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Interview
Potential interpreters are asked to interview with Monique Alfaro or a Language Bank Coordinator. Interviews are conducted at Stanford Hospital and Clinic and last about 10-15 minutes.
Competency Training
All new interpreters are required to attend a two-day, eight hour training session administered by Interpreter Services at Stanford Hospital and Clinic. Topics of the training sessions will include:
A) Overview of Volunteering at Stanford Hospital
oVolunteer guidelines
oVolunteer benefits
B) Overview of the Interpreting Process
o Role of the Medical interpreter
C) Interpreting Skills Development
o Interpreting techniques
o Medical Code of Ethics
D) Cross-cultural Interpreter Training
o Traditional health care beliefs and practices
E) Personal Skills Development
o Assertiveness in the medical interview
o Crisis response strategies
F) Medical Terminology Overview
o Medical procedures
o Medical abbreviations
o Human Anatomy
Personal Health and Safety
In the Hospital, a real chance exists that you may encounter pathogens and other health and safety concerns. All interpreters are required to give proof of or obtain immunizations against rubella, measles, tuberculosis, and chicken pox.
In addition, all interpreters are required to become familiar with Hospital fire, earthquake, and emergency responses and are required to complete a computerized Environmental Health & Safety training module. ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BEFORE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO SHADOW/INTERPRET.
Language competency tests are required for Spanish, Russian, and Chinese interpreters.
On-Site Interpreter Training
Upon completion of health clearances and general
interpreter training, volunteers must schedule 20 hours of on-site shadowing to gain familiarity with the
interpreting processes and the hospital itself. Shadowing can be done at interpreter's convenience and
need not be in the same language/culture as interpreter's language/culture of expertise.
Medical Interpreting
After all the above are complete, you are permitted to serve as a certified medical interpreter at Stanford Hospital. In general, the procedure is as follows:
1) You will be notified well in advance of when your services are needed.
2) If you agree to take the case, then you will be provided with a general description of the case (i.e. why the patient is being seen by the doctor).
3) You are then asked to do some research as to the case, including, but not limited to, anatomy/physiology of the patient
illness and words, ideas, phrases that might come up in the specific medical interview
Interpreting…and Beyond
As a volunteer, further opportunities will be provided for skills improvement, including:
o Free membership to the California Healthcare Interpreters Association (CHIA)
o Invitations to meet with guest speakers knowledgeable in the medical and interpreting fields
o Workshops and internships (Monterey Language Institute)
o Meetings to discuss upcoming events and activities
o Help making patient information videos
