Language is more than just words; it’s a powerful tool for connection and understanding, especially in public health. Today, Dr. Joyce Senior, founder of Dr. J. Senior Consulting, LLC, and co-founder of My Hair My Health PDX, joins us to discuss how translation and cultural competency can bridge gaps between healthcare providers and communities.

With her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica, Dr. Senior has dedicated her career to ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and understood. In our conversation, she describes how she started her business, the ways it’s helped her serve the community, and what she’s learned about the role of interpretation and translation in public health.

We also discuss the role of AI in translation work, with Dr. Senior explaining that while technology can aid in communication, it lacks the cultural sensitivity and emotional understanding that only people can provide.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Joyce Senior. [02:10]

• Her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica and how she started her consultancy in the US. [05:02]

• Reflections from Dr. Joyee Washington’s first trip abroad to Mexico. [11:38]

• Differences between interpretation and translation in public health. [19:53]

• Navigating the benefits and shortcomings of AI in translation work. [23:15]

• Language and translation in public health: Dr. Senior’s advice to professionals. [27:54]

• What brings Dr. Senior joy in her work: being of service to others. [30:31]

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