As interpreters, we have one of the most important jobs in the room: to provide full and accurate communication access. That means carrying not only the words, but also the tone, urgency, and emotions of the patient. If a patient expresses fear, we carry that fear. If they indicate calmness, we carry that too.
But sometimes, being in the room can challenge us to stay in that role. Take this example: a patient is expressing deep concern about their blood pressure. They’re anxious, worried, and maybe even pressing for reassurance. Naturally, as interpreters, we might feel drawn to that concern ourselves. Elevated blood pressure sounds serious. When the provider doesn’t address it directly, we might be tempted to say something again, to make sure the issue isn’t overlooked.
This is where we need to stop and remember: the provider is the medical expert.
Their training gives them a bigger picture. They may know that in this case, the blood pressure isn’t the immediate priority — or that it’s a symptom connected to something else requiring greater attention. While it may feel to us like something important is being missed, the provider is actually applying their professional judgment and expertise.
Our responsibility is not to redirect care. It is not to highlight what we think is important. Our responsibility is to deliver communication faithfully, so that the provider has full access to what the patient is expressing, and the patient has full access to what the provider is communicating in return.
Just as providers must trust that we are conveying accurate, complete, and unfiltered communication, we must trust that providers are applying their knowledge and training to guide treatment.
Interpreters are communication experts. Providers are medical experts. When each of us stays in our lane and trusts the other’s expertise, patients benefit most — they receive both access and care at the highest standard.
So to interpreters: trust the provider. Do your job with excellence, and let them do theirs.
Together, that’s how we serve patients best.
