Medical Terminology for Interpreters

Though often discounted as part of an assignment, preparation is one of the most important parts of an interpreting session. Whether you’re with an agency, a fully independent contractor, or employed full-time, knowing what to expect is key. Having a basic knowledge of medical terminology allows you the confidence to handle any appointment or session.

In the medical field there are specialties, doctors and phrases for any ailment or condition. Medical terminology is ingrained in the academic and scientific world, and ever-changing, it is like its own language. Most medical appointments are at least somewhat conversational in tone, as patients are not usually professionals in this field. This allows you great flexibility in your role as an interpreter. In order to better understand the language, the patient is likely to ask you questions. However, to interpret properly, it is vital that you have general knowledge that includes an accurate vocabulary.

The advantages of knowing medical terms

It is important that you have a broad understanding of medical language, even if you are not a professional in the field. The goals of medical professionals are to explain diseases and treatments to their patients. Therefore, they try to use language that is easily understood by patients. Although interpreters are the first line of defense against patient misunderstandings, some words or phrases may catch you off guard. That’s why your knowledge of basic medical terminology comes in handy. Both knowing the root of the words and the context in which they are used helps the session flow.

Another advantage of having a basic knowledge of medical terminology is that it contributes to your professionalism. While having a dictionary is important and using it occasionally is acceptable, providers prefer to request an interpreter who does not have to constantly stop and use it. Every time an interpreter has to stop to look up a word, it takes away from their role as a linguistic conductor; thus causing a waste of time for both, the patient and the provider, which leads to dissatisfaction and breaks the flow. That is why is preferable to prepare in advance to avoid these situations.

The wonderful thing about learning is that once you have the knowledge, it’s an investment in your future career. Every medical term that you learn, every concept that you understand, will help you in your future endeavors. This is what makes furthering education so important: each new piece of information contributes to your interpreting abilities.