I am a Spanish medical interpreter. One of my daily responsibilities is to assist providers and Spanish-speaking patients over the phone. On a particular day in October, I had the privilege of interpreting for Nurse Sio Leong, who was trying to reach a cancer patient to confirm whether the patient had contacted the fertilization clinic.

The patient confirmed that she had called but was waiting for the clinic to call her back. The patient sounded hesitant, so Sio asked her to stay on the line while she contacted the clinic directly. What was expected to be a quick three-minute call turned into an hour and twenty-nine minutes, yet Sio remained calm, compassionate, and fully dedicated throughout.

She patiently spoke with the clinic representative, asked all the necessary questions, and even went the extra mile to inquire about another clinic within the same network that might be more affordable for the patient. Throughout the call, Sio continuously checked to make sure the patient understood the information. There was a lot of complex medical and financial discussion, and her patience was remarkable.

Her calming tone helped ease the patient’s frustration and anxiety. Even though this was just a phone call, it was clear how deeply Sio cares for her patients. Sio could have easily provided the phone number and moved on with her busy day, but instead, she took the time to ensure the patient received the right care and guidance. Thanks to her efforts, the patient was able to schedule her appointment confidently and with less stress.

Having a nurse like Sio truly makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients and in ours, as interpreters who work alongside her. Her professionalism, empathy, and understanding of working with interpreters make our jobs smoother and more effective. Thank you, Sio, for your outstanding dedication, compassion, and care. I am sincerely grateful on behalf of the patients you serve and all of us who have the pleasure of working with you.