The kidneys are complex filters, and the terminology used to describe their function shapes the entire medical or surgical course of care. An experienced interpreter understands these distinctions and communicates them accurately, supporting clear understanding for both the patient and the physician and helping ensure timely, appropriate treatment decisions.

• CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease): A long-term condition where the kidneys don’t filter blood as well as they should.
• ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease): The final stage of CKD, where the kidneys can no longer function on their own to support life.
• GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate): A test used to check how well the kidneys are working by estimating how much blood passes through the tiny filters (glomeruli) each minute.
• Nephron: The functional unit of the kidney that actually does the work of filtering blood and producing urine.

Patients often describe symptoms using non-medical, experiential language. When interpreters render these descriptions into clinically relevant terminology, they must do so carefully and accurately, ensuring that the patient’s meaning is preserved without adding, omitting, or altering clinical content.

Interpreters play a key role in medical settings by faithfully conveying what patients say, without adding labels or making assumptions about causes. This allows physicians to assess the clinical significance themselves.

For example:

• Edema: A patient may say, “My legs are puffy like dough.” An interpreter can accurately report this as the patient experiencing leg swelling, without assigning a cause.
• Hematuria: A patient might report “tea-colored urine.” An interpreter can convey this as the patient noticing discolored urine, without suggesting a diagnosis.
• Reduced or absent urine output: If a patient says, “I haven’t gone to the bathroom in a day,” an interpreter can report this as the patient experiencing little or no urine output, leaving the clinical interpretation to the physician.

Nephrology also contains terms that sound similar but have very different meanings. Dropping a prefix or misinterpreting an abbreviation can change the understanding of whether a condition is sudden or gradual, reversible or permanent.

ARF vs. CRF: ARF (Acute Renal Failure) is a sudden loss of kidney function that may be reversible, while CRF (Chronic Renal Failure) is a gradual, often permanent decline. Interpreters can relay these terms as presented by the physician, without implying urgency or prognosis.

• Proteinuria: If a patient is told they have protein in their urine, an interpreter can convey this exactly as stated, without implying cause, so the physician can discuss the significance.
• Dialysis: When a physician explains dialysis — hemodialysis (blood filtered through a machine) or peritoneal dialysis (using the lining of the abdomen) an interpreter can accurately relay the procedure and method as described.

Providing only a partial summary or “the gist” of a kidney exam can risk miscommunication. By accurately conveying distinctions such as intrarenal (inside the kidney) versus prerenal (related to blood flow to the kidney), interpreters ensure patients receive the full information needed to understand their condition, while leaving clinical judgment to the physician.

There are some concepts that are easily overlooked in medical interpretation, and one of the most challenging areas for language professionals is Cardiology, specifically conditions like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

Atrial Fibrillation is more than just an “irregular heartbeat.” It is a complex electrical malfunction of the heart that requires a specific vocabulary to treat safely.

When a doctor discusses AFib, they use precise descriptors that dictate the entire treatment plan:

• Paroxysmal vs. Permanent: Does the heart fix itself, or is the condition constant?
• Anticoagulation: Is the patient on a “blood thinner,” and if so, is it a Vitamin K Antagonist or a DOAC?
• Ablation: Is the surgeon “removing” something, or are they “cauterizing” tissue to redirect electrical signals?

If an interpreter uses a generic term for these specific medical processes, the patient might consent to a procedure they don’t fully understand, or a doctor might miss a critical symptom.

A trained medical interpreter does more than just swap words; they act as a bridge for specialized knowledge. Here is how they handle complex conditions like AFib:

1. In many languages, medical terms sound similar but have different meanings. For example, in some languages, a word that sounds like “constipated” actually means “having a cold.”
2. A patient might say, “My heart feels like a bag of worms.” The interpreter must accurately relay that vivid, subjective description to the doctor so the physician can translate it into the objective clinical finding of palpitations.
3. During a procedure like a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), the terminology is dense.

The interpreter must explain the difference between a probe going down the esophagus versus a standard ultrasound on the chest. Miscommunicating this can lead to patient trauma or a refusal of a necessary diagnostic test.

The same applies for the practice of ophthalmology where precise terminology in eye care is a prerequisite for safety.

