Not Lost in Translation

Interpreting patients’ responses to medical information can involve more than words

Major medical institutions such as Cleveland Clinic have language translation services so that international patients can communicate with their physicians.

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The process of relaying complex medical concepts via an interpreter forces the doctor to slow down, choose words carefully and consider their impact, Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center hematologist/oncologist Mikkael Sekeres, MD, MS, writes in his latest New York Times column.

And sometimes, gestures and facial expressions convey more than words can.

Read Dr. Sekeres’ full column here.