Cody P. started volunteering at MKHC in 2023, after hearing about it from the guidance counselor at his high school. Now in college, he's joined the team again to interpret for patients during appointments and translate documents and webpages into Spanish. He answered a few questions about his experience at the clinic.
What do you enjoy or find rewarding about your volunteer experience?
My favorite part about being a medical interpreter is learning about the lives of the patients I work with. Each one of them has incredibly unique and interesting experiences, and it is a pleasure to hear their stories and form meaningful connections that go beyond just translation.
Do you feel like you’ve learned anything about yourself/others through volunteering?
Without a doubt, I've learned so much from my time volunteering at MKHC. Apart from the countless important medical terms that I've acquired, I've learned how to communicate with my patients in a culturally sensitive manner. I've quickly realized that providing high-quality healthcare is more than just delivering medical treatments; it also involves building trust and understanding the unique backgrounds of each patient.
Is there any experience you had volunteering that really stands out in your mind?
I once had a memorable experience translating for a patient who, after his check-up, took a moment to thank me for my volunteer work. He told me he used to visit a clinic near his house where he had to pay a significant amount to receive interpreting services. When he discovered MKHC, he was thrilled to know he could finally receive healthcare without the extra cost of paying for an interpreter. This experience made me understand how committed MKHC is to fulfilling its mission of providing healthcare to the underserved residents of Montgomery County.
What do you think is the impact MKHC has on the community?
As I previously mentioned, MKHC is truly an organization that lives up to its mission statement. The high level of healthcare provided along with the free interpretation services makes it an accessible and affordable option for patients who often have very busy lives. Without MKHC, many underserved patients in Montgomery County would lack access to essential healthcare services and support, highlighting the impact that MKHC has on our community.
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