• Location Matters: In conditions like Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV), knowing exactly where abnormal vessels are growing—either under or through protective layers of the eye—determines how hard they are to treat.
• Scanning Terms: The term “Occult” simply means boundaries are “not easily visible” on a scan. Mistranslating it as “mysterious” can cause a patient unnecessary alarm.
• Medication Nuance: Anti-VEGF injections stop harmful vessel growth. If an interpreter forgets the “Anti” part, a patient might wrongly think they are getting a “growth factor” to help their eye grow.
• Visual Symptoms: Interpreters must distinguish between seeing “wavy lines” (Metamorphopsia) and seeing a “blind spot” (Scotoma). This helps doctors know if there is active fluid leakage or permanent scarring¹⁵.

The Professional Difference

A trained medical interpreter acts as a bridge for specialized knowledge. They must understand anatomy and pharmacology to ensure patients receive the exact information needed to protect their health. In medicine, every syllable counts.

Medical interpretation is a specialized skill set. It’s important for interpreters to not just speak two languages, but understand the anatomy, the pharmacology, and the legal requirements of the medical field.

When lives are on the line, the terminology must be exact. Because in medicine, the right word isn’t just a preference—it’s a prerequisite for safety.

Inspired by a legendary Chinese New Year monster story, this holiday season reminds us that it is celebration – not fear – that drives the beast away.

Long ago, a fearsome monster called Nian came out every New Year’s Eve to terrorize villagers—eating crops, livestock, and sometimes people.

The villagers eventually learned Nian was afraid of loud noises, fire, and the color red, so they used these to drive it away.

These practices—firecrackers, red decorations, loud celebration—evolved into the joyful traditions we celebrate today.

https://youtu.be/ERvOyy4P1M8

May the season cleanse the past and guide us toward warmth and new adventures.

May your 2026 be delightful, beautiful, and harmonious. Happy New Year from all of us at Monterey Language Services!!!

As part of our Global Family Celebration series, we’ve been reflecting on how traditions bring families together in meaningful ways.

After our story about Korea’s Chuseok, we turned to another cherished holiday: the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it is a time when the moon is at its brightest and fullest — a symbol of reunion and harmony.

Across China and around the world, families gather to share seasonal foods such as taro, pomelo, and roasted duck. At the center of the table are mooncakes, their round shape representing unity and completeness.

Crafting the Script

In approaching this story, we wanted to capture more than a holiday meal. This idea of the moon as both symbol and messenger inspired us.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a festival of words and feelings. For centuries, poets have looked to the moon to express longing, gratitude, and connection. Their verses, still recited today, tie the festival to China’s deep literary tradition.

We envisioned not just a table full of food, but one with an empty chair — a reminder that families are not always physically together. How, then, do they stay connected? The story grew from that question.

A Family Across Oceans

In our narrative, Wei, the eldest son, is studying overseas. His chair is empty but not forgotten. His mother sets aside a plate for him. His younger sister opens a video call so he can join the gathering in spirit.

The family greets him with smiles, lifting their mooncakes to the screen as if toasting the moon together.

Their grandfather begins to recite Quiet Night Thought by Li Bai, a poem cherished for generations:

Before my bed, the bright moonlight,
I wonder if it’s frost on the ground.
I lift my head and gaze at the bright moon,
I lower my head and think of home.

Far away, Wei looks out his window and sees the same glowing moon. For a moment, the distance fades, and the family feels whole again.

More Than a Harvest Celebration

The Mid-Autumn Festival reminds us that love travels farther than distance. Even when families are apart, the same moon rises above every home, soft and steady.

Wei lifts his cup to the screen, and across oceans, his family lifts theirs. Together, they toast to the same moon, their laughter and love traveling across generations and continents.

The silver light carries memory, joy, and longing, turning a simple gesture into a bridge of connection. Beneath the same endless sky, hearts meet, and we are reminded that no distance can dim the ties that bind us.

Where Stories Meet

As we continue our Global Family Celebration series, we look to the rituals that remind us of this truth: that connection is always within reach. A shared meal, a familiar poem, a gaze at the same moon — these simple acts transcend borders and time.

Every culture offers its own lantern of wisdom, illuminating the universal desire to gather, to give thanks, and to feel at home in the world.

When we celebrate each other’s traditions, we discover that our stories are not separate threads, but part of a greater tapestry — woven together beneath one sky.

