Course Description

Viruses are behind some of the most common—and most serious—infectious diseases worldwide. From measles to HIV to COVID-19, accurate interpretation in virus-related encounters depends on a solid grasp of virology concepts and terminology in both working languages. 

This 3-hour interactive workshop is designed to strengthen interpreters’ foundational knowledge of virology and enhance their bilingual vocabulary. Participants will learn about virus structure, replication, transmission, mutation, and the immune system’s response—including how vaccines work to prevent viral infections. The session will also include hands-on practice activities and interpreting role-plays, allowing participants to apply their new knowledge in realistic scenarios. 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

  • Describe key virology concepts, including virus structure, replication, transmission, and mutation. 
  • Explain how the immune system responds to viral infections and how vaccines work to prevent disease. 
  • Apply virology knowledge during consecutive and simultaneous interpretation through targeted practice exercises. 
  • Recognize challenges interpreters may face in virus-related healthcare encounters and use appropriate strategies to address them.


Date: Saturday, November 8

Pacific Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mountain Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Central Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Eastern Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
CCHI 3 CE Hours
ATA 3 CE Points
IMIA 0.3 CE Units
DSHS 3 CE Hours 

Instructor

Yuliya Speroff

Yuliya Speroff is a nationally certified Russian<>English healthcare and social service interpreter, an experienced interpreter trainer and curriculum developer, and the Interpreter Supervisor at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Her experience as an interpreter trainer includes teaching both CE classes and basic medical interpreter training courses for major professional organizations across the United States, Yuliya’s classes are highly interactive, designed to foster deep engagement with the material and support the practical application of complex concepts. She was recognized as Interpreter of the Year by the California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) in 2021 She currently serves on the board of directors for both NCIHC and CHIA.