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PARATRANSLATION and PARAINTERPRETATION: New tools in Healthcare Communication? PARATRANSLATION and PARAINTERPRETATION: New tools in Healthcare Communication?

“When you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras.” — ­Dr. Theodore Woodward In medical school, many doctors learn about Dr. Woodward’s saying being advised, when making a diagnosis, to focus on the likeliest of possibilities instead of on the unusual ones. However, sometimes there...

25 Jan
25 Jan

PARATRANSLATION and PARAINTERPRETATION: New tools in Healthcare Communication?

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Reading, Translation

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“When you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras.” — ­Dr. Theodore Woodward In medical school, many doctors learn about Dr. Woodward’s saying being advised, when making a diagnosis, to focus on the likeliest of possibilities instead of on the unusual ones. However, sometimes there...

2017 IMIA Annual Conference – Interpreters, Providers, and Regulators: A partnership for Patient Safety 2017 IMIA Annual Conference – Interpreters, Providers, and Regulators: A partnership for Patient Safety

In preparation for the 2018 Interpreter Services’ Conference celebrating the 20th anniversary of providing language services at Michigan Medicine, several members of the conference organizing committee attended the 2017 IMIA Conference, in Houston, Texas. The conference, held at the beautiful Royal Sonesta Galleria Hotel, consisted...

16 Oct
16 Oct

2017 IMIA Annual Conference – Interpreters, Providers, and Regulators: A partnership for Patient Safety

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Awareness, Conferences

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In preparation for the 2018 Interpreter Services’ Conference celebrating the 20th anniversary of providing language services at Michigan Medicine, several members of the conference organizing committee attended the 2017 IMIA Conference, in Houston, Texas. The conference, held at the beautiful Royal Sonesta Galleria Hotel, consisted...

That Thing You Do That Thing You Do

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a space cowboy. Later on, my heart was broken when I learned that being a space cowboy is not actually a thing. Then I thought I could be an architect, and promised my Mom that...

20 Sep
20 Sep

That Thing You Do

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Meet Our Interpreters, The Office

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When I was a kid, I wanted to be a space cowboy. Later on, my heart was broken when I learned that being a space cowboy is not actually a thing. Then I thought I could be an architect, and promised my Mom that...

La Tertulia La Tertulia

Interpreter Services partnered with the Turner Senior Resource Center (TSRC) to start a new wellness program for Spanish elderly in our community. The program’s name is “La Tertulia” (The Chatting) and it was created to be a social and educational gathering time for Spanish...

14 Jun
14 Jun

La Tertulia

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Community Service & Outreach

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Interpreter Services partnered with the Turner Senior Resource Center (TSRC) to start a new wellness program for Spanish elderly in our community. The program’s name is “La Tertulia” (The Chatting) and it was created to be a social and educational gathering time for Spanish...

Pushing and Pulling: ‘Sparkling’ (Team) Performance Pushing and Pulling: ‘Sparkling’ (Team) Performance

Just few steps into the new year, on January 3rd, a new book bubbled its way into bookstores and bookselling stands, ‘Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success’, by Morgan, Lynch, and Lynch.  The authors, leadership experts at ‘Lead Star’, a...

17 May
17 May

Pushing and Pulling: ‘Sparkling’ (Team) Performance

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Just few steps into the new year, on January 3rd, a new book bubbled its way into bookstores and bookselling stands, ‘Spark: How to Lead Yourself and Others to Greater Success’, by Morgan, Lynch, and Lynch.  The authors, leadership experts at ‘Lead Star’, a...

MedTerm Corner – Diabetes MedTerm Corner – Diabetes

Welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Let’s talk about a common disease that affects a lot of people and that is still not curable even though we have some very good and effective treatments for the disease – Diabetes. The name originated from old Greek: διαβαίνω: diabaino— cross, pass through,...

25 Apr
25 Apr

MedTerm Corner – Diabetes

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Language Tips

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Welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Let’s talk about a common disease that affects a lot of people and that is still not curable even though we have some very good and effective treatments for the disease – Diabetes. The name originated from old Greek: διαβαίνω: diabaino— cross, pass through,...

The Language of Pain and Its Difficult-to-Find Descriptors The Language of Pain and Its Difficult-to-Find Descriptors

Historically, one of the main reasons for anybody to seek medical assistance from a healthcare professional is the experience of pain, the state or condition of consciousness arising from mental or physical suffering (OED). Pain is universal, but extremely challenging to convey. The question...

11 Apr
11 Apr

The Language of Pain and Its Difficult-to-Find Descriptors

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Historically, one of the main reasons for anybody to seek medical assistance from a healthcare professional is the experience of pain, the state or condition of consciousness arising from mental or physical suffering (OED). Pain is universal, but extremely challenging to convey. The question...

2016 MiTIN Annual Regional Conference: Summary and Healthcare Insights (Accent Reduction and Social Work Interpretation) 2016 MiTIN Annual Regional Conference: Summary and Healthcare Insights (Accent Reduction and Social Work Interpretation)

This year the 7th MiTiN Annual Regional Conference on Interpreting and Translation took place October 1st at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi. The conference was attended by about 120 people, being Interpreter Services represented by Angelica Snyder (speaker), Megumi Segawa and David Porta...

06 Feb
06 Feb

2016 MiTIN Annual Regional Conference: Summary and Healthcare Insights (Accent Reduction and Social Work Interpretation)

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Conferences, Uncategorized

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This year the 7th MiTiN Annual Regional Conference on Interpreting and Translation took place October 1st at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi. The conference was attended by about 120 people, being Interpreter Services represented by Angelica Snyder (speaker), Megumi Segawa and David Porta...

Make America Kind Again Make America Kind Again

Welcome 2017! The other day, I heard that one of our doctors was wearing a button that said “Make America Kind Again”. He received the button from one of his patients who we provide services for. I thought that was great idea. Being the...

20 Jan
20 Jan

Make America Kind Again

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Welcome 2017! The other day, I heard that one of our doctors was wearing a button that said “Make America Kind Again”. He received the button from one of his patients who we provide services for. I thought that was great idea. Being the...

Teach-Back: A Strategy to Ensure Full Patient Understanding Teach-Back: A Strategy to Ensure Full Patient Understanding

I recently attended a seminar presented by UMHS Patient Education Division on the idea of teaching back. In there, I learned that 36% of adult patients in the USA have low health literacy, and that low health literacy is associated with stigma and shame....

