Understanding the Organizational Interpreter Network

No one doubts that interpreters play a crucial role in the treatment process of patients, who are limited English proficient, that visit hospitals, clinics, Dr. offices and more.  However, have you ever thought of looking at the whole network between hospitals, professional organizations, training centers, and medical providers.

Just like many industries the interpreter industry provides or creates its own network and feeds itself at different levels.  First, we take the fact that interpreters are a needed resource that permits healthcare to properly treat its patients and limit lawsuits by providing interpreters for its LEP patients.  How or where does the hospital get their interpreters? In most cases hospitals provide the bodies to the health network that trains interpreters. In some cases hospitals offer their employees, who train as interpreters, as much as a $1.00 premium for training in the field of medical interpreting and being available while at work to perform said duties.  Yes, they pay for the employees training at an average of $750.00 per employee.

As we see, the training entity has been provided with the bodies to fill their training courses.  However, how was the training entity established.  More often than not a grant was provided to establish this training facility.  Also, the training unit can itself be afiliated or be part of a heathcare organization itself.

Now, lets look a little further up the scale and introduce the advocates who promote and sponsor legislation to certify medical interpreters.  First off, these organizations are staffed by professionals who have dedicated endless hours to develope an entity that provides a forum for interpreters to connect with others in their field and share experiences and learn new skills.  Of course becoming a member is not free ($40. - $60. year).

These same organizations some national, others claim to be international establish criteria for what constitutes proper training for interpreters.  Yes, If you desire to create a curriculum you may do it. However, you are required to have that curriculum approved by first paying the organization, then allowing them to view your curriculum to determine if it is appropriate in content, context, etc. Also, you may not be an outsider and lecture at their numerous and expesive conferences.  You need only know someone.

Colleges and universities get on board as well,  They create interpreter training courses and will offer these as part of a Human Services Degree.  Additionally, they make money in the process as well. Furthermore, they are connected to anyone of the numerous interpreter organizations out there. Isn't it beautiful? 

Moreover, if one were to perform an analysis of who are the participants and board members of these organizations you will find that many of the same individuals in a given geography are involved in the process at many levels.  If you are not willing to be political in your approach you cannot enter into this organizational hierarchy.  Isn't it beautiful?

I'm not saying that any of this is negative.  However, I can see some problems with a small group of individuals controlling and making decisions that affect a whole industry. let me end this by saying I would like you the interpreter to think about what I have set before you. Analyse and be calculative in every scenario.  Find the fifth leg on the cat, as we say.  Know the network you are involved in.