The training of professional interpreters in the medical field has been gaining attention in recent years. However, little empirical research has been done on the subject. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss issues that medical interpreters may encounter during training by analyzing two practicums. Both practicums, carried out in 2018 and 2019, were led by two instructors and had students providing interpretation services to patients who were critically ill. The first practicum consisted of 6 students who volunteered as interpreters for 67.4 hours over the course of 13 days. The second practicum consisted of 9 students who provided interpretation, translation, and other related services for 422 hours over the course of 26 days.
This paper studies the two practicums by analyzing the 112 files compiled by the students. The files, totaling 128,000 words*, consist of the students’ practicum reports, LINE chat history, shared files, self-reflections, and details of their interactions with patients. In addition, this paper also references 5 previous studies on the skills and competences required by medical interpreters and translators when identifying difficulties and ethical issues the students encountered, how students resolved issues with their knowledge, skills, and digital tools, and how the students empathized with patients. Lastly, this paper also offers suggestions on how students and instructors can work together to bridge the gap between the classroom and real practical experiences in order to provide better medical interpreting services and to enhance the training of medical interpreters.
