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In This Issue:
Interpreter Services
At 10 years old, Marta Solis moved to Boston from Costa Rica and survived elementary school by teaching herself English. Now, as a medical interpreter, she helps others overcome language barriers when their survival may depend on it. Solis bridges the language gap to ensure that patients and care providers understand what the other is saying.
“Marta’s calm and reassuring presence has helped to ease the worries of many patients, families and staff,” said Elaine Boyle, LICSW, clinical social worker for the Burn Trauma Service, who has depended on Solis to translate for many burn patients. “Marta always remains patient, respectful and professional, even in stressful situations.”
Solis, who joined BWH in 1973, has served as an integral member of Interpreter Services for the past six years. Every day, colleagues and patients entrust her to translate for them. Her work helps ensure that patients understand what physicians are telling them about their medications, treatment, diagnosis and other issues critical to their health.
“Marta personifies everything we strive for in Interpreter Services and throughout the hospital,” Ileana Jimenez-Garcia, director of Interpreter Services, said. “She is compassionate, dedicated, patient-focused and collaborative, and she radiates professionalism and warmth.”
This compassion extends beyond BWH. Solis also volunteers for the Ellie Fund, a nonprofit organization that aids families in the fight against breast cancer. She spends several afternoons every month at the homes of breast cancer patients, putting them at ease by helping them compile scrapbooks of their lives and sharing stories for hours on end. Solis also teaches public service interpreting and anatomy and physiology in Spanish to undergraduate students at Boston University, where she is a student pursuing her associate’s degree.
“I am always happy to listen and help others understand what’s important,” said Solis.