Bridging the language divide

Medical interpreters Roxana Urrutia, Raquel Bourget-Gras and Charisa Demott assisted with more than 6,000 patient encounters last year at UF Health Shands. Additionally, the team provides translation services for written materials like patient education packets, discharge instructions and consent forms. Photo by Mindy C. Miller

Medical interpreters Roxana Urrutia, Raquel Bourget-Gras and Charisa Demott assisted with more than 6,000 patient encounters last year at UF Health Shands. Additionally, the team provides translation services for written materials like patient education packets, discharge instructions and consent forms. Photo by Mindy C. Miller

In honor of International Translation Day, we’re celebrating our medical interpreters.

Tables with information, videos, language games, treats and prizes will be set up for your enjoyment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in the UF Health Shands Hospital Atrium. Our team of medical interpreters will be available to answer questions and tell you how they break language and cultural barriers to help ensure quality care for our patients.

Each year, UF Health Shands provides interpretation services to thousands of patients and their families with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and hearing-impairment. Three full-time medical interpreters are available to ensure accurate communication with Spanish-speaking patients.

The event is open to UF Health staff, visitors, patients and volunteers. Join us to learn how we provide the best quality care to all patients.

To request an interpreter, please call the Patient Experience department at 352-353-5084.