2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters: Agenda
A1 | Vital Signs of Diagnostic Medical Imaging: The Basics
Providers often refer patients for diagnostic medical imaging procedures and frequently field questions from patients. Interpreters may find themselves searching for the best contextually appropriate ASL signs. Part I introduces imaging modalities along with corresponding normal and abnormal clinical images.
Participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between diagnostic medical imaging devices, such as X-ray and its subdivisions (mammography, fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography [CT]), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.
- Translate verbal descriptions of imaging procedures into contextually appropriate STEM signs.
- Compare normal anatomy with common pathologies across complementary imaging modalities.
A2 | Medical Interpreting Fish Bowl: Discussing Teaming and Trust
In the complex world of medical interpreting, effective communication and trust are paramount. The “Fish Bowl” approach serves as a dynamic platform for interpreters, healthcare professionals, and patients to engage in open dialogue about the challenges and successes of medical interpreting. This discussion emphasizes the critical role of teamwork and trust within the interpreting process, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
During this session, Trenton and Jeremy will lead mock scenarios that allow us to explore various decisions and processes influenced by teamwork dynamics within different situational contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze and discuss the implications of these scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of how effective collaboration can improve interpreting practices and patient experiences.
Join us in this engaging conversation as we work together to identify strategies for building trust and enhancing teamwork in medical interpreting.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of five ways teamwork dynamics can impact medical interpreting scenarios
- Identify a minimum of three strategies to build trust and enhance collaboration in medical interpreting
- Describe a minimum of two ways that facilitated dialogue can be used to elicit diverse perspectives
B1 | Linguistics and Considerations: Immune System
This interactive session is designed to expand participants’ understanding of the structure and function of the immune system and to provide model language that participants can use when interpreting in healthcare settings. Ultimately, the goal is for participants to render more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the human immune system, corresponding conditions, and medical interventions.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three ways 3-D space can be utilized when rendering interpretations about the immune system, corresponding conditions and medical interventions; and
- Demonstrate a minimum of five signs that can be used to represent the immune system, corresponding conditions and medical interventions.
B2 | From Menarche to Menopause – Basic Obstetrics and Gynecology for Interpreters
Uterus, Vulva, Areola, Salpinges – do you know where all of these are located in the biologically female body? Do you understand the difference between amenorrhea and menopause and what they signify? How about the difference between gonorrhea and galactorrhea? In this workshop we will discuss the basics of Obstetrics and Gynecology – the anatomy and physiology of the biologically female human body. Time will be spent outlining the phases of the female biology and the various effects these phases can have on the biologically female body. We will also review some of the most common and significant aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care.
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the biologically female reproductive system and how it functions across the lifespan
- List several important aspects of obstetric and gynecologic healthcare
- Locate the reproductive organs attributed to the biological female
- Accurately represent various biologically female physiological functions in ASL
C1 | Balancing the Scales: The History, Ethics, and Future of Weight Loss Drugs
Participants will explore the science of weight loss pharmacology. Learn about the origins of weight loss drugs, current medications such as GLP-1’s, and the benefits, risks, and controversy of this rapidly shifting field.
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the risks and benefits of three weight loss drugs, past and present;
- Analyze how social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status and access to care, influence the availability, utilization, and outcomes of these drugs; and
- Assess the current field of available drugs, identifying trends and the impact on patient outcomes.
C2 | Infertility, Induction, and IUDs – Understanding and Interpreting Gynecologic and Obstetric Care
Picture this –- an agency asks you to interpret for a Deaf patient at the local midwifery practice. You accept the job, anticipating you’ll be interpreting for a prenatal visit for a pregnant person, only to find out that the patient is 55 and complaining about menopause and weight gain – with a Midwife!
Gynecology and Obstetrics are complex and multifaceted specialties. They’re practiced by Medical Doctors and Certified Midwives, with the involvement of many other auxiliary providers including Nurses, Reproductive Endocrinologists, Genetics Counselors, Doulas, Lactation Specialists and more.
Topics can be as simple as preventing pregnancy or screening for breast cancer to the complexity of cervical cancer, infertility, or urinary incontinence. This workshop will introduce the “highlights” of OB and GYN care, as well as the players involved with this care. We will spend time discussing the pleasures and pitfalls of this type of work, and the sensitivity necessary to confidently and comfortably accept these kinds of assignments.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Outline the basics of contraception, fertility, conception, and birth
- Describe some of the procedures which are key aspects of healthcare delivery to the biologic female
- Elaborate on the training and function of various care providers including Doulas, Midwives, Obstetricians, Gynecologists, and Reproductive Endocrinologists
- List potential challenges facing the interpreter in both inpatient and outpatient care of the biologic female body
D1 | Honoring Perspectives: Communication Access for Senior Citizens in Healthcare
This panel discussion explores how interpreters can effectively support the communication needs of senior citizens who are navigating the healthcare system. As healthcare increasingly emphasizes relationship-centered care, this discussion will highlight the crucial role of interpreters in ensuring clear and accessible communication for this unique population.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify unique communication challenges faced by Deaf and hard of hearing seniors in healthcare settings, including age-related factors and their respective impact on successful interpreting outcomes.
