I'm a certified Spanish Medical Interpreter.

Most people don't know what that is. I interpret for Spanish-speaking patients that we refer to as LEP (Limited English Proficient).

I have worked at different hospitals all across the country, always large teaching hospitals. But what I do is always the same: I serve as a bridge of communication, lessening the language barrier that exists between these patients and their health care providers.

I interpret for inpatients and outpatients.

It can be very stressful, going from one patient to another all over the hospital. Because you interpret everywhere, you need to know medical terminology (and some medical knowledge) from every specialty and regarding every malady there is. This includes interpreting for psych: inpatient and outpatient.

The most stressful part is giving bad news. That never gets easy. And I have been present at the moment of death. It can be heartbreaking.

About 5 years ago I decided to start working part-time instead of full-time. I had become pretty unstable, having episodes closer and closer together.

Working part-time has been a godsend. I'm still doing what I love, but with tons less stress. It was the right decision. I have been far more stable since.

Lastly, I have never revealed what I do on PC because it's pretty unusual and I don't want to be 'outed;' being anonymous is very important to me. But here goes!