Introduction

At Monterey Language Services, we love connecting people across cultures. This year, our Global Family Celebration series kicked off with Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/_WsyaeLVReY 

Crafting the Script

The journey began with words on a page. We didn’t want a dry description of Chuseok — we wanted viewers to feel it: the aroma of sesame oil, the laughter in the kitchen, the quiet reverence at ancestors’ graves. After several drafts, the script found its rhythm, blending Chuseok’s rich traditions — foods, ancestor rituals, and festive customs — with the lived experience of one family.

At the heart of the story were Min-jun and his grandmother. Their moments in the kitchen — shaping sticky songpyeon, laughing at uneven dough, sharing stories across generations — became the soul of the video. Through them, cultural traditions didn’t just inform — they came alive, wrapped in warmth, presence, and the messy, joyful beauty of family life.

Reflecting on Gratitude

In Min-jun’s grandmother’s kitchen, laughter rose with the scent of sesame oil as three generations shaped songpyeon. These half-moon rice cakes are said to promise a beautiful life. But the dough sticks, the shapes collapse, and Min-jun thinks: maybe life isn’t shaped by perfection.

A mindfulness saying comes to mind: “You cannot feel true gratitude and remain frustrated at the same time.” In that messy, joyful moment, gratitude replaces frustration. The imperfect rice cakes suddenly feel perfect.

As the evening wore on, Min-jun realized the truth in his grandmother’s words: “Beautiful songpyeon, beautiful life.” He hadn’t fully believed her — until now. The rice cakes were uneven, sticky, imperfect. Yet the laughter, stories shared across generations, and the warmth of everyone together felt perfectly complete.

Finding the Right Visuals

Once the script captured the heart of Chuseok, the next challenge was bringing it to life visually. We wanted more than images — we wanted moments that felt real: sunlight streaming through a kitchen window onto sticky hands, children giggling as dough clung to their fingers, the vibrant colors of bulgogi and kimchi arranged on the table, and the quiet stillness of bowing at ancestors’ graves.

Each shot was chosen to convey both authenticity and emotion, creating a rhythm that mirrored the holiday itself. We wanted viewers not just to see Chuseok, but to experience it — to feel the warmth, the laughter, and the gratitude that fills every imperfect, beautiful moment of family life.

Blending Video with Reality

Watching the video, you might crave the flavors of Korea. We did too. Speaking with Korean restaurant owners, we heard the same lesson: Food made with care is a gift for the heart. Even if it’s not perfect, sharing it brings everyone together.

Chuseok, Thanksgiving, or any family meal — different foods, different rituals — but the same truth holds: joy lives in presence, connection, and gratitude.

Next time you taste something new — maybe a songpyeon, maybe a bowl of bulgogi — pause. Feel the moment. Laugh at the sticky fingers. Taste the care. Let gratitude replace frustration.

Because a beautiful life isn’t about perfect rice cakes. It’s about enjoying the moments we share.

Stay Tuned

Join us as we travel from one celebration to the next, uncovering the shared threads of family and gratitude — and delighting in the unique differences that make each holiday shine.

Monterey Language Services is launching a new series exploring holidays around the world, all connected by one timeless theme: family.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your ideas, stories, or even a little flight of fancy with us, and help make the Global Family Celebration series even more diverse, vibrant, and inspiring.

Email us at info@montereylanguages.com — your thoughts could shape our next celebration!

The untold stories of medical interpreters: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO-QGEbwcTr2GRCtm5U6yonnL_e6hj_en

As a provider of medical interpretation, Monterey Language Services launched an initiative series to explore emotional and professional challenges that medical interpreters face. Please see our previous introduction to the series here.

How Was Everything Started and Created?

We reached out to quite a lot of CCHI certified medical interpreters who we admire. Even though not surprisingly the dedicated interpreters graciously shared their most heartfelt stories, we were amazed by how insightful and emotional depth issues were brought to us. We are genuinely moved by the stories.

In each video below, we picked some of the most awesome quotes (see description below) that blew us away. We believe this series is something sincere and original that comes straight from the deep down of the dedicated medical interpreters.

These videos are worth sharing. They are designed to raise awareness and appreciation of the essential elements that medical interpreters face every day. Please feel welcome to share them with your circles of networks.

The Series Will Be On-going

We feel that medical interpretation involves so many elements and there is always a heavy emotional toll that stays with us. To vent and to share is something meaningful and powerful to make us a better medical interpreter.

If you have stories to tell, please continue to share them with us and we will write original scripts and create videos to share with everyone!

