Presentation on Ethics and Medical Interpretation for Ad-Astra, inc- a major interpretation agency in the Washington/Baltimore Metropolitan area. This presentation was offered to 104 interpreters of over 30 languages to help encourage creating the habit of ethical thinking in addressing the complexities of medical interpretation and the cultural, legal, ethical and moral challenges they may present. By addressing the issue of culturally specific notions of ethics and morality, and the possible tension with the American Medical System’s ethical standards, the goal was to help interpreters bridge cultural gaps between providers and patients, while complying with HIPAA regulations, and thereby both reduce culturally-based healthcare discrepancies, and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Presentation to the HIV/AIDS Social Workers and Nurses of the State of Maryland- stressing the clinical importance of cultural awareness in dealing with HIV/AIDS in a multi-cultural society. Linguistic ability, and an understanding of different cultures’ approach to health, their understanding of the nature of illness and healing, and the environmental pressures that help create discrepancies in health care were all key factors stressed for the effective delivery of medical attention.
Diversity and Cultural Awareness Workshop, Project Reach- an interactive workshop on cultural competence as a necessary life and work skill for 250 Summer Student Interns (high school and college) from Baltimore City at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Issues of race, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic origin were examined through role playing, film, and discussion.
Presentation to Pediatric Oncology Medical Staff on the role of Spirituality and Religion as elements of Cultural Competence in Dealing with Pediatric Cancer Patients and their Families; exploring spiritual perspectives surrounding illness, healing, and death through the lens of diverse religions and cultures.
Presentation to First Year Medical Students on the cultural and personal dimensions of effective health care delivery; bridging the cultural gaps for patients, while maintaining emotional balance as a health care provider facing stressful or life threatening medical situations.
Presentation to Inner city Elementary School students on the importance of cultural awareness and acquiring a second language as a career skill, specifically in the health care delivery field. Interactive examples of cross cultural communication help raise student awareness of human needs and of their own potential to make a difference by learning about the culture and language of others.
In-Service Workshop for Patient Service Coordinators on the cultural and emotional components of palliative care and how best to handle them, to optimize patient and family satisfaction while minimizing emotional stress for coordinators.
Presentation for Ad Astra Interpretation Services- a company providing and training contract interpreters throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, on Facing Emotionally Loaded Medical Situations: Their Objective and Subjective Components from a Medical Interpreter’s Perspective, The focus was on both the cultural and psychological elements of interpreting in emotionally loaded situations- how to be sensitive to the patient/family, and how to stay centered and balanced so as to prevent burn-out for the interpreter.
In-Service Workshop for Medical Interpreters of the Community Services Division on The Cultural, Personal, and Spiritual Components of Facing Life-Threatening Illness and Emotionally Loaded SituationsFrom a Medical Interpreter’s Perspective. The workshop addressed how to handle cases of abuse, life threatening conditions, palliative care, or other emotionally charged patient-care-giver consults. The cultural minefield of dealing with death and dying, “pastoral care” and other such essential themes, requires not only linguistic skills and cultural sensitivity, but an ability to stay emotionally centered to avoid burn-out.
Presentation for Health Leads, a non-profit organization, on the central role of cultural competence to health care delivery in volunteer outreach to the immigrant community.
Presentation to Residents in the Department of Psychiatry of the School of Medicine on The Impact of Cultural Competence in Health Care Delivery, and How to Work Most Effectively with an Interpreter.
Presentation to Second Year Medical Students for Pediatric Cardiology on the Importance of Cultural Competence and the Role of the Interpreter in Treating Non-English speaking Pediatric Patients and Their Families.
Panel Particiption in Open Forum Symposium for Primary Care Week, on the Cultural Issues affecting Health Care Delivery in the Hispanic and Asian Communities.
