A medical (or health care) interpreter is an individual who acts as a cultural and language “broker.”  They interpret for patients who have limited English language skills, so that the patient and health care professional can communicate effectively.  The medical interpreter must know how to convey the appropriate meaning and context of the message back and forth between the patient and the health care provider.

Areas of Specialization
Areas of specialization can include specializing in various languages.  In addition to being fluent in a secondary language and English, the interpreter must have a thorough knowledge of medical terminology.  Medical interpreters can specialize in translating for a particular area or specialty of medicine such as:  gastroenterology, pediatrics, cardiology, emergency medicine, etc.

Work Environment
Medical interpreters are most often found working within the hospital.  They may also be found at federally-funded clinics.  Communities will have varying needs for interpreters with different language skills, depending on the languages spoken by people in the community.