Can healthcare interpreters specialise in specific areas of medicine, such as mental health or paediatrics?
In healthcare, to be sure, interpreters have the ability to specialise in particular areas of medicine, which allows them to better meet the needs of patients and improve the efficiency of communication. As part of the process of specialisation, one must undergo further development and become familiar with specialised terminology, procedures, and patient populations.
For instance, interpreters working in mental health settings are required to have a working knowledge of psychological terminology and a sensitivity to the nuances that are present in discussions pertaining to mental health. Within the same vein, interpreters working in paediatrics are required to modify their mode of communication in order to accommodate both children and their families.
It is possible for interpreters to build competence in these areas through participation in continual professional development. This allows interpreters to provide targeted support to healthcare providers and patients.