28 Nov
28 Nov

Teach-Back: A Strategy to Ensure Full Patient Understanding

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Awareness, Ethics

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I recently attended a seminar presented by UMHS Patient Education Division on the idea of teaching back. In there, I learned that 36% of adult patients in the USA have low health literacy, and that low health literacy is associated with stigma and shame....

Making the Right Diagnosis: A Challenging Enterprise Making the Right Diagnosis: A Challenging Enterprise

Somebody walks into a doctor’s office, and then there is questioning, tests are ordered, and a diagnosis is established; a treatment plan is set in place and upon following medical recommendations, the patient’s condition improves. That is a common, albeit ideal, course of events....

03 Nov
03 Nov

Making the Right Diagnosis: A Challenging Enterprise

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Somebody walks into a doctor’s office, and then there is questioning, tests are ordered, and a diagnosis is established; a treatment plan is set in place and upon following medical recommendations, the patient’s condition improves. That is a common, albeit ideal, course of events....

MedTerm Corner: Acromegaly continued MedTerm Corner: Acromegaly continued

Last time I promised to tell you what some scientists in the medical community, as well as some ideas from Malcolm Gladwell, think about the battle between David and Goliath and how acromegaly fits in that. Just another reminder about Acromegaly: Acromegaly (from Greek...

18 Oct
18 Oct

MedTerm Corner: Acromegaly continued

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Language Tips, Uncategorized

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Last time I promised to tell you what some scientists in the medical community, as well as some ideas from Malcolm Gladwell, think about the battle between David and Goliath and how acromegaly fits in that. Just another reminder about Acromegaly: Acromegaly (from Greek...

Community Service – Ronald McDonald House Community Service – Ronald McDonald House

Yes! We did it again. The dinner event at Ronald McDonald House – Ann Arbor on August 26th 2016 was a great success. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor provides temporary and inexpensive housing for families whose children are being treated at the University of...

13 Sep
13 Sep

Community Service – Ronald McDonald House

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Community Service & Outreach, Meet Our Interpreters

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Yes! We did it again. The dinner event at Ronald McDonald House – Ann Arbor on August 26th 2016 was a great success. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor provides temporary and inexpensive housing for families whose children are being treated at the University of...

The Backroom of PES (Psychiatric Emergency Services) The Backroom of PES (Psychiatric Emergency Services)

Following last winter courses orchestrated by Leslie Pertz on Interpreting in Mental Health it seems appropriate to enhance our views on mental health settings by reading about providers’ experiences at work. Among many books available on the subject it called my attention “Weekends at...

07 Sep
07 Sep

The Backroom of PES (Psychiatric Emergency Services)

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Following last winter courses orchestrated by Leslie Pertz on Interpreting in Mental Health it seems appropriate to enhance our views on mental health settings by reading about providers’ experiences at work. Among many books available on the subject it called my attention “Weekends at...

MedTerm Corner – Acromegaly MedTerm Corner – Acromegaly

Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Today I would like to talk with you about Acromegaly. Acromegaly (from Greek ἄκρος — limb and Greek μέγας — big/ large) — is a disease related to the dysfunction of the front lobe of the...

23 Aug
23 Aug

MedTerm Corner – Acromegaly

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Language Tips

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Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Today I would like to talk with you about Acromegaly. Acromegaly (from Greek ἄκρος — limb and Greek μέγας — big/ large) — is a disease related to the dysfunction of the front lobe of the...

6th Annual MiTIN Regional Conference on Interpreting and Translation: Short-Term Memory Retention and Vicarious Trauma 6th Annual MiTIN Regional Conference on Interpreting and Translation: Short-Term Memory Retention and Vicarious Trauma

On Saturday October 3rd, 2015 the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi hosted the 6th Annual MiTIN Conference on Interpreting and Translation.  The conference was attended by over hundred professionals and students, accounting for a 12% attendance increment over the conference of the previous year. ...

07 Apr
07 Apr

6th Annual MiTIN Regional Conference on Interpreting and Translation: Short-Term Memory Retention and Vicarious Trauma

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On Saturday October 3rd, 2015 the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi hosted the 6th Annual MiTIN Conference on Interpreting and Translation.  The conference was attended by over hundred professionals and students, accounting for a 12% attendance increment over the conference of the previous year. ...

Medical Terminology – Diagnosis Medical Terminology – Diagnosis

Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! I would like to bring your attention to the most common word in medical, clinical (concerned with- or based on- actual observation and treatment of disease in patients rather than experimentation or theory), and theoretical science:...

15 Mar
15 Mar

Medical Terminology – Diagnosis

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Language Tips

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Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! I would like to bring your attention to the most common word in medical, clinical (concerned with- or based on- actual observation and treatment of disease in patients rather than experimentation or theory), and theoretical science:...

MedTerm Corner – Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Today we will discuss Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Throughout the years, I interpreted for couple of women who had this diagnosis. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is an extreme form of morning sickness. First, let’s break the word into its parts....

16 Feb
16 Feb

MedTerm Corner – Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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Language Tips

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Hello and welcome back to Medical Terminology Corner! Today we will discuss Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Throughout the years, I interpreted for couple of women who had this diagnosis. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is an extreme form of morning sickness. First, let’s break the word into its parts....

MedTerm Corner MedTerm Corner

Welcome to UMHS Interpreter Services MedTerm Corner! I would like to share with you some of the medical terms we encounter working in the field of medical interpreting. Some of the terms are very common and some of them are extremely rare and we...

28 Jan
28 Jan

MedTerm Corner

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Language Tips

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Welcome to UMHS Interpreter Services MedTerm Corner! I would like to share with you some of the medical terms we encounter working in the field of medical interpreting. Some of the terms are very common and some of them are extremely rare and we...

Acting Like a Medical Interpreter Acting Like a Medical Interpreter

Every year across the country, patients go to their primary care doctor for their annual physical exam. From California to Maine, whether it be a private practice group, a community clinic, or a family practice clinic at a large public hospital, the appointment will...

14 Dec
14 Dec

Acting Like a Medical Interpreter

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Awareness, Ethics

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Every year across the country, patients go to their primary care doctor for their annual physical exam. From California to Maine, whether it be a private practice group, a community clinic, or a family practice clinic at a large public hospital, the appointment will...

