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Interpreters & Translators

If you are an individual who posseses uncanny language skills and if you are interested in donating your time, we are happy to have you join us. Please read the descriptions below to find which position is best for you.
 
Volunteer Opportunities:
 
Medical Interpreter: Provide interpretive services for non-English speaking patients. Minimum of 2 appointments per month, with a 6 month commitment. Desired languages are Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
 
Patient Interviewer: As a first point of contact for patients this position requires speaking with patients by phone to conduct eligibility screenings. In addition you will refer patients who are ineligible for OA to other community resources. Minimum of 2-4 hours per week, with a 3-month commitment.
 
Translator:  Develop your portfolio while translating medical documents and copy for publication on our website. Minimum of 4-8 hours per month, with a 3-month commitment. Desired languages are Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
 
For further information on these opportunities click here.
 

Interpreter Profile: Phyllis Magaña 

Volunteer since: January 2009
Language: Spanish
 
Phyllis Magaña, a California native, has been a volunteer Spanish medical interpreter with Operation Access since 2009.  In this short time she has been a tremendous help to OA. Phyllis, a former English as a Second Language and English instructor, enjoys the privilege of assisting Spanish-speaking patients resolve their health issues. She and her husband, Roy, live in Clayton, which is nestled at the base of Mt. Diablo in Contra Costa County.
 

Interpreter Profile: Irene Young  

Volunteer since: November 2008
Language: Mandarin
 
Irene Young is a volunteer interpreter for both Mandarin and Cantonese speaking patients. Not only does she go to surgery sessions and regular appointments, but she also works in the OA office screening patients who speak Chinese to determine if they are eligible for OA. Irene retired from IBM in 2003, and has worked as a volunteer interpreter ever since.  This September, in addition to volunteering with OA, Irene will be an intern at Stanford Hospital working as an interpreter. Irene is dedicated to the Chinese community and is happy to donate her time to help those in need.   
 

Interpreter Profile: Christina Fung

Volunteer since: April 2009
Language: Cantonese & Mandarin
 
Christina Fung is a volunteer interpreter for both Mandarin and Cantonese speaking patients. She believes that volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the community. Before moving to the U.S., Christina was a teacher. Christina misses being a teacher and, although she no longer teaches in a school environment, she feels that volunteering as an interpreter lets her use and hone some of her skills. Operation Access’s mission of bridging the health care gap inspired Christina to volunteer as an interpreter so that she could also, in her own way, bridge that gap and help break down language barriers that exist in our communities between practitioners and patients. About her experience with OA, Christina says, “the experience is very rewarding.”