Medical Interpretation – Yun Silver Lining

Pain Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg: Understanding Hormone-Related Steroid Concerns Among Chinese Patients

January 6, 2026 Yun ZW

疼痛只是冰山一角：理解中国患者对激素类药物的顾虑

In medical interpretation, one of the most delicate challenges is bridging language and cultural perception of medication and treatment.

Many patients with knee, neck, or shoulder pain may hesitate when offered steroid injections. In Chinese culture, steroids are often associated with hormones, and patients often worry about disrupting the body’s internal balance—even when pain is significant.

This hesitation is not defiance; it reflects a cultural mindset where long-term internal health is prioritized over short-term relief. Understanding this perspective is essential for interpreters, patients, and healthcare providers alike.

The Clinical Perspective: Why Steroid Injections Are Recommended

Steroid injections are widely used in U.S. clinical practice to:

Reduce inflammation in joints or nerves, often the underlying cause of pain
Improve mobility and daily function
Provide short-term relief while the body heals or other treatments take effect

Doctors often explain that pain is only the tip of the iceberg—treating inflammation early can prevent worsening or chronic damage.

However, many Chinese patients hear “steroid (类固醇 / 激素)” and immediately think hormone medicine. They worry it will disrupt the body’s internal system (影响体内系统) or harm organs. Even when the doctor explains local use with minimal systemic effects, this association often causes hesitation.

The Patient Perspective: Understanding the Concerns

Chinese patients often prioritize long-term internal health over immediate symptom relief:

They are cautious about anything perceived as hormone-related (激素 / 类固醇)
They worry about disturbing the body’s internal balance
Pain is often tolerated until it becomes severe

Recognizing this mindset helps patients feel understood and respected, which supports shared decision-making and adherence to treatment plans.

The Role of Interpreters

Medical interpreters play a key role in bridging not only language, but also cultural nuances. By helping patients express concerns clearly and assisting clinicians in understanding cultural priorities, interpreters:

Ensure communication is effective and respectful
Reduce misunderstandings related to treatment decisions
Support culturally sensitive care that benefits patients and providers alike

Tips for Better Communication

For Chinese Patients:

Express concerns explicitly: “我担心类固醇是激素，会影响体内系统” (I am concerned steroids, as hormones, may affect my internal system).
Ask for details about dosage, local vs. systemic effect, frequency, and reversibility.
Understand that local steroid injections are not the same as long-term hormone therapy.

For U.S. Clinicians:

Acknowledge patient concerns before explaining efficacy: “I understand your concern about hormone effects on your body.”
Emphasize local vs. systemic use and explain minimal hormone impact.
Offer clear monitoring guidelines to reassure patients.

Consulting Insight

Understanding cultural mindsets is key to improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes. Healthcare organizations can benefit from training staff and integrating professional interpreters who navigate both language and cultural nuances. This not only supports patients but also enhances clinician effectiveness and overall care quality.

Conclusion

Medical interpretation is more than translating words—it’s translating cultural mindset and reasoning. Chinese patients’ hesitation toward steroids is often rooted in the association with hormones, not defiance. By understanding this perspective, interpreters, clinicians, and patients can work together to make informed, culturally sensitive treatment decisions.

Medical Interpretation

Through a Half-Opened Door

October 20, 2025 Yun ZW

Reflections from an Interpreter at Mayo Clinic on Science, Collaboration, and the Future of Medicine

Last week, my interpretation work at Mayo Clinic offered me a look through the “half-opened door” to the future of medicine. As an interpreter, I often witness the moments where science, collaboration, and human hope intersect — and this visit was no exception.

Each visit reminds me how much happens behind the scenes — not only patient care, but relentless, forward-driven collaboration that’s transforming the future of medicine.

I was deeply impressed by the research underway: the blood biomarker P-Tau217, which allows earlier, more affordable Alzheimer’s detection; StateView, a tool that can identify 9 different types of dementias; and the use of AI to help detect pancreatic cancer earlier by enhancing human visual capability.

As an interpreter, I often stand at the crossroads of languages, but also between people and discoveries. Watching and listening to physicians and scientists explain their findings, I could feel their hope — not just in their words, but in their tone and energy.

I wasn’t part of the research team, of course. I was there interpreting — sitting quietly in the room, listening, translating. But even from that small corner, I could feel the pulse of innovation and humanity woven together. I could sense the researchers’ excitement as they described their work, the determination in their tone, the hope behind their words.

Being an interpreter in these moments feels like standing on a bridge between science and compassion. My job is to make sure nothing is lost — not just the meaning of words, but the intention behind them. When that connection happens, even briefly, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Dr. William Mayo once said in 1931, “I look through a half-opened door into the future, full of interest, intriguing beyond my power to describe.”

Standing there last week, I couldn’t help but wonder — what would he think if he could see that future today?

What breakthroughs in your field inspire you to look through your own “half-opened door” to the future?