Lessons from a Deadly Dinner Party: the Importance of Medical History Lessons from a Deadly Dinner Party: the Importance of Medical History

Dr. Jonathan A. Edlow is a specialist in tick-borne diseases and neurological emergencies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center whose investigations deal with misdiagnosis of neurological emergencies. Thrilled as a teenager by medical mysteries and mystery stories in general, he became long ago a...

02 Dec
02 Dec

Lessons from a Deadly Dinner Party: the Importance of Medical History

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Dr. Jonathan A. Edlow is a specialist in tick-borne diseases and neurological emergencies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center whose investigations deal with misdiagnosis of neurological emergencies. Thrilled as a teenager by medical mysteries and mystery stories in general, he became long ago a...

American Translators Association Conference Presentation Summary American Translators Association Conference Presentation Summary

“The Secrets of Marketing Your Services to Healthcare Clients,” in which we discussed some of the challenges we have encountered as Translation Division coordinators over the past few years, and the strategies we came up with to deal with these challenges. Topics included our...

20 Nov
20 Nov

American Translators Association Conference Presentation Summary

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Conferences, Translation

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“The Secrets of Marketing Your Services to Healthcare Clients,” in which we discussed some of the challenges we have encountered as Translation Division coordinators over the past few years, and the strategies we came up with to deal with these challenges. Topics included our...

Mid-Autumn Festival in Michigan Mid-Autumn Festival in Michigan

Here, we are, at the first Chinese Interpreters social gathering, enjoying authentic Chinese dishes in a local restaurant. What prompted our special gathering is the celebration of the Moon Festival (aka Mid-Autumn Festival which is the 15th day of August in the Chinese Lunar...

27 Oct
27 Oct

Mid-Autumn Festival in Michigan

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Here, we are, at the first Chinese Interpreters social gathering, enjoying authentic Chinese dishes in a local restaurant. What prompted our special gathering is the celebration of the Moon Festival (aka Mid-Autumn Festival which is the 15th day of August in the Chinese Lunar...

Words that Work Words that Work

The Interpreters at UMHS recently went through the inaugural Words that Work (WTW) training, a planned communication model that reflects and supports an organization’s mission, vision, and values. It serves as a guide in what to say, how to handle given situations, and sometimes...

13 Oct
13 Oct

Words that Work

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The Interpreters at UMHS recently went through the inaugural Words that Work (WTW) training, a planned communication model that reflects and supports an organization’s mission, vision, and values. It serves as a guide in what to say, how to handle given situations, and sometimes...

Register today for Foundations of Medical Interpreting – Fall 2015
15 Sep
15 Sep

Register today for Foundations of Medical Interpreting – Fall 2015

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Futile Medicine: An Ethical Dilemma Futile Medicine: An Ethical Dilemma

(…) our most cruel failure on how we treat the sick and the aged is the failure to recognize that they have priorities beyond merely being safe and living longer; that the chance to shape one’s story is essential to sustaining meaning in life;...

08 Sep
08 Sep

Futile Medicine: An Ethical Dilemma

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(…) our most cruel failure on how we treat the sick and the aged is the failure to recognize that they have priorities beyond merely being safe and living longer; that the chance to shape one’s story is essential to sustaining meaning in life;...

Bridging the Gap – Fall 2015 Bridging the Gap – Fall 2015
08 Sep
08 Sep

Bridging the Gap – Fall 2015

Lindsay McCarthy

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Our Team Our Team

When I learned that each language team was asked to make a video for our annual staff recognition party, many ideas popped into my head. The only problem was time! Fortunately, I work with a group of highly educated and intelligent Medical Interpreters who...

02 Sep
02 Sep

Our Team

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Meet Our Interpreters

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When I learned that each language team was asked to make a video for our annual staff recognition party, many ideas popped into my head. The only problem was time! Fortunately, I work with a group of highly educated and intelligent Medical Interpreters who...

Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Fall 2015 Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Fall 2015
14 Jul
14 Jul

Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Fall 2015

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Mind Mapping: A Technique towards Improving Knowledge of Concept Relationships Mind Mapping: A Technique towards Improving Knowledge of Concept Relationships

In health care, medical providers usually specialize in certain areas of expertise where they are at ease regarding anatomical systems, putative diagnostics, and technical vocabulary.  Healthcare interpreters, on the contrary, are highly generalist on what comes to specialized terminology, and on top of that...

07 Jul
07 Jul

Mind Mapping: A Technique towards Improving Knowledge of Concept Relationships

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In health care, medical providers usually specialize in certain areas of expertise where they are at ease regarding anatomical systems, putative diagnostics, and technical vocabulary.  Healthcare interpreters, on the contrary, are highly generalist on what comes to specialized terminology, and on top of that...

Bridging the Gap – Summer 2015 Bridging the Gap – Summer 2015
09 Jun
09 Jun

Bridging the Gap – Summer 2015

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Discussion of Language Differences

Author Jeanette Kibler On April 17th, Interpreters of Languages of Lesser Diffusion joined our Japanese Interpreter colleagues for a workshop on interpreting at MPU appointments. We had a fascinating discussion as we quickly realized that Interpreters face different challenges depending on their culture. One fun discussion...

03 Jun
03 Jun

Discussion of Language Differences

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Language Tips

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Author Jeanette Kibler On April 17th, Interpreters of Languages of Lesser Diffusion joined our Japanese Interpreter colleagues for a workshop on interpreting at MPU appointments. We had a fascinating discussion as we quickly realized that Interpreters face different challenges depending on their culture. One fun discussion...

The Team

As a manager, I am constantly impressed by our Interpreter’s dedication to their work but, this past Memorial Day weekend, I was blown away by a special group of Interpreters. One phrase word summed up this group: The Team, The Team, The Team. Simply...

29 May
29 May

The Team

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As a manager, I am constantly impressed by our Interpreter’s dedication to their work but, this past Memorial Day weekend, I was blown away by a special group of Interpreters. One phrase word summed up this group: The Team, The Team, The Team. Simply...

Sight Translation: Healthcare Interpreters’ Cinderella

Not long ago the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) hosted a webinar on the subject of Sight Translation in medical settings: “When Interpreter Meets Translator: Sight Translation of Healthcare Documents”, which was presented by Natalya Mytareva (M.A., CoreCHITM, CCHI Managing Director) on Sunday,...

10 Mar
10 Mar

Sight Translation: Healthcare Interpreters’ Cinderella

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Not long ago the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) hosted a webinar on the subject of Sight Translation in medical settings: “When Interpreter Meets Translator: Sight Translation of Healthcare Documents”, which was presented by Natalya Mytareva (M.A., CoreCHITM, CCHI Managing Director) on Sunday,...

Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers – Spring 2015
03 Mar
03 Mar

Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers – Spring 2015

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Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Spring 2015
24 Feb
24 Feb

Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Spring 2015

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Bridging the Gap – Spring 2015
03 Feb
03 Feb

Bridging the Gap – Spring 2015

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Summary from a CCHI Webinar: “Infection Control and Industrial Safety for Medical Interpreters”

Presented December 19, 2014 by Linda Golley (Interpreter Services Manager, University of Washington Medical Center) Medical interpreters, as any other health care worker, must be aware of what infection control means and know the measures that should be taken to prevent infection to and...

20 Jan
20 Jan

Summary from a CCHI Webinar: “Infection Control and Industrial Safety for Medical Interpreters”

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Presented December 19, 2014 by Linda Golley (Interpreter Services Manager, University of Washington Medical Center) Medical interpreters, as any other health care worker, must be aware of what infection control means and know the measures that should be taken to prevent infection to and...

Unable to Be Oneself: Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disease, also named manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. The disease is experienced in four different phases: hypomania, mania (frenzied, abnormally e­­xcited, or irritated mood), depression,...

23 Dec
23 Dec

Unable to Be Oneself: Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disease, also named manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. The disease is experienced in four different phases: hypomania, mania (frenzied, abnormally e­­xcited, or irritated mood), depression,...

Thoughts and Comments from the 5th Annual MiTiN Conference on Interpreting and Translation

On Saturday October 4th, 2014 the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi hosted the 5th Annual MiTIN Conference on Interpreting and Translation. The conference was attended by over 140 people counting professionals and students. Among them, several from the UMHS Interpreter Services: Sun Joo Chung,...

06 Nov
06 Nov

Thoughts and Comments from the 5th Annual MiTiN Conference on Interpreting and Translation

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On Saturday October 4th, 2014 the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Novi hosted the 5th Annual MiTIN Conference on Interpreting and Translation. The conference was attended by over 140 people counting professionals and students. Among them, several from the UMHS Interpreter Services: Sun Joo Chung,...

DATE CHANGE for Foundations of Medical Interpreting

The dates for the Fall 2014 Foundations of Medical Interpreting course have been changed to Saturday, December 6 – Sunday, December 7. The class is still 8:30am – 5:00pm. Completion of this course earns the attendee 1.5 RID CEUs / 15 Michigan BEI units....

14 Oct
14 Oct

DATE CHANGE for Foundations of Medical Interpreting

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The dates for the Fall 2014 Foundations of Medical Interpreting course have been changed to Saturday, December 6 – Sunday, December 7. The class is still 8:30am – 5:00pm. Completion of this course earns the attendee 1.5 RID CEUs / 15 Michigan BEI units....

A Positive Change – An American Sign Language/English Interpreter’s Perspective on the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Interpreter

Tucked behind my University of Michigan Health and Hospital System ID badge lays my interpreter certification card. Most people won’t ever see it, but for me it’s my greatest professional possession. Now, more than ten years into my career, I can look back and...

07 Oct
07 Oct

A Positive Change – An American Sign Language/English Interpreter’s Perspective on the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Interpreter

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Awareness

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Tucked behind my University of Michigan Health and Hospital System ID badge lays my interpreter certification card. Most people won’t ever see it, but for me it’s my greatest professional possession. Now, more than ten years into my career, I can look back and...

Caretakers of patients with Alzheimer and other types of dementia: Who is the real victim?

‘la víctima principal del Alzheimer no es el enfermo sino el propio cuidador’ Pablo A. Barredo This is one of those sentences that send your body to a sudden stop while your...

01 Oct
01 Oct

Caretakers of patients with Alzheimer and other types of dementia: Who is the real victim?

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‘la víctima principal del Alzheimer no es el enfermo sino el propio cuidador’ Pablo A. Barredo This is one of those sentences that send your body to a sudden stop while your...

The Importance of Medical Terminology

Why should you learn Medical Terminology? Different professions have different “languages”. An example of this is Information Technology (IT): IT professionals use terms such as “server”, “cloud”, “domain resolution” or “operating system” to describe objects or situations they encounter. Comparatively, in the medical field,...

24 Sep
24 Sep

The Importance of Medical Terminology

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Why should you learn Medical Terminology? Different professions have different “languages”. An example of this is Information Technology (IT): IT professionals use terms such as “server”, “cloud”, “domain resolution” or “operating system” to describe objects or situations they encounter. Comparatively, in the medical field,...

Fall 2014 Bridging the Gap
02 Sep
02 Sep

Fall 2014 Bridging the Gap

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Interpreting in Palliative Care
19 Aug
19 Aug

Interpreting in Palliative Care

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Fall 2014 Medical Terminology & Body Systems
05 Aug
05 Aug

Fall 2014 Medical Terminology & Body Systems

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Basics of American Sign Language
30 Jul
30 Jul

Basics of American Sign Language

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Fall 2014 Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers
22 Jul
22 Jul

Fall 2014 Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers

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On Missing the Interpreter

If you have taken ‘Bridging the Gap’ you already heard of Anne Fadiman’s book “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”.  But, did you have a chance to read it? I strongly recommend it. Originally published in 1997 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux,...

15 Jul
15 Jul

On Missing the Interpreter

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If you have taken ‘Bridging the Gap’ you already heard of Anne Fadiman’s book “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down”.  But, did you have a chance to read it? I strongly recommend it. Originally published in 1997 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux,...

Some thoughts prompted by Atul Gawande’s ‘Complications’

In medical terminology, a ‘complication’ is an additional disorder or condition that develops during the course of an existing one (OED). During his training as a surgery resident Dr. Gawande became concerned with the uncertainties and dilemmas underlying within the medical system. In his...

17 Jun
17 Jun

Some thoughts prompted by Atul Gawande’s ‘Complications’

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In medical terminology, a ‘complication’ is an additional disorder or condition that develops during the course of an existing one (OED). During his training as a surgery resident Dr. Gawande became concerned with the uncertainties and dilemmas underlying within the medical system. In his...

