What is the Spanish medical interpreter gap in the US?

Medical interpreters serve as a linguistic bridge to help patients and doctors to communicate confidently.

A doctor visit is often times an intimidating and uncomfortable affair.

When you cannot speak the local language well enough to tell a doctor about your medical problem, the stress level soars.

The so-called "medical language gap" is increasing in the US - too many Limited English patients (LEPs) are  unable to interact with their physicians.

Spanish Medical Interpreter Gap

Because there is an insufficient number of certified medical interpreters to LEPs in hospitals and clinics, especially for Spanish speakers, there is a "medical interpreter gap"."

Spanish is the second most common language in the US after English - and growing.

For example, Florida is the second fastest-growing Latino population after Georgia with an 85% increase since 2000.

The Pew Research says one-third of Hispanics are not English proficient.

Unfortunately, relatively few health care organizations – anywhere from 38 to 68 percent – employ professional interpreters, who assist patients either in person or remotely via phone or video.according to the study.

Thus, Spanish medical  interpreters are needed to help LEPs to effective communicate with medical staff.

Interpreters in hospitals and clinics show cultural competence and ensure patient-and-family-centered care.

They also improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Just because one cannot speak some English (or at all) should not condemn them to inferior health care.

That is not right!

Fundraising Goal

While I am a certified translator  now, I now want to go a step further to be a certified Spanish medical interpreter.

I thought about becoming a certified legal interpreter, but I prefer medicine.

But, I need your donation to help me pay for the classes in January. I really do appreciate it!

Conclusion

I need to take Spanish medical certification classes in January and get a better computer to help me study.

In a later post, I will explain more about the serpentine certification process. In short, it is not a overnight project!

Please give what you can today to help. I really do appreciate it!

Thanks for reading this entire post!

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