Testimonials

I am a physician practicing in the city of Chicago. On a daily basis I meet patients who are multilingual, speaking any of many other languages including French, Russian, German, Italian, Farsi, Urdu, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and/or English. Most are fluent or at least attempt to converse in the language of the United States, English. However, often when a Spanish-speaking person presents for care, everyone involved with the patient switches to Spanish; Spanish paperwork and Spanish interpreter. I am informed when I meet the patient that they speak Spanish. My response: English. At first slow, simple, and deliberate, assessing the persons true capability in English. Their usual response: English to the best of their ability, and a smile. Most are perfectly capable, intelligent individuals willing and able to learn and glad to have health care in this country. In the US, and in health care delivery in this case, we do people no favor by perpetuating their deficiencies in learning the language of our country, English. It is insulting to their intelligence and keeps them sequestered in their communities limiting opportunities to achieve their full potential in this great place.