Register Today for Bridging the Gap – Summer 2014
03 Jun
03 Jun

Register Today for Bridging the Gap – Summer 2014

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National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Contributed by UMHS Interpreter, Hosanna Vivas Children need a healthy environment so they can grow to become healthy and productive adults. Lacking in an attachment, negligent caregivers, physical and/or sexual abuse, are all hard experiences that can affect a child’s lifelong health. As medical...

30 Apr
30 Apr

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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Contributed by UMHS Interpreter, Hosanna Vivas Children need a healthy environment so they can grow to become healthy and productive adults. Lacking in an attachment, negligent caregivers, physical and/or sexual abuse, are all hard experiences that can affect a child’s lifelong health. As medical...

Summary of IMIA 2014 Conference in Houston

by Chi-Wei Chang This was my first time going to a national conference for interpreters. My goal was to be there and learn about simultaneous interpreting and how to teach simultaneous interpreting. Unfortunately the speaker for that specific topic was missing in action! What...

15 Apr
15 Apr

Summary of IMIA 2014 Conference in Houston

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by Chi-Wei Chang This was my first time going to a national conference for interpreters. My goal was to be there and learn about simultaneous interpreting and how to teach simultaneous interpreting. Unfortunately the speaker for that specific topic was missing in action! What...

New Basics of American Sign Language Spring Class – Register Today!
01 Apr
01 Apr

New Basics of American Sign Language Spring Class – Register Today!

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Deadline Extended – Register Today for Medical Terminology & Body Systems!
18 Mar
18 Mar

Deadline Extended – Register Today for Medical Terminology & Body Systems!

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On Depression, Madness, and Melancholia: One Patient, Two Visions

Depression is a persistent brain disorder, component of various psychoses that interferes with the patient’s everyday life. Its symptoms can include: sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities one used to enjoy, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of...

11 Mar
11 Mar

On Depression, Madness, and Melancholia: One Patient, Two Visions

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Depression is a persistent brain disorder, component of various psychoses that interferes with the patient’s everyday life. Its symptoms can include: sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities one used to enjoy, change in weight, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, energy loss, feelings of...

Summary of IMIA Conference 2014 in Houston, TX

What prompted me to attend the International Medical Interpreter Association (IMIA) conference this year? The opportunity to attend a BTG Trainers meeting at a national gathering of IMIA conference attendees and meet with other trainers from other states. We reviewed a few CCHCP short-term...

04 Mar
04 Mar

Summary of IMIA Conference 2014 in Houston, TX

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What prompted me to attend the International Medical Interpreter Association (IMIA) conference this year? The opportunity to attend a BTG Trainers meeting at a national gathering of IMIA conference attendees and meet with other trainers from other states. We reviewed a few CCHCP short-term...

Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Spring 2014
25 Feb
25 Feb

Medical Terminology & Body Systems – Spring 2014

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“How are you?” “Fine”

A colleague recently sent me an opinion piece from The New York Times. I really enjoyed reading this article and, in my opinion, it is very accurate. Now, do not get me wrong, I bet a lot of people (especially the younger generation) probably...

11 Feb
11 Feb

“How are you?” “Fine”

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A colleague recently sent me an opinion piece from The New York Times. I really enjoyed reading this article and, in my opinion, it is very accurate. Now, do not get me wrong, I bet a lot of people (especially the younger generation) probably...

Do We Remember What Really Happened?

What’s your earliest memory? How far back can we really remember? And how accurate are the events we recall? In his book ‘Remembering our childhood: how memory betrays us’ (Oxford University Press, 2009) Karl Sabbagh, in an attempt to answer these questions, discusses, and...

04 Feb
04 Feb

Do We Remember What Really Happened?

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What’s your earliest memory? How far back can we really remember? And how accurate are the events we recall? In his book ‘Remembering our childhood: how memory betrays us’ (Oxford University Press, 2009) Karl Sabbagh, in an attempt to answer these questions, discusses, and...

On Sexual Abuse and the Victims’ Power to Heal

On the evening of November 21, 2013 Dare to Dream U of M presented at Kraus Natural Science Auditorium a special screening of the 2010 documentary film “Boys and Men Healing”, directed by Kathy Barbini. The film was followed by a panel discussion amongst...

07 Jan
07 Jan

On Sexual Abuse and the Victims’ Power to Heal

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On the evening of November 21, 2013 Dare to Dream U of M presented at Kraus Natural Science Auditorium a special screening of the 2010 documentary film “Boys and Men Healing”, directed by Kathy Barbini. The film was followed by a panel discussion amongst...

Facing the Grim Reaper with Courage

As health care interpreters working in a great hospital such as that of the University of Michigan most of us have or have had at some point patients which were told, unfortunately, of an approaching close encounter with the grim reaper; each patient likely...

19 Nov
19 Nov

Facing the Grim Reaper with Courage

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As health care interpreters working in a great hospital such as that of the University of Michigan most of us have or have had at some point patients which were told, unfortunately, of an approaching close encounter with the grim reaper; each patient likely...

2013 IMIA Boot Camp Series at Duke

In September, I attended the International Medical Interpreters Association Boot Camp Series on Duke University’s medical campus in Durham, North Carolina.  The weather was beautiful and the hosts at Duke University were welcoming and gracious.  The first day of the series we focused on difficult...

15 Oct
15 Oct

2013 IMIA Boot Camp Series at Duke

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In September, I attended the International Medical Interpreters Association Boot Camp Series on Duke University’s medical campus in Durham, North Carolina.  The weather was beautiful and the hosts at Duke University were welcoming and gracious.  The first day of the series we focused on difficult...

Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 – October 15

America’s history cannot be fully understood without the contributions of the Hispanic community. From the Mexican Revolution, which changed not just the Mexican borders, but also the borders of the southwestern United States, to music, civil rights, the labor movement, business, food, and education,...

09 Oct
09 Oct

Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 – October 15

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America’s history cannot be fully understood without the contributions of the Hispanic community. From the Mexican Revolution, which changed not just the Mexican borders, but also the borders of the southwestern United States, to music, civil rights, the labor movement, business, food, and education,...

Community Programs & Services – 2013 Accomplishments

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington It’s the beginning of a new season. As I reflect on our previous seasons, that combined...

01 Oct
01 Oct

Community Programs & Services – 2013 Accomplishments

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“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington It’s the beginning of a new season. As I reflect on our previous seasons, that combined...

Book Review: Medicine in Translation: Journeys with My Patients by Dr. Danielle Ofri

“Doctor, what is the difference between illness and disease?” You know, I said, “(…), I don’t think I’ve ever considered this before.” Dr. Danielle Ofri is an associate professor of medicine at New York University who practices medicine and teaches at Bellevue Hospital, New...

