2009 IMIA International Conference on Medical Interpreting
Global Perspectives on Professional Medical Interpreters
October 9-11, 2009 - Cambridge, MA  USA

Global Perspectives on Professional Medical Interpreters– reflects two thoughts, first that the right to a competent medical interpreter in all medically related encounters is not a local issue only but is a right in all parts of the world. Language access is a right that is protected by local, state, federal, and even international laws. The second belief is that medical interpreters are professionals that deserve the recognition and working conditions of comparable professions. While the interpreting profession is well established in the business and conference sectors, it is not as recognized or understood in the health care sector.

How is the interpreting profession doing in other parts of the world? What can we learn from their experiences?

What are the training opportunities and requirements in other countries?

How are the roles of the medical interpreter viewed elsewhere?

Conference Venue:
Hyatt, by the Charles River, Cambridge, MA.
575 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139

Events at the conference:
2 pre-conference sessions (AM Session: Title VI; PM Session: Simultaneous Interpreting)
3 keynote speakers (Friday PM, luncheon Saturday, luncheon Sunday
2 expert panels (Saturday: International Panel and Sunday: Office of Civil Rights Panel)
Annual National Certification Plenary Meeting on Saturday
Annual IMIA Plenary Meeting on Sunday
Over 50 educational workshops to choose from (speakers from all over the country/world)
Stakeholder meetings (started in 2006: Consortium of Interpreters Association; Providers; Trainers; Portuguese Division; Spanish Division; Corporate)
International Attire Reception on Friday October 9th (entertainment and appetizers)
Entertainment on Saturday and Sunday NEW!
Book Signing Event
Raffle of IMIA Recommended Books of the Month and other Prizes
International Medical Interpreter of the Year Award NEW!
Raquel Cashman Language Access Leadership Award


CEUs:
We are offering RID and ATA CEUs (for those that are members of those organizations). We are working on our own IMIA CEU system for those that are IMIA members only and will have more information soon.



The Northeastern University Regional Interpreter Education Center is approved by the RID CMP to sponsor Continuing Education Activities.  This conference is offered for a total of 1.80 CEUs or ACET credits. Some workshops are in the Content area of Professional Studies (PS) and others are in General Studies (GS).  A maximum of 1.05 CEUs can be earned in the Professional Studies Content Area.  Levels of instruction vary and include Some, Extensive and Teaching.  There is a $10 processing fee for those participants requesting CEUs or ACET credits.

Sponsored in part by the Northeastern University Regional Interpreter Education Center, U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, Interpreter Training Program Grant # H160A050002.