MARIA PAMBOUKIS
Running for Director of the NCIHC Board of Directors
I have been part of the Language Services and Medical Interpreting fields for over 15 years, working for a public institution like Denver Health, where we serve a diverse LEP community, I am sensitive to the impact Language Justice has in patient’s care and the organization’s overall operations. I know the challenges interpreters go through, their needs and aspirations as wells as the areas of opportunity necessary to elevate the medical interpreting profession. I am a member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee in my organization, have participated in several research studies to improve patient’s care in the emergency room of our level one trauma center. Creating partnerships with the multiple departments and clinics I have improved availability of interpretation in all modalities, particularly for low diffusion languages. I believe in continuous improvement and with that goal in mind, I created initiatives that support professional development for my Team giving them access to quarterly courses on customer service, self-care, communication and time management, I facilitate The Community interpreter 40-hour training, and strategically support my Team’s efforts to pursue the national certification. I have coordinated the language proficiency testing, worked with human resources and workforce development I achieved to get incentives for staff to go through the process, we have a comprehensive program that allows truly proficiency staff to assist patients in their own language and limit the scenarios where they can interpret for others. Finally, as part of the patient experience division, I have worked with senior leadership for the role of medical interpreters to be recognized and to provide education for medical staff to learn there should be no difference in the quality of care a patient receives based on the language they prefer when receiving information in a medical setting. I would be honored to provide the time, effort and experience to support the mission of the Council during 2025 identifying best practices, create opportunities for development and growth of the medical interpreting profession across the nation and support initiatives that promote access to healthcare services for LEP patients. Sincerely, Maria Pamboukis.
Click on the links below to view a recorded message from Maria Pamboukis or her resume.
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