Job Title: Medical Interpreter (Arabic/English)
Department: Clinical Operations
Location: Abu Dhabi
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: 12 Months
Company Overview
Our purpose is to help people live healthier lives by focusing on the biological process of aging through advanced clinical care and research using precision diagnostics, lifestyle medicines and proven therapeutics to improve health span and performance.
We are at the forefront of Healthy Longevity Medicine by combining advanced diagnostics with AI-driven risk prediction, digitally enabled clinical care with the highest quality of trained professionals in lifestyle and longevity medicine. We are at the frontier of how to keep people healthy, on the population level as well as tailored programs for individuals.
Our clinical practice - along with our research and innovation arms - are shaping the future of Healthy Longevity medicine, and we invite you to apply and explore these possibilities with us.
Job Purpose
The Medical Interpreter (Arabic/English) facilitates clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication between Arabic-speaking patients and non-Arabic-speaking healthcare providers. The role ensures patients fully understand their medical conditions, treatment options, and care plans while enabling clinicians to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide accurate and confidential interpretation between patients, families, and healthcare professionals in Arabic and English during consultations, in-person and telehealth procedures, and educational sessions.
- Use appropriate interpreting modes (consecutive interpretation, sight translation for short documents, and video/phone interpretation) to support clinical workflow.
- Support clinician-led discussions related to research participation and informed consent, helping ensure patient comprehension and voluntariness.
- Translate written medical documents, including patient education materials, consent forms, and discharge instructions as required.
- Ensure cultural sensitivity and understanding in all patient interactions to enhance patient experience and trust.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) requirements, applicable UAE data protection laws, clinic policies, and patient privacy standards.
- Assist in coordinating patient flow by supporting language-related clarification, navigation, and wayfinding (non-clinical) when necessary.
- Support health promotion, lifestyle education, and preventive care discussions, ensuring accurate communication of clinical and technical terminology.
- Use clinic systems effectively, including scheduling tools, telehealth platforms, and electronic health records (EHR/EMR), and document interpretation support as required by clinic SOPs.
- Remain up to date with medical terminology, interpreter ethics, and cultural competency best practices.
- Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to support seamless patient care delivery.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with patient confidentiality, data protection, and relevant Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) requirements and applicable UAE data protection laws.
- Follow professional medical interpreter ethics and standards of practice, including first-person interpretation, complete and accurate meaning (no omissions/additions), professional neutrality, and maintaining clear boundaries (no independent medical advice).
- Participate in mandatory training, periodic observation/call-review, and quality improvement initiatives.
Competencies And Skills
Core Competencies
- Patient-centred communication
- Professional integrity and confidentiality
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Emotional resilience in clinical settings
- Team collaboration and service orientation
Technical Skills
- Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written), including Modern Standard Arabic; familiarity with Gulf/Emirati Arabic dialects is preferred.
- Comfort working with EHR/EMR systems, telehealth tools, and basic productivity applications (e.g., Microsoft Office/Google Workspace).
- Knowledge of medical terminology in both languages
- Interpretation techniques in clinical environments
- Document translation and proofreading skills
Qualifications And Experience
Educational Background
- Bachelor's degree in Translation, Languages, Health Sciences, or a related field (preferred).
- Certified Medical Interpreter credential preferred (e.g., CCHI or NBCMI); strong relevant experience may be considered in lieu. Successful candidates may be asked to complete an internal medical terminology and interpreting skills assessment.
Professional Experience
- Previous experience in a healthcare or clinical setting strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated understanding of medical terminology and healthcare processes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high level of professionalism.
Working Conditions
Work Environment
- Based within a modern, innovation-driven healthcare facility focused on preventive and longevity medicine.
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary setting involving physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative teams.
- Patient-facing role requiring regular interaction with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- May require flexibility to support occasional extended hours based on clinic schedule.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods during consultations and procedures.
- Clear verbal communication and active listening for prolonged durations.
- Occasional movement between clinical areas to support patient flow and coordination.
Travel Requirements
- Minimal; primarily limited to on-site duties within IHLAD facilities or related internal operations.
