Sí, hablamos español.

When we schedule an appointment with a doctor in Northwest Arkansas, most of us can be fairly certain that our doctor will be able to communicate with us and that we will understand everything they say. Even if we're not sure of the meaning of a particular word or phrase, we will feel comfortable asking the doctor to clarify. We can assume we will leave their office knowing what was done at that appointment, what treatment is coming, and what medications have been prescribed. That is not typically the case for our neighbors who are Spanish speakers.

That is why Hope Cancer Resources employs a full-time Spanish interpreter. The challenge of being able to understand the language of Oncology is magnified when one is not in full command of the language the doctor speaks. Kathy Taylor assists cancer patients and their families as they go through cancer treatments and other medical visits related to their diagnosis. She provides a level of comfort to them as they make their way from diagnosis to recovery.

Living in Japan as a child, Kathy remembers feeling isolated by her inability to read and understand the language around her. She took her first Spanish class in 7th grade, and enjoyed the language enough to continue her studies through high school, majoring in Spanish in college. During her college studies she spent a year in Seville, Spain immersing herself in the culture even more.

But a degree in Spanish is not all that is needed to be a successful interpreter. Kathy is currently preparing for the next phase of testing for certification through the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. The coursework she has completed included instruction on anatomy and other medically-focused vocabularies that an interpreter may need to be familiar with at a doctor's appointment.

Additional instruction on what it means to be an interpreter is also part of her training. For example, interpreters must use the same meaning, same inflections, and same "register" of language as the person being interpreted. "Register" refers to the level of vocabulary being used. An interpreter is not allowed to change the statement being made based on his or her own experience or what they believe the person "really" means... what they say must perfectly match what is said by the person they are interpreting.


Kathy is available to meet with every new patient at Highlands Oncology Group clinics who requests an interpreter. She initially meets the family in the waiting room and gives them an idea of what to expect for that day. She may also ask a few questions to better understand the patients' unique situation, and so that she can help patients remember questions they may have for the doctor during their appointment. The staff at Highlands also turn to her when they need to provide additional information to patients over the phone.

Cancer treatment is a frightening situation for anyone, and language can be a barrier to successful adherence to treatment plans. If a plan is not followed as prescribed, recovery can be slower, or simply not possible. With Kathy providing this vital service to the Spanish speaking patients treated at Highlands Oncology Group, she is helping us meet our mission of providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education to the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.