Fifth Translation Experience

On Friday, November 12, 2011, I volunteered at the San Jose Clinic as an interpreted for a physician assistant in Adult Medicine, Lewis Wu. Compared to other translation experiences, Mr. Wu had very little Spanish experience and relied heavily on me to translate everything to the three patients we saw. All three patients had high cholesterol, triglyceride, or very low density cholesterol counts - which are indicators of possible heart attack or stroke. Most patients were given medications to lower these factors, but also referred to a dietician to help make a diet and exercise plan to aid in lower these levels. It was interesting to see the perspective of a physician assistant in general adult medicine since they are playing an ever increasing important role in primary care. The patients themselves had complained of stresses such as paying for their children's college, bills, lack of work in the current economy, and other factors of life in poverty. This gave me a better glimpse of why most patients have exacerbated conditions prior to making an appointment at San Jose Clinic since most are too busy with other factors in their lives that they must make health a second priority to family or work. The lack of good food options or choices and/or time to exercise seems to be a key factor for those with high cholesterol and diabetes at the clinic.