich feather

I am tickled pink to be interpreting!

This was originally posted in 2011 with a couple of updates. When interpreting, accuracy is absolutely necessary. There is no room for mistakes. In a medical setting for example, the patient needs to know what the doctor is saying. Likewise, the doctor must know the patient’s concerns in order to perform his vital job correctly.

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feedback, survey, nps

Bad Advice

Originally posted in 2011 Often a patient receiving interpreting services will recognize my knowledge and experience. It is not uncommon for the patient to begin to ask me medical questions, especially if he disagrees with the doctor and seeks another opinion. What do you think? Do you think that something else might be going on?

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