Growing up, Analisa Luedtke was inspired by her grandmother, who was one of the most influential people in her life. As Analisa describes it, she was a force to be reckoned with having aggressively fundraised for the setup of a rural community clinic that provided free services for those who couldn’t afford medical care within the community. Her grandmother was also instrumental in establishing an elementary, junior high and high school in the rural village where she resided in Mexico, all of which forged Analisa’s passion to serve her community.
“Because of my grandmother’s actions and teachings, I aspire to be a better person and always see the good in all aspects of life,” said Analisa. “I am eternally grateful for her teachings and I am proud to consider her my personal hero.”
This drive to serve was coupled with guidance from her mother, who worked as an interpreter in the Language Services department at Texas Children’s for many years before transferring to Guest Services. Upon this move by her mother to Guest Services, Analisa stepped into her position as interpreter.
Now having worked at Texas Children’s for 10 years as a Spanish medical interpreter, Analisa recounts how her deep passion for service has guided her forward and her hopes for the future of Texas Children’s.
What made you want to go into health care?
I have always loved learning so what better place to learn than the medical field. Medical settings are always changing, evolving, and presenting new scenarios each and every day.
What is your day to day like in your current role?
My current role as a certified Spanish medical interpreter is to provide interpreting services to our hospital providers and limited English-proficient patients. In simpler terms, I bridge the communication gap between patients and our providers. My day-to-day role is to oversee the interpreting needs of our very busy emergency center, including but not limited to, covering other hospital departments, such as our intensive care units, inpatient units, surgical inpatient/ambulatory units and outpatient clinics.
What do people not know/realize about your job?
People may not realize the intricacies and complexities of medical interpreting. As an interpreter in the medical field, you must have a strong medical background and great interpersonal communication skills. Interpreters must follow a strict code of ethics and standards and fill the role of cultural brokers, advocates and at times social workers. We often clarify misunderstandings between the medical staff and patient due to differences in our cultures and the way medical services are rendered in the limited English-proficient patient’s native country.
Tomorrow, Together represents Texas Children’s commitment to creating a bright future for our employees and our mission. What is your commitment for the future?
I am committed to be the best I can for our providers, my colleagues and, most importantly, our patients, to learn from each experience so I may enhance the services we offer and improve the experience of each patient and provider I contact.
Analisa continues to be propelled by a deep passion to serve and pushes to improve her skills to better serve her community. To improve her skills as an interpreter, Analisa is working towards acquiring her Bachelor of Science in the Medical/Legal Interpreting and Translation field.
“Working at Texas Children’s has permitted me to enhance my knowledge as an interpreter and also allowed me to grow personally due to the daily experiences one encounters in this field,” said Analisa.
If you are looking to serve your community and grow your skills, Texas Children’s wants to help you succeed. Search our open positions and apply today to become a part of One Amazing Team.
