Introduction to Healthcare for Interpreters and Translators

“Getting information off the internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant.” (Mitchell Kapor, n.d.). Medical concepts and terminology can be very confusing for the uninitiated interpreter or translator. This book will allow interpreters and translators to quickly read up on healthcare settings, familiarizing themselves with anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and frequently encountered conditions, investigations and treatment options. Health translators working on medical reports will be able to find commonly used abbreviations. Those who have been asked to translate health information material into community languages will be able to gain a good basic overview of related background information and crosscultural issues. Those who teach health interpreters or translators will find this book helpful for structuring their curriculum. Information is presented in a consistent, logical and informative manner, intended to support, rather than overwhelm.Crezee was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to interpreter and translator education in the 2020 New Year Honours list.

Jo Anna Burn, AUT University:
This is a wonderfully practical handbook for working interpreters and translators that could easily be used as a course text for trainers and educators. [...] The medical explanations are clear and well-written without dumbing down the subject areas in any way. [...] The book is very user-friendly and is designed so that health interpreters or translators can look up the relevant chapters prior to an interpreting assignment in order to familiarise themselves with a particular area of medicine. The writing is lively and the text is punctuated with anecdotes from practicing interpreters and practical advice from the author. The frequent illustrations add clarity and the helpful and comprehensive index allows for quick and easy reference. This is an excellent resource for interpreters and educators alike. It would be welcome on my shelf as a handy medical reference book, and is an answer to the prayers of health interpreters and translators everywhere for a single volume, comprehensive and above all else practical handbook to this specialised area of interpreting.