Presented at the 2026 Summit

The Interpreter's Role in Medical Settings

0.2 CEUs, PS

Medical interpreting environments require interpreters to navigate complex communication dynamics while maintaining professionalism, cultural awareness, and ethical decision making. This workshop explores the interpreter’s role within healthcare settings, including communication access, role boundaries, collaboration with medical professionals, and patient centered interpreting practices. Participants will examine common challenges interpreters face in medical environments and discuss strategies for maintaining accuracy, professionalism, and effective communication while supporting equitable access for Deaf patients.

Workshop Curriculum

  1. 1

    • Welcome

    • Handout
  2. 2

    • Workshop

    • Quiz

Reviews from The Summit

Average Rating

4.9/5.0The activity provided opportunities to develop skill and/or awareness.

4.9/5.0The learning materials used were effective and complimented the goals of the activity.

4.8/5.0This activity will contribute to my professional growth.

4.9/5.0The instructor interacted with the participants in a professional manner.

  • Summit Attendee

    Nigel as always has an amazing perspective that helps me feel like every workshop I take with him makes me better as an interpreter.

  • Summit Attendee

    Nigel Howard clearly demonstrated his knowledge and experience as a consumer and as a professional within the medical setting. He shared practical information that is beneficial to all interpreters. Great workshop!

  • Summit Attendee

    Even though I am not a medical interpreter, I did learn a lot of things that will help me in my interpreting (VRS). I have always loved Nigel's workshops. He is so knowledgeable and so clear in his teaching.

Meet Your Presenter

CDI

Nigel Howard

Nigel Howard is adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Linguistics. It is the same at the University of Victoria. At Douglas College, he works in the Program of Sign Language Interpretation (INTR), and Child, Family and Community Studies (CFCS). Nigel has been an interpreter for around 25 years in various setting such as medical, mental health, legal, theatre, community and conference/workshop settings locally, nationally and internationally. He is an Accredited International Sign Interpreter by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI). He is part of the United Nations team of International Sign interpreters Nigel provides workshops, trainings and presentations for both Deaf and interpreter communities around the world ranging, for example, from Interpreting in Medical Settings to Deaf Interpreter training to Deafhood: Global Diversity in Deaf Culture, and Enculturation & Acculturation: Deaf and Hearing Worlds/Spaces. He also does interpretation on media. One cool thing is commuting by the seaplane between Vancouver and Victoria for work.
TerpAcademy is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for 0.2 CEU's at the ‘Some’ Content Knowledge Level. TerpAcademy promotes an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other protected class.