Why We Created This Series

The idea behind this project was to honor the dedication, emotional strength, and cultural intelligence of medical interpreters. This series is not a textbook style of what a medical interpreter is all about. We wanted to share the professional and emotional stories that most people don’t often hear about.

Imagine standing in a room, listening to a doctor deliver life-altering news – a cancer diagnosis, a difficult prognosis, or the devastating reality of a loved one’s passing. This is the reality for medical interpreters. We are constantly exposed to human suffering, fear, and grief.

The video series dives deep into these less-talked-about challenges. You’ll hear directly from interpreters as we share our most poignant, sometimes frustrating, and even heartwarming experiences. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the incredible skill, empathy, and resilience required to do this vital work as medical interpreters!

The Video Series Includes:

1. Medical Interpreters Are Unsung Heroes
   Interpreters are the fragile bridge between fear and clarity; science and the human heart.
   https://youtu.be/F96UhMM4dxo
2. Vicarious Trauma
   An interpreter needs to explain to their family in their own language that their loved one’s neck CT scan showed a tumor, and the airway’s become compressed, making the need for a tracheostomy immediately necessary.
   https://youtu.be/mtEv8NEShZU
3. Emotional Roles
   A medical appointment isn’t just about tests or results; it’s about emotions.
   https://youtu.be/uwEd-QuWeLU
4. Cultural Bridges
   In the Middle East, never tell a patient bad news directly. They will call you cruel, ruthless, and culturally insensitive!
   https://youtu.be/9vBcyzMpjic
5. Body Language
   It’s not just about translating the words; it’s about reading the room!
   https://youtu.be/CoDmBd9HtRs
6. Palliative Care
   It’s like someone dimmed the harsh fluorescent lights and made space for us to breathe.
   https://youtu.be/IrC6b0WFzEU
7. Mastering Patience
   Everyone has a story and understanding is the key!
   https://youtu.be/GNaUkZc4EKY
8. Subconscious Vicarious Trauma
   Let’s talk about something that most interpreters don’t get trained for!
   https://youtu.be/ItqtznXgNRo
9. Not Knowing
   Peace doesn’t always come from knowing. Sometimes, it comes from letting go.
   https://youtu.be/-1gIPcH1GsQ
10. Interpreting Grief
    The most powerful thing to do is to feel. When you honor your emotions, you are more equipped to serve others.
    Link: https://youtu.be/BoEcPFVeEnY
11. On Interpreting Life and Death
    In knowing death, I honor life as a medical interpreter.
    Link: https://youtu.be/Tgw6bgKtqEg
12. Small Kindness
    If we fully accept that life is short, what can we do differently?
    Link: https://youtu.be/XPBTiwBPOqU

Video: https://youtu.be/F96UhMM4dxo

The information of this blog is based on our own research, with which AI then generated a video and voice-over for.

We have had an expert from medical interpretation services to review it.

This is an interesting look at what AI generates when given human input.

For example, it starts the video by asking the question: “Am I the only one who didn’t know the true weight of medical interpreters?”

And then it asks other questions like what it thinks patients will hear: “Can I afford this?” and “Will it hurt?”

These are questions that the AI came up with on its own while the rest of the content after that is what we input into the prompt.

We also included data from various sources such as a 2023 article from Palliative Medicine.

Researching data and having AI help to put it together into an emotional video really helps to show our point about how important interpreters are and what they carry on their shoulders. They are truly so important to our lives!

Transcript

Am I the only one that didn’t know the true weight of medical interpreters? These unsung heroes are more than just translators.

Imagine you’re in a hospital room, a patient gasps for air, the doctor explains three life altering options, and the interpreter, they’re the only one who truly understands both sides. Medical Interpreters face immense challenges. They hear questions like, can we afford this or will it hurt? They must navigate these with precision, staying objective, not swaying decisions.

Studies show even a minor translation slip can impact choices. They’re not just wordsmiths. They’re crucial mediators. Did you know interpreters often experience distress, overwhelm, guilt, loneliness and discomfort?

When facilitating palliative care conversations, “76% of interpreters found end of life conversations more stressful than others” [The emotional effects on professional interpreters of interpreting palliative care conversations for adult patients: A rapid review. Palliat Med. 2023].

They need our support, debriefing, mental health resources, because their role is more vital than we realize.

Next time you’re at a hospital, remember interpreters are the fragile bridge between fear and clarity; science and the human heart. Let’s support them as they support us.