17 Sep
17 Sep

Book Review: Medicine in Translation: Journeys with My Patients by Dr. Danielle Ofri

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“Doctor, what is the difference between illness and disease?” You know, I said, “(…), I don’t think I’ve ever considered this before.” Dr. Danielle Ofri is an associate professor of medicine at New York University who practices medicine and teaches at Bellevue Hospital, New...

Interpreter Small Talk

Did you know that ASL has over 100 signs for “seizure”? They recommend ASL Interpreters to engage in small talk with their patients to figure out what register the patient uses. Hearing this reminded me of possibly the biggest gaffe of my professional career as...

10 Sep
10 Sep

Interpreter Small Talk

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Did you know that ASL has over 100 signs for “seizure”? They recommend ASL Interpreters to engage in small talk with their patients to figure out what register the patient uses. Hearing this reminded me of possibly the biggest gaffe of my professional career as...

Bridging The Gap – Fall 2013

Bridging the Gap, created by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), is the leading, nationally recognized medical interpreter training program in the United States. The quality of health care often depends as much on the interpreter, as on the provider. This foundation course...

03 Sep
03 Sep

Bridging The Gap – Fall 2013

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Bridging the Gap, created by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), is the leading, nationally recognized medical interpreter training program in the United States. The quality of health care often depends as much on the interpreter, as on the provider. This foundation course...

Spanish Language Scheduling Pilot

At the beginning I was wondering how the Spanish Language Scheduling Pilot (the pilot) would work. Previously, we were called by a scheduler to see if we were available to accept an appointment or we would go into the database and assign ourselves to...

27 Aug
27 Aug

Spanish Language Scheduling Pilot

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At the beginning I was wondering how the Spanish Language Scheduling Pilot (the pilot) would work. Previously, we were called by a scheduler to see if we were available to accept an appointment or we would go into the database and assign ourselves to...

Graft v. Host Disease

A little more than a month ago, my colleague Gloria and I gave a Spanish Language Medical Terminology workshop about Allergies. When we finished, we still had time to spare so Gloria commented about how to interpret words and diseases that are difficult to...

20 Aug
20 Aug

Graft v. Host Disease

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A little more than a month ago, my colleague Gloria and I gave a Spanish Language Medical Terminology workshop about Allergies. When we finished, we still had time to spare so Gloria commented about how to interpret words and diseases that are difficult to...

Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers

Many health care organizations, including the University of Michigan Health System, have Spanish-speaking staff who could serve as interpreters with the proper medical interpreter training. Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers teaches your Spanish-speaking bilingual staff the skills they need to interpret competently. UMHS Interpreter...

13 Aug
13 Aug

Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers

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Many health care organizations, including the University of Michigan Health System, have Spanish-speaking staff who could serve as interpreters with the proper medical interpreter training. Medical Interpreting for Spanish Speakers teaches your Spanish-speaking bilingual staff the skills they need to interpret competently. UMHS Interpreter...

Medical Terminology & Body Systems

UMHS Interpreter Services’ Medical Terminology and Body Systems course makes mastering complex medical terms easier. This 40-hour course is ideal for medical interpreters, medical professionals, and anyone interested in learning the basics of medical science. The course teaches the Word Building Technique, which helps...

06 Aug
06 Aug

Medical Terminology & Body Systems

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UMHS Interpreter Services’ Medical Terminology and Body Systems course makes mastering complex medical terms easier. This 40-hour course is ideal for medical interpreters, medical professionals, and anyone interested in learning the basics of medical science. The course teaches the Word Building Technique, which helps...

Interpreting in Palliative Care

UMHS-ISP offers a seven-hour workshop for interpreters on the topic of Interpreting in Palliative Care. The Fall 2013 course will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 8:30am – 5:00pm at Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 3001 – Great Lakes Central. This...

30 Jul
30 Jul

Interpreting in Palliative Care

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UMHS-ISP offers a seven-hour workshop for interpreters on the topic of Interpreting in Palliative Care. The Fall 2013 course will take place on Saturday, September 21 from 8:30am – 5:00pm at Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 3001 – Great Lakes Central. This...

Language, Culture, and Medical Interpreting Tips

“The dead got on top of me?” This is an example of what medical interpreters may encounter in the course of their work. As medical interpreters, we interpret for patients who have cultural beliefs that we may not be familiar with. To gain a...

23 Jul
23 Jul

Language, Culture, and Medical Interpreting Tips

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“The dead got on top of me?” This is an example of what medical interpreters may encounter in the course of their work. As medical interpreters, we interpret for patients who have cultural beliefs that we may not be familiar with. To gain a...

On Adam Wolfberg’s “Fragile Beginnings” and a Related Article

Wolfberg, A., 2012. Fragile Beginnings: Discoveries and Triumphs in the Newborn ICU. Beacon Press, Boston; 179pp. http://adamwolfberg.com/ http://www.beacon.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2239 In opening the book we immediately learn that “Half a million babies are born prematurely in the United States every year”. According to the National Institutes...

16 Jul
16 Jul

On Adam Wolfberg’s “Fragile Beginnings” and a Related Article

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Wolfberg, A., 2012. Fragile Beginnings: Discoveries and Triumphs in the Newborn ICU. Beacon Press, Boston; 179pp. http://adamwolfberg.com/ http://www.beacon.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2239 In opening the book we immediately learn that “Half a million babies are born prematurely in the United States every year”. According to the National Institutes...

AMPHL 2013

The Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses or AMPHL, held its national conference April 5th – 7th in Austin, Texas. The theme for this conference was “Diversifying the Future: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and Interpreters”. The conference brought together over...

09 Jul
09 Jul

AMPHL 2013

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The Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses or AMPHL, held its national conference April 5th – 7th in Austin, Texas. The theme for this conference was “Diversifying the Future: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and Interpreters”. The conference brought together over...

Your Fellow Interpreters – Creativity and Artistic Expression

        UMHS Spanish Interpreter Hosanna Vivas, born and raised in Venezuela, decided 7 years ago to move to the US. Hosanna studied at the Central University of Venezuela and has a Medical Doctor degree and Sex Therapist major (but does not have a...

