Assignment Preparation

As medical interpreters you may be assigned to or hired for a particular job. For instance you may need to provide coverage for a clinic such as Pediatric Cardiology, TB or Chest Clinic, Pediatric Neurology, Breast Biopsy, or a whole host of others.  These assignments present particular challenges for interpreters.  

Knowledge of terminology in theses particular areas is just a start in the proficient performance of your duties.  In fact, you must understand in detail the process or procedures that are to be performed in these clinics. Personal experience has demonstrated a real need for knowledge and preparation prior to performing these assignments.  Keeping up with the dialogue may be extremely difficult if one lacks the knowledge or has not prepared.  You can use informational pamphlets to prepare or go online and edify yourself using one or more of the many resources available to the public on health topics.

So prepare for each assignment prior to performing the duties.  Remember that you will leave a lasting impression on the provider and patient.  You want this impression to be a positive and professional one.  Your ability to perform well during these assignments may determine whether or not you"ll be called back for additional assignments.  If you work for an organization a poor performance may have a negative impact on the ability of the organization to attain future contracts with health organizations.  This will affect your earnings, as well as, theirs.