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DiscussionReflections

Interpreting Medicine: Lessons From a Spanish-Language Clinic

Benjamin P. Brown
The Annals of Family Medicine September 2014, 12 (5) 473-474; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1661
Benjamin P. Brown
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
MD
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  • For correspondence: benjamin.brown@uchospitals.edu
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Abstract

Caring for patients is an act of interpretation: we labor to understand the significance of a particular symptom and, when we have reached a diagnosis, we convert our medical jargon into plain language for the benefit of the patient. Caring for patients of limited English proficiency—a population that needs a very literal form of interpretation—underscores this lesson. Working with predominantly Spanish-speaking patients has shown me the importance of bearing witness to patients’ struggles and has brought me to realize that good physicians must work to forge a common language with all their patients, not only with those who do not speak English.

  • interpretation
  • limited English proficiency
  • immigrant health
  • Received for publication July 4, 2013.
  • Revision received November 18, 2013.
  • Accepted for publication January 16, 2014.
  • © 2014 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.
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The Annals of Family Medicine: 12 (5)
The Annals of Family Medicine: 12 (5)
Vol. 12, Issue 5
September/October 2014
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Interpreting Medicine: Lessons From a Spanish-Language Clinic
Benjamin P. Brown
The Annals of Family Medicine Sep 2014, 12 (5) 473-474; DOI: 10.1370/afm.1661

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Interpreting Medicine: Lessons From a Spanish-Language Clinic
Benjamin P. Brown
The Annals of Family Medicine Sep 2014, 12 (5) 473-474; DOI: 10.1370/afm.1661
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Subjects

  • Person groups:
    • Vulnerable populations
  • Core values of primary care:
    • Personalized care
  • Other topics:
    • Communication / decision making
    • Disparities in health and health care

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  • limited English proficiency
  • immigrant health

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