#137 Nina Harkavy and Lorraine Way on Medical Interpretation

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

This episode we are exploring medical interpreting in genetic counseling and other areas of healthcare. Joining me are Genetic Counselor Nina Harkavy and Interpreter Lorraine Way. Nina is a prenatal genetic counselor at Columbia University. She graduated from the John Hopkins University/ NHGRI genetic counseling training program. Lorraine is a Spanish Instructor, medical interpreter and the President of Language Way, a language service company. She has a master’s in French from Middlebury College where she also studied Spanish.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Improved counseling experience speaking in Spanish

Difference between translation and interpretation

How healthcare providers can alter their communication with non-native English speakers

Tips for working with interpreters

Standard for interpretation especially with family members

Maintaining cultural sensitivity when belief systems may impede the decision-making process

Concepts that are challenging to interpret into Spanish and ways to phrase differently

Approaches to check in with patients about their understanding

Miscommunications between healthcare providers and interpreters

Handling an interpreter who is not accurately interpreting

Training to be a professional interpreter

Qualities to look for when hiring an interpreter

Learn more about Lorraine way business through her website, thelanguageway.com

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