Between Principles and Practice: Ethical Tensions in Medical Interpreting

Join us for an interesting session on professional conduct and ethical dilemmas faced by medical interpreters both inside and outside of formal interpreting encounters. We will explore:

Working with relatives and children in the room: How do you handle consent, authority, and sensitive conversations?
 (Especially when a child or family member may be speaking for the patient, or when it is unclear who gives permission to share information).

 Interpreting for terminally ill patients: How do you cope with the emotional and ethical weight of end-of-life conversations?
 (Discussing the emotional strain of delivering difficult news and staying professional during highly emotional moments.)

When your own beliefs conflict with an assignment: What do you do if you are given little or no information ahead of time?
 (Situations where your personal or religious values clash with what you are asked to interpret—and you may be unprepared.)

Keeping it professional outside the appointment: What should you do in waiting rooms, hallways, or during small talk?
 (Moments where casual conversation or emotional connection with patients can challenge your neutrality.)

When the patient is asked to use a friend, family member, or app instead: How can you respond without causing conflict?
 (Making the case for trained interpreters when others suggest informal or unsafe alternatives.)

Bring your questions and share your experiences to help the interpreting community recognise not only when such dilemmas arise, but also how to communicate clearly and effectively with patients and other professionals with whom we work, in order to find mutually acceptable solutions.