Medical Interpretation

The Critical Role of Interpreters in Special Education Meetings

October 2, 2025 Yun ZW

“Every parent deserves to understand and advocate for their child—interpreters make that possible.”

I recently attended a PACER Center workshop on The Critical Role of Interpreters in Special Education Meetings. It reinforced that interpreters are more than translators—they are cultural liaisons, advocates, and facilitators who ensure parents of students with disabilities can fully participate in their child’s education.

Why Interpreters Are Essential in Special Education

Families navigating special education meetings often face:

Complex terminology and educational jargon
Unfamiliar IEP processes and procedures
Language and cultural barriers

Interpreters ensure parents can:

Understand their child’s educational plan
Ask questions and advocate effectively
Participate confidently in IEP meetings

Elements of Ethical and Effective Interpreting

Core principles include:

Confidentiality and professionalism
Accuracy: conveying meaning, not just words
Impartiality while supporting understanding
Cultural awareness and respect

Practical strategies for interpreters:

Position yourself to see and hear all participants clearly
Establish pause signals to interpret accurately
Take notes and securely destroy them afterward 📝
Clarify unfamiliar terminology with staff or parents
Focus on meaning over literal words

“Interpretation is the accuracy of the meaning, not the words.” – Minnesota Department of Education

Common Challenges Interpreters Face

Interpreters often encounter:

Specialized terms with no direct translation
Parents unfamiliar with IEPs or legal rights
Remote meetings via Zoom or phone
Limited understanding among school staff about working with interpreters
Balancing neutrality while supporting families

Resources for Interpreters and Schools

Professional development and resources include:

PACER and MDE video trainings: “Effective Communication with English Learner Parents”
Glossaries: Spanish, Somali, Hmong special education terms
Checklists: Best practices for interpreters and school staff
Professional organizations: AAITE, NAETISL

Continuing education helps interpreters stay current with terminology, processes, and best practices.

Reflection

Workshops like this remind us that interpreters play a critical role in creating inclusive and accessible education. By bridging language and cultural gaps, interpreters empower families, support educators, and ensure that all students receive the support they need.

🙏 Thanks to PACER Center for hosting this insightful and practical training!

💬 Interpreters and educators: What strategies or resources help you support families in special education meetings? Share your experiences below!

SEO Keywords: special education interpreters, inclusive education, IEP meetings, language access, parent advocacy, PACER Center, educational interpreting

Medical Interpretation

Tiny Sounds, Big Meaning:

September 17, 2025 Yun ZW

Metastasis vs. Metastases vs. Metastatic

In medical interpretation, accuracy is not just about words, it’s about sounds. Sometimes, a single syllable can completely change the meaning of a diagnosis. One area where this is especially important is oncology, the field of cancer care.

Here are three commonly confused terms that sound similar but carry very different meanings:

Metastasis /mə-ˈtas-tə-sis/ → the spread of cancer to one body organ
Metastases /mə-ˈtas-tə-sēz/ → the spread of cancer to multiple body organs
Metastatic /ˌmet-ə-ˈsta-tik/ → the adjective form, describing cancer that has spread

For interpreters, these distinctions are critical. Using the singular instead of the plural—or confusing the adjective with the noun—can mislead a patient and alter their understanding of their condition.

As interpreters, we are more than language bridges; we are accuracy advocates. Small pronunciation differences carry big meaning in oncology. Precision matters.

👉 What other medical terms have you found tricky to pronounce or easy to confuse? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you.

Medical Interpretation

🌸Bilingual Guide to Gynecologic Terminology in English and Chinese

June 19, 2025 Yun ZW

As a medical interpreter, I’ve encountered some gynecologic terms that can sound similar but refer to very different conditions. Misunderstanding them can create confusion during patient encounters, especially when communicating across languages.

In this post, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from my professional experience — to help both my peers and patients better understand four commonly confused gynecologic conditions in both English and Chinese.

1. Fibroid – 子宫肌瘤

A fibroid is a noncancerous muscle tumor that grows in or on the uterus. They are very common in women, especially after age 30.

Symptoms:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination

📌 Fibroids are not made of endometrial tissue, unlike adenomyosis or endometriosis.

2. Adenomyosis – 子宫腺肌症

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to enlarge and become painful.

Symptoms:

Painful, heavy periods
Cramping
Enlarged uterus

📌 Adenomyosis affects the uterine wall only.

3. Endometriosis – 子宫内膜异位症

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines.

Symptoms:

Chronic pelvic pain
Pain during sex or bowel movements
Possible infertility

📌 This condition can lead to scarring, inflammation, and fertility problems.

4. Ovarian Endometrioma / Chocolate Cyst

卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿 / 巧克力囊肿

A chocolate cyst is a type of ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis. It contains dark, old blood, giving it a chocolate-like appearance.

