A social worker assistant at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead has been board-certified as a medical interpreter, becoming one of only five national board-certified medical interpreters in New York — and the only woman.
“Having qualified interpreters to facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency and their physicians, nurses, lab technicians, and other care providers is key to providing quality healthcare services," Ruiz said. "The ability to address the patient's symptoms, concerns or questions, helps prevent wrong diagnoses and miscommunication.”
The responsibilities of a qualified medical interpreter have evolved over the years, making them a vital and highly valued member of the healthcare team, said PBMC president and CEO Andrew Mitchell. "We are very proud of Jessica's accomplishment and we are glad that she is part of the Peconic Bay Medical Center team," he said.
Growing up in a dual-language family, Ruiz understood early in life the difficulties of language barriers and the importance of communication in a culturally diverse society. She began as a small child serving as an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking grandparents. Growing up surrounded by different cultures, Ruiz strengthened her proficiency in various Spanish dialects and soon developed an interest in helping those who had limited English proficiency.
Source: Peconic Bay Medical Center news release dated Jan. 18, 2012