- List a minimum of three strategies to empower and promote collaboration with Deaf and hard of hearing seniors and, if applicable, family members.
D2 | Championing Language Access: A Collaborative Roundtable for Interpreters
Interpreters play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and ensuring equitable healthcare for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals. During this session, Corey Axelrod will facilitate a collaborative session where all participants can actively participate and ask each other questions – the discussion will revolve around providing freelance and staff interpreters practical strategies to navigate the complexities of healthcare settings and effectively advocate for cultural sensitivity and equitable language access.
Participants will be able to:
- Discuss the interpreter's role as a language and cultural mediator, including ethical considerations and best practices for advocacy;
- Develop practical strategies for collaborating with healthcare providers and administrators to champion language access policies and procedures; and
- Share experiences and challenges related to advocating for language access and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.
E1 | Linguistics and Considerations: Skeletal System
This interactive session is designed to expand participants’ understanding of the structure and function of the skeletal system and to provide model language that participants can use when interpreting in healthcare settings. Ultimately, the goal is for participants to render more accurate and comprehensive interpretation of the human skeletal system, corresponding conditions, and medical interventions.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three ways 3-D space can be utilized when rendering interpretations about the skeletal system, corresponding conditions and medical interventions; and
- Demonstrate a minimum of five signs that can be used to represent the skeletal system, corresponding conditions and medical interventions.
E2 | Interpreting Perioperative Medicine and Anatomy
This session is designed to provide healthcare interpreters with the skills and language required to provide patients with access to perioperative information. Providers often use medical terminology and anatomy to clarify surgical procedures to patients. Julia will provide classification of anatomy, review typical “day-of-surgery” vocabulary, and visually describe common physiology seen in surgical diseases. Participants will leave feeling more confident about physician-patient communication.
Participants will be able to:
- Recognize common surgical procedures from total hip replacement to laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Apply and classify anatomy and physiology to benefit patient education during pre-operative visits
- Understand and clarify common medical terminology used in the perioperative setting
F1 | Cancer Medications: A Deep Dive into Side Effects & Management Strategies
During this session, the presenter will discuss the commonly prescribed medications for various types of cancers and how to manage side effects associated with medications. Additionally, the presenter will give a brief explanation of how the medication works to provide the participant with general knowledge of each category of medication.
Participants will be able to:
- Recognize common cancers
- Identify side effects associated with drug therapy
- Identify how to manage side effects of medication therapy
F2 | Why Make It a Battlefield: Interpersonal or Intrapersonal?
This conversation is designed to equip you with the tools necessary to navigate challenging situations with grace and understanding, rather than engaging in destructive battles with others or within yourself.
Discover how to identify the root causes of conflict, develop effective communication strategies, and cultivate self-awareness through insightful discussions and diverse perspectives. This exploration will empower you to build stronger relationships, cultivate understanding, and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.
Examining different perspectives on interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts can lead to better decision-making and minimize the negative impact on your well-being, both during and after the assignment.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three root causes of interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts
- Describe a minimum of three effective communication strategies for conflict resolution
- Identify a minimum of two approaches to cultivate self-awareness for managing conflict
G1 | Stories from the Frontlines: Emergency Medicine as Told by a Deaf Nurse
This session will explore the emergency department through the eyes of a Deaf emergency room nurse. Participants will learn through scenarios about factors impacting patient care, common medical emergencies, and the “who’s who” of the emergency department.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify 3 barriers to effective communication in the emergency setting
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of at least 5 members of the emergency team
- Describe how social determinants of health impact 4 medical emergency scenarios
G2 | Vital Signs of Diagnostic Medical Imaging: Advanced
Part II builds on Part I (basics session) by introducing advanced imaging procedures that can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. These include angiography in interventional radiology, cancer staging in hybrid imaging (PET-CT), breast cancer radiation therapy in radiation oncology, and more, supported by corresponding normal and abnormal clinical images.
Attending Part I is not required, but recommended.
Participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic medical imaging procedures such as interventional radiology, hybrid imaging (PET-CT), and radiation oncology.
- Translate verbal descriptions of imaging procedures into contextually appropriate STEM signs.
- Compare normal anatomy with common pathologies across complementary imaging modalities.
H1 | Charting the Course: 2025 & Forward
To close the 2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters, this panel discussion will explore the current state of language access in healthcare and anticipate emerging trends. We will delve into best practices, discuss the challenges we face, and consider collaborative opportunities to shape a future where language is no longer a barrier to quality healthcare for Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing individuals.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify a minimum of three key legislative and regulatory updates impacting language access in healthcare, including potential changes anticipated in 2025 and beyond.
- Explore resources and tools available to interpreters for promoting language access and staying informed about relevant regulations and best practices.
- List a minimum of three collaborative strategies that interpreters, agencies, and healthcare organizations can take to improve the delivery and management of language access services.
Conference Registration
Registration for the 2025 Deaf in Healthcare Summit for Interpreters is now open.