02 Jul
02 Jul

Your Fellow Interpreters – Creativity and Artistic Expression

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        UMHS Spanish Interpreter Hosanna Vivas, born and raised in Venezuela, decided 7 years ago to move to the US. Hosanna studied at the Central University of Venezuela and has a Medical Doctor degree and Sex Therapist major (but does not have a...

Your Fellow Interpreters – Flavors of Bogota

One of the most interesting and unique values of our department is the diversity of the people who are part of it. We come from so many different backgrounds and cultures. That is why I think this blog is a great way to learn...

25 Jun
25 Jun

Your Fellow Interpreters – Flavors of Bogota

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One of the most interesting and unique values of our department is the diversity of the people who are part of it. We come from so many different backgrounds and cultures. That is why I think this blog is a great way to learn...

Showcasing Our Role as Medical Interpreters

I recently attended ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills (recently renamed as Foundations of Medical Interpreting) – a two day course for Sign Language Interpreters. Although I am not an ASL interpreter and I have already taken a wonderful basic interpreting course (Bridging the...

18 Jun
18 Jun

Showcasing Our Role as Medical Interpreters

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I recently attended ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills (recently renamed as Foundations of Medical Interpreting) – a two day course for Sign Language Interpreters. Although I am not an ASL interpreter and I have already taken a wonderful basic interpreting course (Bridging the...

Summary from IMIA Lifelong Learning Webinar Series: Cultural Influences in Organ Donation

When dealing with organ/tissue donations, it is important to understand both the dynamics and the processes involved. Why do the hospitals participate? Under federal mandates they are compelled to participate if they are receiving, or want to receive, federal funds; otherwise, they will lose...

11 Jun
11 Jun

Summary from IMIA Lifelong Learning Webinar Series: Cultural Influences in Organ Donation

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When dealing with organ/tissue donations, it is important to understand both the dynamics and the processes involved. Why do the hospitals participate? Under federal mandates they are compelled to participate if they are receiving, or want to receive, federal funds; otherwise, they will lose...

Connections & Similarities – Observations from a Spanish Interpreter

A few months ago, I was invited me to take a class, ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills (recently renamed Foundations of Medical Interpreting), taught by Christa Moran and Andi Chumley. Christa and Andi designed the class especially for Sign Language interpreters, as the...

04 Jun
04 Jun

Connections & Similarities – Observations from a Spanish Interpreter

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A few months ago, I was invited me to take a class, ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills (recently renamed Foundations of Medical Interpreting), taught by Christa Moran and Andi Chumley. Christa and Andi designed the class especially for Sign Language interpreters, as the...

Foundations of Medical Interpreting

Previously called ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills, this is a two-day, 15-hour course for working American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. It provides fundamental skills and knowledge that interpreters need to effectively work in health care settings, including: Standards of practice and code of...

28 May
28 May

Foundations of Medical Interpreting

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Previously called ASL Medical Interpreting – Basic Skills, this is a two-day, 15-hour course for working American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters. It provides fundamental skills and knowledge that interpreters need to effectively work in health care settings, including: Standards of practice and code of...

Becoming a More Competent Medical Interpreter

On Saturday, April 20, the Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network (MiTiN) organized a workshop titled: “Becoming a More Competent Medical Interpreter” from 10:30am till 3pm at the Novi Public Library. Angélica Snyder and Rita Galin, UMHS Spanish and Russian Interpreters respectively, were invited as the main speakers....

14 May
14 May

Becoming a More Competent Medical Interpreter

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On Saturday, April 20, the Michigan Translators/Interpreters Network (MiTiN) organized a workshop titled: “Becoming a More Competent Medical Interpreter” from 10:30am till 3pm at the Novi Public Library. Angélica Snyder and Rita Galin, UMHS Spanish and Russian Interpreters respectively, were invited as the main speakers....

Bridging the Gap – Summer 2013 Course

Bridging the Gap, created by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), is the leading, nationally recognized medical interpreter training program in the United States. The quality of health care often depends as much on the interpreter, as on the provider. This foundation course...

07 May
07 May

Bridging the Gap – Summer 2013 Course

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Bridging the Gap, created by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), is the leading, nationally recognized medical interpreter training program in the United States. The quality of health care often depends as much on the interpreter, as on the provider. This foundation course...

Work as a Team

As medical interpreters, we are never alone. We need at least one provider and one patient involved for us to do our job. But then again, as interpreters, we are always alone. Providers often work as a team, making treatment decisions as a team....

30 Apr
30 Apr

Work as a Team

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As medical interpreters, we are never alone. We need at least one provider and one patient involved for us to do our job. But then again, as interpreters, we are always alone. Providers often work as a team, making treatment decisions as a team....

How I Became a Medical Interpreter

I recently returned home from the funeral of one of my patients. It is not part of my job. It is a part of my life now. During the funeral one of the attendees said, “Look, there are just a handful of us left....

16 Apr
16 Apr

How I Became a Medical Interpreter

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I recently returned home from the funeral of one of my patients. It is not part of my job. It is a part of my life now. During the funeral one of the attendees said, “Look, there are just a handful of us left....

Challenges & Best Practices for Interpreters – Summary from Diversity Rx

Interpreting in Emergency Services: Challenges and Best Practices for Face-to-Face and Telephonic Interpreters Presenter: Jason Roberson, MA, Cyracom This presentation focused on Emergency Services encounters and how they present unique challenges for both face-to-face and telephonic medical interpreters. The presenter explained how conditions may force...

13 Apr
13 Apr

Challenges & Best Practices for Interpreters – Summary from Diversity Rx

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Interpreting in Emergency Services: Challenges and Best Practices for Face-to-Face and Telephonic Interpreters Presenter: Jason Roberson, MA, Cyracom This presentation focused on Emergency Services encounters and how they present unique challenges for both face-to-face and telephonic medical interpreters. The presenter explained how conditions may force...

Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Materials and Training Refugee Interpreters

Ensuring Culturally Sensitive and Linguistically Appropriate Materials for a Low-Literate Medicaid/Medicare Population Presenter: Nai Kasick, L.A. Care Health Plan Use of fotonovelas to improve health literacy for Spanish-speaking patients You can test your ER IQ http://www.anthem.com/eralt/va/urgentcare.swf – not captioned and in spoken/written English but great simple...

