Sylvia Dabalsa, Language Coordinator.
Sylvia Dabalsa began her career at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) in 2014 as a Spanish medical Interpreter, and a few months later took on additional administrative duties, which eventually led to her current position as language coordinator. In this role, she says, “it is a privilege to serve our diverse patient population.”
Sylvia makes sure that patients with limited English proficiency or who are deaf or hard of hearing have easy access to interpretation services via telephone, video, and face-to-face interpreters. In addition, she plays a key role in implementing and expanding policies and procedures that meet the language requirements of the New York State Department of Health and Joint Commission. These include annual language needs assessments; increasing the number and utilization of video remote interpreters; expanding the number of staff who are assessed and added to the language bank; and overseeing regular in-service sessions to ensure that staff are familiar with the resources available to communicate effectively with all patients. She also oversees the translation of key documents and consents that are used throughout NYEE.
Miguel Arenas, MS, CPXP, Senior Director Patient Relations, Mount Sinai Downtown and Mount Sinai Brooklyn, says that Sylvia is tireless in her efforts and advocacy for all patients, but especially those with limited English proficiency and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. These patients feel safer, comforted, and reassured when Sylvia is in the house. “Her dedication to this work comes from her clear understanding that a simple error when interpreting can put patients’ lives in danger or limit their ability to understand their diagnosis or plan of care,” he says. “Sylvia has a keen ability to work with a wide range of providers and managers across all departments. She is agile, caring, smart, resourceful, and embraces any challenge that comes her way.”
Sylvia is committed to providing patients with the best possible experience through high quality, compassionate, and unbiased care. “I love my work,” she says, “as it allows me to facilitate communications between limited English proficient or sensory disabled patients, their family and friends, and our staff. Improved communication translates into better diagnoses, better patient understanding of the plan of care, and better health outcomes.”