Dr. Anarella Cellitti, a UALR faculty member,  is helping bring a medical interpreters symposium to the UALR campus Oct. 3 through 5.

She is the education vice-chair for the International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA), an organization of more than 2,100 members focused on equitable care for minority patients around the world that promotes language access as a human right.

The three-day symposium at UALR is for medical interpreters and all persons interested in interpreter education, as well as those interested in professional certification.

Appropriate language services help prevent costly malpractice lawsuits, health-related loss of revenue, and negative health outcomes, according to Cellitti, who stated that the safety and protection of both healthcare providers and patients are at stake.

“The certified medical interpreter not only helps to ensure appropriate healthcare, but also compliance with Title VI and the new Joint Commission Standards,” she said.

“Every member of the healthcare team must be a trusted professional. A certified medical interpreter is essential for the provider to communicate with his or her patient in order to ensure good outcomes,” Cellitti added.

For more information about the upcoming symposium or certification, contact Cellitti at macellitti@ualr.edu or Chris Williams at 703.389.7466 or cwill4898@hotmail.com.

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