Visual Storytelling

We provided our content to AI and let the AI work its magic. Here’s how the transformation unfolded:

1. Script Adaptation: AI transformed the blog into a script while maintaining the emotional depth of the narrative. AI’s understanding of context ensured key moments, like the patient gasping for air or the interpreter navigating life-or-death translations, were vividly demonstrated.
2. Scene Composition: AI automatically selected visuals that resonated with the content. Sterile hospital rooms, moments of intense decision-making, and the emotional toll of interpreters.
3. Audio Enhancements: Voiceovers and background music were added to match the video’s tone.

After uploading the script into AI, we selected:

• Platform: “YouTube” (serious tone, fitting for healthcare content).
• Voiceover: A professional, empathetic narrator (AI-generated).
• Audience: General public
• Duration: 2 minutes

The AI synced visuals to the script, adding captions and transitions where needed.

The Result

The final video was a blend of visuals and sound, perfectly encapsulating the essence of our blog. Key moments like the explanation of palliative care, tracheostomy, or aggressive treatment options were brought to life in a way that allowed viewers to feel the weight of the decisions.

Monterey Language Services explores the emotional and professional challenges medical interpreters face from navigating complex medical jargon to bearing the weight of traumatic situations.

Stay tuned as we continue exploring the boundaries of technology and storytelling, bringing more interpretation issues into the spotlight.

The journey toward the end of life is deeply personal and fraught with difficult decisions. As a medical interpretation provider, we frequently encounter difficult situations where the outlook for patient survival seems bleak.

There are situations including patients having tubes hooked up which they rely on to keep breathing because they can’t do so by themselves anymore.

So, let’s explore these three distinct paths: 1) allowing a natural death; 2) opting for assisted death (where legal); 3) pursuing treatment for as long as medically possible. Each path carries its own set of potential benefits and drawbacks.

Embracing the Natural Course: Finding Peace in Letting Go

Choosing to allow a natural death often centers on prioritizing comfort and quality of remaining time over aggressive interventions.

Pros:

• Focus on Comfort and Dignity: The emphasis shifts from medical procedures to managing pain and symptoms, allowing the patient to spend their final days in a more peaceful and familiar environment, surrounded by loved ones.
• Avoiding Invasive Procedures: This path spares the patient from potentially painful and burdensome treatments that may offer little to no extension of life.
• Honoring the Natural Process: For some, there’s a profound sense of acceptance in allowing the body’s natural processes to take their course, viewing it as a more dignified and less artificial end.
• Time for Connection and Closure: Without the demands of constant treatment, there can be more quality time for emotional connection, reflection, and saying goodbye.

Cons:

• Potential for Unmanaged Symptoms: Without active treatment, pain and other distressing symptoms may not be adequately controlled, leading to discomfort and suffering if not managed with palliative care.
• Emotional Distress for Loved Ones: Watching a loved one decline naturally can be emotionally challenging, and families may struggle with feelings of helplessness.
• Uncertainty of Timeline: The exact timing of death can be unpredictable, which can make planning and emotional preparation difficult.

Assisted Death: Empowering Choice and Control

Assisted death, currently legal in a limited number of jurisdictions, involves a terminally ill, mentally competent adult voluntarily requesting and receiving medication to end their life peacefully.

Pros:

• Autonomy and Control: This option provides the patient with a sense of control over the timing and manner of their death, potentially alleviating fear and anxiety associated with a prolonged and uncontrolled dying process.
• Reduced Suffering: For individuals experiencing unbearable and unrelieved suffering, assisted death can offer a way to end their pain and distress on their own terms.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing this option is available can provide a sense of peace and empowerment, even if the patient ultimately chooses not to use it.

Cons:

• Ethical and Moral Concerns: Assisted death raises significant ethical and moral questions for individuals, healthcare providers, and society as a whole, often conflicting with religious or personal beliefs about the sanctity of life.
• Potential for Abuse and Coercion: Safeguards are crucial to ensure the patient’s decision is fully voluntary and not influenced by coercion or pressure from others.
• Impact on Healthcare Professionals: Participating in assisted death can be emotionally and morally challenging for healthcare providers, potentially leading to moral distress.
• Slippery Slope Arguments: Some worry that legalizing assisted death could lead to its expansion to individuals who are not terminally ill or who are vulnerable.

Pursuing Treatment: Hope and the Fight for More Time

Continuing treatment for as long as possible reflects a desire to fight the illness and extend life, often fueled by hope and a determination to not give up.

