Few days ago, I faced one of those moments that tested the delicate balance between empathy and professionalism as a medical interpreter. It started like any other appointment, an elderly LEP (limited-English proficient) patient, a nurse, and me. But the emotions running under the surface made this encounter far from ordinary.
The patient, an elderly woman, wasn’t happy. She felt the provider hadn’t checked her thoroughly during the visit and made it clear to me, in our shared language, that she didn’t want to see the same provider again. However, when it came time to interpret this to the nurse, she stopped me.
“Don’t say anything about it. I don’t want to cause any trouble,” she said, her voice firm but tinged with frustration. At the same time, she asked me to tell the nurse she was fine with the date offered for her next appointment. But there was a catch; she confided to me that if it were the same provider, she wouldn’t attend the appointment at all.
Caught Between Two Worlds
In moments like this, the weight of being a conduit for communication feels heavier. On the one hand, I wanted so badly for the nurse to understand how unhappy this patient was. After all, isn’t it the healthcare team’s responsibility to address such concerns? On the other hand, I am bound by my ethical duty to respect the patient’s wishes.
I gently asked her, “Are you sure you don’t want me to let them know? They can’t help fix the problem if they don’t know how you feel.” But she insisted, “Just tell them I’m fine with the date.”
So, I did exactly that. I conveyed her agreement to the follow-up date, knowing full well that she had no intention of attending if the provider remained the same.
The Emotional Tug-of-War
As I watched the nurse mark the date down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the situation wasn’t truly resolved. What if this appointment blocked a spot for another patient who genuinely wanted to see this provider? What if this patient’s dissatisfaction worsened her health outcomes?
But here’s the thing: as an interpreter, my job isn’t to fix situations or advocate for patients. It’s to interpret faithfully, accurately, and impartially. Still, it didn’t stop me from feeling bad for her. I could see her frustration and hesitation, and I wished she felt comfortable enough to voice her concerns directly.
What Could I Have Done Differently?
Looking back, I think I did what I could within the boundaries of my role. I respected her wishes and relayed only the message she approved. But I also reminded her that it’s okay to speak up, that sharing concerns doesn’t have to be seen as “causing trouble.”
It’s moments like these that highlight how critical it is for interpreters to not only facilitate communication but also create a safe space for patients to feel heard. Maybe next time, she’ll feel more confident to address her concerns directly, or maybe the healthcare team will follow up to ensure she’s satisfied with her care.
A Reflection on Empathy and Professionalism
This experience stayed with me long after I left the appointment. It’s a reminder of how complex this job can be, not just linguistically, but emotionally. We’re often privy to patients’ innermost thoughts and feelings, and it’s hard not to feel for them. But as interpreters, we walk a fine line. Empathy is part of the job, but so is neutrality.
At the end of the day, I hope I did right by her. I respected her wishes, interpreted accurately, and stayed true to my role. But I’ll admit, I still wonder if there was a way to do more without crossing the ethical boundaries that guide my work.
Being a medical interpreter isn’t always straightforward, but it’s moments like these that remind me why this job is so important. It’s about more than just language, it’s about connection, trust, and helping people navigate moments when they feel vulnerable. And sometimes, even when we can’t do everything, we can at least be the bridge they need.
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