Why Communication Is Part of the Cure

Before I studied public health, I thought of language barriers as an inconvenience. Something frustrating, sure, but not something that could put someone’s health at risk. I knew it made things harder for my mom, but I didn’t understand just how much that affected her health.

Then I started learning about health disparities. I read about how patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to experience misdiagnoses, longer hospital stays, and even higher mortality rates. I learned that language barriers make it harder for people to understand their own bodies, follow treatment plans, and advocate for themselves.

That knowledge became real during a research project in grad school. I worked with Vietnamese nail salon workers, translating and transcribing materials between English and Vietnamese. It sounded straightforward on paper, but it quickly became clear that translation involves a lot more than just swapping words. It’s about helping people understand what’s happening to them. It’s about giving them the confidence to ask questions and share their experiences.

Growing up, I saw how language could turn something simple into something stressful. A doctor’s appointment. A diagnosis. A prescription. When English isn’t your first language, even basic interactions can feel overwhelming. And when communication breaks down, it’s easier to stay quiet than to speak up.

Public health taught me that health is shaped by more than biology. It’s shaped by whether people can access information, communicate with their providers, and feel heard. Language is part of that. When we make communication more accessible, we’re helping people make informed decisions about their own health.