Pros:

• Potential for Remission or Cure (Rare): In some cases, ongoing treatment, especially with advancements in medicine, may lead to unexpected remission or even a cure, although this is less likely in advanced terminal illness.
• Buying More Time: Treatment can potentially prolong life, allowing for more time with loved ones, to achieve personal goals, or to witness important events.
• Hope and a Sense of Fighting: Actively pursuing treatment can provide a sense of hope and purpose, empowering the patient to feel like they are actively fighting the disease.

Cons:

• Diminished Quality of Life: Aggressive treatments often come with significant side effects that can severely impact the patient’s quality of life, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and discomfort.
• Financial and Emotional Burden: Prolonged treatment can be incredibly expensive and emotionally draining for both the patient and their family.
• False Hope and Unrealistic Expectations: Continuing treatment when the prognosis is very poor can sometimes create false hope and prevent the patient and family from fully accepting the reality of the situation and focusing on quality time and end-of-life preparations.
• Potentially Isolating: The demands of constant medical appointments and treatments can isolate the patient from their usual social activities and support networks.

When facing a terminal illness, patients and their loved ones often grapple with complex choices about how that final chapter will unfold.

Imagine a situation where a patient’s tumor in their throat has grown to the point where it is making it difficult for them to breathe. Then there are possible options for them to choose:

-Their care and treatment can be stopped, allowing them to naturally pass away.

-They could begin more aggressive treatments in the hopes of becoming cured.

-They could opt for euthanasia to peacefully pass away.

It’s in these highly difficult situations that sometimes premature decisions are made. To end a life too soon, people may experience decision-related stress and cause trauma for family members.

Sometimes, even though people understand the chance of recovery through a long road of treatment, the family or patient may decide that they don’t want to live like that.

Learning how to maintain the balance between medical principles and how to end life isn’t easy for anyone.  You would be lucky if you have an experienced physician with the assistance of medical interpreters to facilitate communication to guide you and point you to a simple direction on every step of the way!

It was so great to participate in the Lobo Career Fair hosted by Monterey Peninsula College on April 3, 2025.

• A sincere thank you to MPC for hosting such a well-organized and impactful event. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with talented students and fellow employers.
• We left feeling inspired and even more committed to investing in the future workforce.

The outdoor career fair full of energy and excitement let us feel the vibrant atmosphere of an in-person college campus offers.

• The diverse student body creates a rich environment for cultural exchange, exposing individuals to new perspectives, traditions, and ideas that broaden their horizons and contribute to a more holistic and well-rounded education.
• Through direct collaboration with peers becomes seamless through shared study spaces and group projects, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and the development of essential teamwork skills.
• Face-to-face interactions with professors provide immediate clarification, personalized feedback, and the opportunity to build valuable mentorship relationships.

We can’t wait to follow up with the promising candidates we met and are already looking forward to participating in future career fairs at MPC!

• If you’re a student we had the pleasure of speaking with, please don’t hesitate to reach out by sending a resume.
• If you’re a fellow employer who was there, we hope to connect with you again soon!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZDTwJUAZ6PzEQJLOE_W2y29VNepurR3jJF3iVd0ziks/edit?usp=sharing

How to Use:

1. Download the sheet
2. Enter the start date in mm/dd/yyyy format
3. Enter the start time in hh:mm:ss AM/PM format
4. The sheet will then show you how many bottles of formula a day will be tube fed.

In our recent experience, we found a Mandarin speaking nutritionist explaining the complicated process of tube feeding to an Indonesian caretaker. The nutritionist explained all the requirements and how to implement the feeding schedule, but it’s a lot of information for the caretaker to take in all at once! Especially since the caretaker wasn’t immediately familiar with the process.

It can be overwhelming and hard to keep all this complicated information in mind and immediately know what the exact amount to feed or how to move forward. Fortunately, that’s where interpretation comes in handy! By breaking down the complex process into a schedule template the caretaker can understand and find it easy to deal with.

Interpreters help to simplify ideas. For something like tube feeding schedule which can be confusing, we as interpreters have applied the interpretation philosophy and made an easy-to-understand template.

Interpretation is about breaking down ideas making them easy for others to understand. Thanks to interpretation, not only is the challenge that language barriers pose solved, but also information becomes clear through interpretation. Isn’t it interesting to see how interpreters process information and make things easy for the target audience?