Paper: Jackson Sun, The (TN)
Title: Bridging the gap: Medical interpretation a growing need in West
Tennessee
Author: KELLY B. SOUTH
Date: December 18, 2006
Section: Living
Tim Irby learned Spanish while working for Procter & Gamble Co. in
Puerto Rico from 1993 to 1997. When he returned to Jackson, however, he
didn't have to use it as much, and almost a decade later he was getting
a bit rusty. So when a medical interpreter course was offered in
Jackson, he seized the opportunity to brush up on his Spanish language
skills.
"I really enjoy the various cultures of the world," Irby said. "I enjoy
it when I travel, and I enjoy West Tennessee being more multicultural."
The class, taught by Spain native Espi Ralston, was created in an
effort to meet the needs of the growing Hispanic community in Madison
County.
Irby, 50,
course on
completed
not offer
is among 14 people who graduated from the medical interpreter
Dec. 7. The graduates received a certificate for having
40 hours of training in medical interpreting. Tennessee does
a medical interpreter certification.
The class was offered from September through November and met on
Thursdays for two hours at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.
Sheila Gonzalez of McKenzie felt the class was very important.
"I do interpreting here in the hospital ... So, in efforts to move
towards certification, I took the class."
Using a translator over the phone isn't enough, Gonzalez said. She is
the director of case management and a licensed practical nurse at
McKenzie Regional Hospital. "They need that human touch."
A medical interpreter is "an individual who makes communication
possible between two people who don't speak the same language and who
have different cultural backgrounds," Ralston said.
The project started in Memphis. Medical agencies need interpreters for
people who don't speak English and need quality medical attention.
This class wasn't as much learning the language as it was learning
cultural diversity, Gonzalez said. It was "looking at health care from
different aspects. We learned a code of ethics, standards and
practice."
Having lived in Mexico from 1972 to 1976 and then again from 1980 to
1988, Gonzalez was comfortable with Spanish. However, she was not
comfortable with medical terminology.
Gonzalez plans to take the second level for the health care interpreter
certificate program. Ralston hopes to offer the class sometime next
year. Eighteen students have already signed up for the level-two class.
"There's an interest in getting better prepared," Ralston said. In
preparation for the standardized certification exam, it is recommended
students take a minimum of 90 hours of training.
Ralston and partner Martha Kantor are initiating efforts with other
local hospitals to offer cultural competence seminars.
Irby, who is now a freelance photographer, is already on the list for
community interpreters with the West Tennessee Healthcare system.
"I also hope to use it when I get involved in church mission trips in
Nicaragua where there is a medical clinic attached to the orphanage,"
he said.
"It's just a wonderful experience to be able to speak another language
and communicate with another culture."
Visit jacksonsun.com and share your thoughts.
Kelly B. South, 421-1865
Find out more
For more information about the medical interpreter classes offered by
Espi Ralston, call (901) 218-4691 or (901) 763-2045.
LINDSAY McDONALD/The Jackson Sun Graduates of the Heathcare Interpreter
Certificate Program hold their certificates before they enjoy dinner
together after a 12-week course comes to an end. Left to right, back
row: Espi Ralston, Virginia Gearin, Sheila Gonzalez, Eric C. Carter,
Dianne Green, Tim Irby, Rene Cruz Puente, Maria Garduno and Granya
Lopez. Left to right, front: Elizabeth Nixon and Vanessa Jara.
LINDSAY McDONALD/The Jackson Sun Espi Ralston, Healthcare Interpreter
Certificate Program director and instructor, hugs participant Virginia
Gearin, of Jackson, left, during the graduation ceremony.
LINDSAY McDONALD/The Jackson Sun Espi Ralston, Healthcare Interpreter
Certificate Program Director and instructor, thanks Sandra Atherton,
Director of Volunteer Services for the Jackson-Madison County General
Hospital and the participates for their hard work in the 12-week
course.
LINDSAY McDONALD/The Jackson Sun Espi Ralston talks with Sandra
Atherton after the graduation service for the students.
What to know
For more information about the medical interpreter classes offered by
Espi Ralston, call (901) 218-4691 or (901) 763-2045.
Photos by LINDSAY McDONALD/The Jackson Sun Espi Ralston, health care
interpreter certificate program director and instructor, hugs
participant Virginia Gearin, of Jackson, left, during the graduation
ceremony. BELOW: Graduates of the heath care interpreter certificate
program hold their certificates before they enjoy dinner together after
a 12-week course. Left to right, back row: Espi Ralston, Virginia
Gearin, Sheila Gonzalez, Eric C. Carter, Dianne Green, Tim Irby, Rene
Cruz Puente, Maria Garduno and Granya Lopez. Left to right, front:
Elizabeth Nixon and Vanessa Jara.
Author: KELLY B. SOUTH
Section: Living
Copyright (c) The Jackson Sun. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the
permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.