12 Apr
12 Apr

Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Materials and Training Refugee Interpreters

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Ensuring Culturally Sensitive and Linguistically Appropriate Materials for a Low-Literate Medicaid/Medicare Population Presenter: Nai Kasick, L.A. Care Health Plan Use of fotonovelas to improve health literacy for Spanish-speaking patients You can test your ER IQ http://www.anthem.com/eralt/va/urgentcare.swf – not captioned and in spoken/written English but great simple...

Impressions from Diversity Rx – Equitable Mental Health Services

Partnering with Interpreters to Provide Equitable Mental Health Services Presenter: Marla Lipscomb, MSW, LCSW, Saint Alphonsus CARE-Culturally Appropriate Resources and Education Maternal Child Health Program This workshop discussed how one of the most influential and critical roles in providing equitable mental health services to...

11 Apr
11 Apr

Impressions from Diversity Rx – Equitable Mental Health Services

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Partnering with Interpreters to Provide Equitable Mental Health Services Presenter: Marla Lipscomb, MSW, LCSW, Saint Alphonsus CARE-Culturally Appropriate Resources and Education Maternal Child Health Program This workshop discussed how one of the most influential and critical roles in providing equitable mental health services to...

Summary from Diversity Rx – Promoting Health Equity

I attended the Diversity Rx conference in March along with several colleagues. Below are my summaries and impressions of the workshops and presentations I attended. Promoting Health Equity – Two Perspectives Presenters: Sue Schlotterbeck, MS, RD, LD, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and Elizabeth...

10 Apr
10 Apr

Summary from Diversity Rx – Promoting Health Equity

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I attended the Diversity Rx conference in March along with several colleagues. Below are my summaries and impressions of the workshops and presentations I attended. Promoting Health Equity – Two Perspectives Presenters: Sue Schlotterbeck, MS, RD, LD, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and Elizabeth...

Diversity Rx Conference – Part II

My impressions and lessons learned from the Diversity Rx conference as a representative of the UMHS Interpreter Services Program continued… Engaging the Patient: Strategies for Practice and Provider Training: There is a virtual world called “Second Life” which we can use to create an...

04 Apr
04 Apr

Diversity Rx Conference – Part II

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My impressions and lessons learned from the Diversity Rx conference as a representative of the UMHS Interpreter Services Program continued… Engaging the Patient: Strategies for Practice and Provider Training: There is a virtual world called “Second Life” which we can use to create an...

Diversity Rx Conference – Part I

I participated in the Diversity Rx conference as a representative of the UMHS Interpreter Services Program. I staffed the information table at the conference Expo, and also had opportunities to attend plenary sessions and workshops. The followings are the highlights of what learned from...

02 Apr
02 Apr

Diversity Rx Conference – Part I

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I participated in the Diversity Rx conference as a representative of the UMHS Interpreter Services Program. I staffed the information table at the conference Expo, and also had opportunities to attend plenary sessions and workshops. The followings are the highlights of what learned from...

Medical Terminology and Body Systems Course

Mastering complex medical terms can be hard. UMHS Interpreter Services’ Medical Terminology and Body Systems course makes it easier. This 40-hour course is ideal for medical interpreters, medical professionals, and anyone interested in learning the basics of medical science. The course teaches the Word...

11 Mar
11 Mar

Medical Terminology and Body Systems Course

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Mastering complex medical terms can be hard. UMHS Interpreter Services’ Medical Terminology and Body Systems course makes it easier. This 40-hour course is ideal for medical interpreters, medical professionals, and anyone interested in learning the basics of medical science. The course teaches the Word...

The Wall

A hearing friend of mine once wrote a poem about revolution. She talked about how she, as an ally, was fighting to make a small crack in the wall of oppression. The Deaf people that she loved were still on the other side of...

05 Mar
05 Mar

The Wall

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A hearing friend of mine once wrote a poem about revolution. She talked about how she, as an ally, was fighting to make a small crack in the wall of oppression. The Deaf people that she loved were still on the other side of...

Chinese New Year – Through My Eyes

I was invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Parkway Meadows Senior Chinese American Association by Jane Miller, one of our Chinese Mandarin interpreters. The entertainment was provided by the Golden-Year Troupe made up of primarily Chinese-American seniors in their 70’s and 80’s....

19 Feb
19 Feb

Chinese New Year – Through My Eyes

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I was invited to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Parkway Meadows Senior Chinese American Association by Jane Miller, one of our Chinese Mandarin interpreters. The entertainment was provided by the Golden-Year Troupe made up of primarily Chinese-American seniors in their 70’s and 80’s....

Summary of IMIA Conference 2013

What prompted me to attend the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) conference this year? The topics! There were several topics that seemed interesting to me and I wanted to learn more about them: • An 8-hour advanced course titled “Interpreting in Difficult Situations: From...

05 Feb
05 Feb

Summary of IMIA Conference 2013

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What prompted me to attend the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA) conference this year? The topics! There were several topics that seemed interesting to me and I wanted to learn more about them: • An 8-hour advanced course titled “Interpreting in Difficult Situations: From...

What a Year…in review

It was a year full of change.  Some of it was sad, some of it was frustrating, but most of it was positive and will lead Interpreter Services to even more exciting opportunities. Beginning the year with the UMHS audit was enlightening. We discovered...

09 Jan
09 Jan

What a Year…in review

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It was a year full of change.  Some of it was sad, some of it was frustrating, but most of it was positive and will lead Interpreter Services to even more exciting opportunities. Beginning the year with the UMHS audit was enlightening. We discovered...

Languages, Cultures, and Friday the 13th

Languages, cultures and religions are uniquely intertwined, relating to and affecting each other in interesting ways. For instance: “Friday, the 13th.” What are your first impressions of that phrase? In popular American culture, some might say, the horror movie with that guy in the...

17 Jul
17 Jul

Languages, Cultures, and Friday the 13th

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Languages, cultures and religions are uniquely intertwined, relating to and affecting each other in interesting ways. For instance: “Friday, the 13th.” What are your first impressions of that phrase? In popular American culture, some might say, the horror movie with that guy in the...

Who We Are and What We Do

Interpreter Services provides interpretation and translation services to patients of all languages, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, throughout the University of Michigan Health System. Our services include: Face-to-face interpretation in over 40 languages; High-quality telephone interpretation in over 140 languages;...

02 Apr
02 Apr

Who We Are and What We Do

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Interpreter Services provides interpretation and translation services to patients of all languages, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, throughout the University of Michigan Health System. Our services include: Face-to-face interpretation in over 40 languages; High-quality telephone interpretation in over 140 languages;...