Park-Ex clinic

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

In the heart of Montreal’s Parc-Extension neighborhood, a local clinic is making significant strides in bridging language gaps to ensure equitable health care for all. With a highly diverse patient base, many of whom have recently immigrated to Canada, communication has long been a challenge. However, an innovative translation service is transforming the way medical professionals interact with their patients.
Empowering Patients Through Language Access
Dr. Maya Cholette-Tétrault, a family physician at the clinic, routinely sees patients who are new to the country and unfamiliar with French or English. To facilitate clearer communication, the clinic has implemented a real-time digital translation service, allowing patients to converse with their doctors in their native language via a video-linked interpreter.
“For many of my patients, this is the first time they’ve been able to fully express their health concerns in Canada,” Dr. Cholette-Tétrault explains. “It’s not just about medical needs—sometimes we assist with social issues, like helping them navigate housing options.”
One such patient, a recent immigrant from India, used the service to discuss her pregnancy with the doctor. When asked if the translation feature was helpful, she responded with a grateful smile and an enthusiastic nod.
A Seamless Digital Solution
The translation tool, provided by Voyce, offers real-time interpretation in over 240 languages and dialects. With just a few taps on a tablet, doctors and patients can access a professional interpreter within seconds, making consultations smoother and more efficient.
According to Aurelia Di Fabrizio, who oversees the initiative at CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, the program has significantly improved doctor-patient interactions while also reducing operational costs. “We no longer need to schedule on-site translators, which can be expensive and logistically complicated,” she notes. “Patients receive immediate assistance, and doctors can focus on delivering high-quality care.”
The Importance of Multilingual Care
Studies indicate that receiving medical care in one’s native language dramatically improves health outcomes. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2022 revealed that non-English-speaking patients had a 54% lower risk of severe health complications when treated by a physician who spoke their language.
A Model for Expansion
Initially launched as a pilot program at the Parc-Ex CLSC, the translation service has since expanded to other clinics and the Jewish General Hospital. Dr. Perle Feldman, a veteran physician at the clinic, recalls the challenges of relying on in-person interpreters in the past.
“I remember one of my earliest patients, a woman undergoing fertility treatments, bringing her sister-in-law to translate,” Feldman shares. “It was awkward, to say the least. Sensitive medical discussions require privacy and precision, which this service now provides.”
Feldman hopes to see the translation initiative reach even more clinics in the future. “We serve a vulnerable population—many of whom are facing financial and social hardships. Quality health care starts with clear communication. I’m not a veterinarian—I talk to my patients.”
As Montreal continues to welcome immigrants from around the world, accessible health care remains a pressing issue. By embracing technology-driven solutions like real-time translation, the city’s medical community is taking a crucial step toward ensuring every patient receives the care they need, regardless of language barriers.