Located in Astoria, where more than 150 languages are spoken, Mount Sinai Queens is home to a team of physicians and clinical staff who reflect the diversity of the community. Many health care providers are bilingual or multilingual, and the hospital offers on-demand medical interpretation services in more than 200 languages—ensuring that patients can fully understand their diagnoses, care plans, and treatment options.
“When patients feel understood, they’re more likely to follow through on care plans, attend follow-up visits, and engage in preventive care,” says George Nikoloudakis, DO. “That’s what makes a long-term difference.”
“When a patient hears their own language spoken in the exam room—especially in a moment of vulnerability—it creates a connection that goes beyond words,” said George Nikoloudakis, DO, an Internal Medicine physician at Mount Sinai Doctors-Astoria at Mount Sinai Queens. “As someone who is a Greek speaker, I understand how meaningful it is for Greek-speaking patients to feel heard and understood. It helps build trust, and trust leads to better outcomes.”
Numerous studies show that language barriers in health care can lead to miscommunication, delayed diagnoses, lower treatment adherence, and higher rates of avoidable hospital readmissions. For some New Yorkers these barriers may even deter them from seeking care altogether.
Throughout the Mount Sinai Health System, medical interpretation and translation services are provided to patients and family members who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. Assistive devices are also available to persons with disabilities to help them communicate with providers and staff during their visit. All services are provided free of charge, and a Language Assistance Program is offered at each of the main hospital campuses.
At Mount Sinai Queens, teams are delivering care that is not only clinically excellent but culturally and linguistically informed.
The hospital’s care teams include multilingual providers and support staff across departments. Professional medical interpreters are available around the clock, both in person and virtually, to help patients navigate their care with confidence and clarity. Additionally, providers use culturally sensitive care approaches that acknowledge and respect patients’ diverse backgrounds, customs, and health beliefs. Health education materials are also available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility and understanding.
For patients, this level of communication support makes it easier to ask questions, understand treatment options, and participate more actively in their care.
“Language is an essential part of health equity,” said Dr. Nikoloudakis. “When patients feel understood, they’re more likely to follow through on care plans, attend follow-up visits, and engage in preventive care. That’s what makes a long-term difference.”