Eliane M. has been a valued partner of LSA’s since 2008. She is an experienced medical interpreter that is known amongst her peers for her professionalism and dedication to service excellence. LSA often relies on Eliane to conduct interpreting services for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and to perform quality assurance for new interpreters. An active member of the IMIA and DVTA, Eliane is well respected in the language services industry, and we are proud to have formed such a strong relationship with her! Continue reading below to learn more about Eliane M. in our latest Interpreter Spotlight feature.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in Lebanon where most people speak Arabic, French and English. I earned a B.A. in translation before coming to the United States to pursue studies in Communications and Journalism. I am a language instructor and a professional interpreter. I also train and perform quality assurance for new interpreters.
What initially inspired you to get into professional interpreting? What continues to inspire you today?
Initially, I wanted to pursue the career that was closest to my degree in translation, however, with time, I started to find my true identity interpreting. What inspires me the most are the healthcare providers who realize the importance of communicating their diagnosis accurately to the patient; they know that just as they need their voice to speak, they need a competent interpreter to reach the Limited English Proficient (LEP) patient. Furthermore, I am inspired by the patients who put their trust in me to bridge the communication gap between their native language and English.
What do you find most rewarding about training new medical interpreters?
I really enjoy observing the enthusiasm of new interpreters and their thirst to learn the correct way of interpreting. I also enjoy sharing my experiences and providing other interpreters with the necessary tools to know what to do in certain situations.
As a partner of LSA’s, how do you bring a positive, can-do attitude to every interpretation assignment?
I love languages and interpreting! This is the driving force behind my positive attitude and my desire to do the impossible to achieve excellent results. Whether I am interpreting bad news or very beautiful news, I know that the message I’m relaying will affect the lives of the patients and their families. The realization that my involvement as an intermediary between the healthcare provider and the patient is critical in communicating this message makes me strive to always give my best, which fuels my can-do attitude.
Would you be willing to share a special story about how you made a real difference in someones life through interpretation?
Every day I have the opportunity to be involved in someone’s life. One example that comes to mind is being in the operating room interpreting during a catheterization; the patient was awake during the procedure and very nervous. Understanding what was going on and relaying the information to the patient helped her relax, and it made the entire process much easier for her.
Can you name three things the LSA team might be surprised to know about you?
I love cooking, which is my way to unwind, I love reading, which is my biggest activity on vacation, and I enjoy spending time doing crafts with my kids!
