Abstract

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:Witnessing Trauma:Emotional Challenges in Medical InterpretationMaja Milkowska-ShibataHaving a background in public health but no clinical experience, I never expected to be given the opportunity to work directly with patients. This changed when I became involved in medical interpretation. During my first year of service, I mostly assisted with primary care appointments until I was assigned to my first appointment in a cancer treatment center. The moment I stepped into the distinctive atmosphere of that place, the gravity of the patients' circumstances became strikingly apparent. Each individual was [End Page E8] suffering from a life-threatening condition, which was unlike anything I was used to witnessing.The staff seemed to know each and every patient. I noticed a patient in a wheelchair accompanied by a relative carrying an oxygen tank. Someone brought gifts for the receptionists. A Christmas tree sat in the corner of the waiting area, ready for the holidays. The facility clearly conveyed an effort to resemble a home-like environment. "They must be regulars," I thought grimly.After completing a routine appointment with an elderly patient who was feeling weak, the patient requested an IV drip. My official assignment was over, and I could have gone home at that point, but something compelled me to stay. As I interpreted the nurse's instructions for setting up the drip, I could not help but notice the vulnerability of the patient, who had a thin and frail physique. The patient seemed grateful for my presence, so I settled into a chair in the corner and waited patiently.Soon, the patient drifted off to sleep, and I checked on them every now and again to make sure they were fine. The room became quiet, and I hoped the patient would not be disturbed by the sound of an ambulance or another patient seeking treatment. Although they were in capable hands, I found myself standing guard, metaphorically speaking. During the two hours it took for the drip to finish, I reflected on the emotions growing within me.It suddenly dawned on me: I had not been there for my own father during his battle with cancer. I felt obligated to stay by the patient's side as if fulfilling a debt owed for my absence at that important time. Offering companionship to the patient was the very least I could do.Working as medical interpreters and interacting with patients in varied life and health circumstances will expose us to a wide range of emotions. As we gain experience, helping patients teaches us humility and cultivates a stronger sense of empathy. Although not explicitly outlined in the standards of practice, we have the choice to utilize the powerful virtues of compassion and kindness to positively impact the life of a struggling patient. However, we also run the risk of becoming emotionally detached and losing the ability to act with compassion over time.Alongside my on-site commitments, I also work remotely for an organization managing a high volume of calls in numerous languages. In this role, medical consultations occur via phone or video. This environment can make you feel somewhat isolated, reminiscent of working in a call center where strict protocols dictate the ways calls begin and end. In this setting, I am exposed to slightly different emotional challenges. Shielded by a screen and physical distance, I often feel disconnected when interpreting, even for highly emotional situations.Yet, some interactions are hard to forget. I vividly remember a recent call during which I had to interpret for a victim of sexual assault. I felt deeply moved by their distraught voice and frightening details. For me, as an interpreter, the challenge became even more difficult as it was unreasonable to request the other party articulate their thoughts in short segments for effective communication. To keep up with the speaker, I had to jump into simultaneous interpreting, which many interpreters, including myself, find difficult. At the same time, I was slowed down by the police officer taking meticulous notes. I sympathized with the speaker but was also becoming impatient and angry with myself for experiencing these conflicting emotions. I wanted this call to end as soon as possible because it was...