Hospital interpreter serves as cultural broker
By Lori Berkey Contributing Writer

Marlborough resident Selma Erlandson, a medical interpreter at Marlborough Hospital PHOTO/LORI BERKEY

Marlborough - When Selma Erlandson moved to the United States in 1999 to learn English, she had no idea that fluency in her native tongue would help her land her dream job. The Brazilian native who now lives in Marlborough was a schoolteacher in her homeland before switching to more lucrative, but less satisfying, office work. She believed if she came to the United States and achieved greater proficiency in English, that she'd have greater career opportunities.

Upon arriving in Marlborough, Selma joined a local church with a large Brazilian population. She soon found herself volunteering daily, translating Portuguese and English services at the First Baptist and Bethel Presbyterian Churches. She had never considered becoming an interpreter, but when a friend from church suggested she get certified as a medical interpreter, Selma decided to give it a try. By 2005, she secured a job she loves translating for patients at Marlborough Hospital.

Being able to help people is the best part of the job.

"You can see on their faces they're so happy there's someone there who speaks their language," she said. "It avoids mistakes and misunderstandings. Some words are very similar in both languages but they mean things completely diff erent."

Besides helping to prevent medical errors, Selma helps to bridge cultural differences. She enjoys being able to explain aspects of her own culture that can help improve a practitioner's understanding of the patient's needs. Selma said that because she understands a bit about each culture, she's able to serve as a cultural broker for both sides. She said she feels good when she can explain to a patient how the health care system works here compared to Brazil, so they can understand why certain questions are being asked and why procedures are being done. She gives tips to doctors about how to approach various topics so patients will feel more comfortable.

"It's very rewarding," Selma said of her work.

Last year, Selma was honored by the hospital as a Shining Star. Her photo and a write-up about her exemplary contributions at work and her extensive volunteer service in the community was included on the hospital's Shining Star wall.

Besides continuing to translate daily for people at church and helping with church fund-raisers that support mission trips, Selma lends aid to other organizations. She credits her husband, Gerald, whom she met at church, with introducing her to ways to help local charities. He's been involved providing volunteer fundraising support for Why Me? and Andrew's Helpful Hands Foundation, two local organizations that assist families of children with cancer.

Gerald had run marathons to raise funds for Why Me? and encouraged Selma to follow suit. Selma has since completed half marathons for the organization and continues to help both groups with fund-raising projects. She said both organizations do wonderful work to support families and she encourages others to visit the websites www.whyme.org and andrewshelpfulhands. com to learn more about the groups and how they can get involved with volunteer support.

Selma said she feels blessed to be in a position to help others and views her eff orts simply as what she's supposed to do.