“Making Waves” in Healthcare Language Access: My First-Time Experience at the California Healthcare Interpreting Association CHIA Conference in San Diego, California 2023
I recently had the opportunity to attend the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) Conference, and I have to say, it was an incredible experience. The conference, aptly named “Making Waves,” brought together a diverse group of people from all over the country who are passionate about improving healthcare language access services.
Over the course of two days, interpreters, trainers, hospital administrators, program coordinators, industry leaders, and healthcare providers all came together to share their knowledge and experience. We learned about language access trends, discussed federal healthcare reform, and explored how changes in policy are affecting the field of healthcare interpreting. It was truly inspiring to see so many people come together to work towards a common goal. I left the conference feeling invigorated and excited to continue learning more to improve healthcare language access services in my own community.
During the conference, I had the chance to connect with other interpreters and translators from all over the U.S. We shared our experiences and insights, and I came away with a much deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. From emerging technologies to evolving language trends, there was no shortage of fascinating topics to explore.
In addition to attending the California Healthcare Interpreting Association Conference, I also attended the American Translators Association conference in Los Angeles, California last October 2022. This conference was another incredible opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and learn more about the ever-changing needs and growth of the interpreting and translation industry. Blog post about this coming soon!
Overall, attending both the California Healthcare Interpreting Association Conference and the American Translators Association conference has been an incredibly valuable experience. I am excited to continue building on the knowledge and connections I have gained through these events, and I look forward to contributing to the growth and development of our industry in the years to come.
