Workers’ Comp

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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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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blur, smartphone, chatting

Playing Games

This blog was originally written in 2011based on my experience. I cannot tell you how many times the following has come up. The other day a physical therapist turned to me and said “I wish your team were doing our interpreting!” I asked her why. The therapist replied that over many years she had observed …

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man, mourning, despair

“Real Pain?”

Originally published in 2011 A basic ethical principle is that interpreters must convey meaning between people and cultures faithfully, accurately, and impartially. This means that as an interpreter I don’t take sides, and I don’t judge. My very essential function is to facilitate clear communication between parties. A patient complained to his doctor of shoulder …

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speech bubble, comic bubbles, superhero

“@#$%^&*)!”

I originally posted this in 2011. The doctor enters to examine his knee surgery patient. Quickly, without any warning, the doctor lifts patient’s leg and bends his knee.  In sheer agony, the patient shouts out what Mr. Spock once called “a colorful metaphor,” a vulgarity, or as Mama called it a bad word.  In fact …

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deceive, deception, lies

“I’m sorry, the appointment was canceled.”

This Blog was posted originally in 2011. A couple of years ago, I received a call from an agency regarding an interpreting assignment in Greenville.  When I arrived at the facility, the nurse case manager indignantly asked me who I was and why was I there instead of the interpreter she requested.  I introduced myself …

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