Richard Rodriquez Ramos
Language Services
Saint Joseph Hospital
What led you to a career as an Interpreter?
Working as an interpreter was never part of my plan. After leaving the United States Marine Corps, I took a job working as a Security Officer assigned to SJH. Three years later, I was hired by the hospital as a greeter, but ended up moving to different positions, including patient ambassador, and then patient representative. It was on this latest job that I noticed the need for someone to help staff communicate with our growing Spanish speaking population. In January 2008 while working as a patient representative, SJH agreed to send me to receive my training and certification to become a Certified Interpreter. This is how the Language Service Department was born, and I have been doing this job ever since.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I really enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that I get to help our patients every day. I know firsthand how scary it can be when you are on a place where you don’t understand what’s happening around you, surrounded by all kinds of strange equipment and unfamiliar words. When I walk into a patient’s room, I have the unique opportunity to make everything feel okay, I get to help not only our patients, but also our staff feel like they are communicating in the same language, not to mention that I get to live our mission by helping those who are vulnerable.
Can you share a surprising fact about your job?
Being on the front seat of the language services world, it has been amazing to see the change in our patient population and the commitment from SCL. Ten years ago our main foreign languages were Spanish, Russian and Mandarin. We only had four special interpreters’ phones for the entire hospital. We currently serve patients that speak 72 different languages and every single unit/department within SCL has access to interpreters with over 200 languages 24/7, video interpreters and on-site interpreters for almost any language.
Where is one of your favorite places to travel?
It’s hard to say… every place its unique, but I will definitely have to count Puerto Rico as one of them, their food, culture, tropical weather, clear & warm water beaches makes this place a paradise, not to mention that they have some of the best Pina Coladas in the world.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
I like to spend the holidays at home with my family, cooking their favorite meals and spending time listening to traditional music or maybe reading a good book in front of a fireplace with a glass of wine.
Tomy Fuentes
Health Interpretation Services
National Jewish Health
What led you to a career as an Interpreter?
I studied tourism administration and worked in travel industry. I got laid off when the internet became a thing, and went back to school to become an interpreter. I worked a variety of places and have been here at National Jewish Health since May 2012.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
When the patients trust me. An interpreter is supposed to be the voice of the patient and the provider. They trust me that I will say exactly what they are saying.
Can you share a surprising fact about your job?
A lot of times people don’t understand the role of an interpreter. I am a bridge between the speaker and the listener. I must stay true to my role.
Where is one of your favorite places to travel?
My passion is traveling. A couple of weeks ago I went to Budapest. It was beautiful, and I loved it. Last year, I went to London and Paris. I was able to fulfill one of my dreams. I went to Stonehenge and visited Claude Monet’s garden at Girverny in the Normandy region of France. So beautiful.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
I like to celebrate Easter. My family has a tradition where we hollow out eggs and put things like glitter, flour and confetti inside and then we tape them shut. After dinner we have an egg war and break the eggs on each other’s heads. It’s the favorite part for the kids in my family.