Symptoms:

Painful menstruation
Lower abdominal pain
Fertility issues

📌 This is a specific form of endometriosis found in the ovary.

🔍 At a Glance: Quick Comparison Table

Condition	中文名称	Location	Main Feature
Fibroid	子宫肌瘤	Uterine muscle	Benign muscle tumor
Adenomyosis	子宫腺肌症	Uterine wall	Endometrial tissue in muscle wall
Endometriosis	子宫内膜异位症	Outside uterus	Endometrial-like tissue on pelvic organs
Ovarian Endometrioma	巧克力囊肿	Inside ovary	Cyst filled with old blood caused by endometriosis

🔗 Additional Resources

🗣️ Interpretation Scenarios

Doctor:
“Your ultrasound shows a fibroid, which is a benign growth in the uterus muscle.”
Interpreter:
“您的B超显示是子宫肌瘤，这是一种良性肌肉肿瘤。”

Doctor:
“Unlike fibroids, adenomyosis means the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, causing pain.”
Interpreter:
“和子宫肌瘤不同，子宫腺肌症是子宫内膜长进子宫肌肉层，导致疼痛。”

🤝 Why This Matters

Understanding the differences between these conditions allows interpreters to:

Provide accurate, culturally sensitive explanations
Help reduce patient anxiety
Improve communication between patients and providers

For patients, knowing these terms in both English and Chinese can help them ask the right questions and understand their care better.

📌 Disclaimer

This post is for educational and language reference purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Medical Interpretation

Post-Menopausal Bleeding: A Warning Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025 Yun ZW

A Powerful Reminder About Post-Menopausal Bleeding

Today, I watched a public health reel from Mayo Clinic featuring Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, a gynecologic oncologist. In the video, she emphasized that women experiencing post-menopausal bleeding—whether it’s brown, pink, or red, and even if it’s painless—should see their gynecologist for further evaluation. Her message, shared via Mayo Clinic’s official Instagram channel, was powerful and a timely reminder about the importance of post-menopausal health awareness.

Dr. Bakkum-Gamez also reminded viewers that menopause is officially defined as 12 months without regular menstrual cycle. So, any bleeding that occurs after that point—even light spotting—should be taken seriously and checked by a gynecologist.

It brought back a memory from an interpretation session I was part of. A woman had been experiencing heavy bleeding for six months after menopause. She told her gynecologist that she actually felt happy the first time it happened—thinking her period had come back. She continued to ignore the symptoms until the bleeding caused significant fatigue and exhaustion.

Eventually, she underwent a medical exam. The diagnosis was heartbreaking: advanced cervical cancer that had already spread.

This experience reinforced how crucial it is to seek medical attention at the first sign of abnormal bleeding after menopause. It could save your or your loved one’s life.

📌 About the Author
Yun Zhou-Wells is a certified medical interpreter with over 30 years of experience bridging communication between patients and healthcare providers. Passionate about women’s health and patient advocacy, she shares stories from her interpreting work to raise awareness and empower readers to take charge of their health.

💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
If this story resonated with you or if you have experiences to share about women’s health, please leave a comment below or connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, we can help spread awareness and support each other on the journey to better health.

Medical Interpretation

From Cockpits to Healthcare: My Journey Through Two Worlds of Cutting Edge Technology

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 Yun ZW

When I first started my job as a flight interpreter for an airline, I was amazed by the fly-by-wire cockpit of the Airbus A320—state-of-the-art technology back in the 1990s. The “glass cockpit” had replaced traditional small round instrument gauges with digital displays. Pilots were no longer just manually flying with control sticks; they had become managers of sophisticated electronic systems, ensuring safe and efficient flights.

That experience left a lasting impression on me. I’ve always believed that whenever there’s a breakthrough in technology, it’s often first applied in aerospace and aviation. It felt like a privilege to be part of an industry that embraced and operated at the edge of technological innovation.

Now, 30 years later, I find myself once again exposed to a field where the world’s most advanced technology is making a profound impact—this time, in healthcare. In the fight against cancer, medical science has developed powerful tools like proton therapy and carbon ion radiation therapy.

Proton therapy uses positively charged atomic particles (protons) to target cancer cells, damaging their DNA while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. Carbon ion therapy, an even more advanced form of treatment, uses heavier carbon ions. These ions have a higher Linear Energy Transfer (LET) and Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) than protons, potentially offering better tumor control with less harm to nearby tissues.

I’ve recently learned the key differences between these two therapies. While both are remarkable in their precision, carbon ion therapy holds promise in treating certain cancers that are resistant to other forms of radiation. It’s exciting to witness this advancement being brought to the U.S.—Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, is set to become the first medical center in North America to offer carbon ion therapy.

From interpreting in high-tech cockpits to facilitating communication in cutting-edge cancer treatment, I feel deeply honored to be part of these extraordinary frontiers. Technology continues to evolve, but the wonder and privilege of being close to its impact remain the same.