{"id":11962,"date":"2025-10-06T04:50:47","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T04:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amissionofmercy.org\/arizona\/?p=11962"},"modified":"2025-10-07T05:10:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T05:10:46","slug":"volunteer-medical-interpreter-plans-on-attending-medical-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amissionofmercy.org\/arizona\/volunteer-medical-interpreter-plans-on-attending-medical-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteer Medical Interpreter Plans on Attending Medical School"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At just 22 years old, Max Martinez is already making a meaningful difference in his community. A senior at Arizona State University\u2019s Barrett Honors College on a pre-med track, Martinez dedicates his Wednesday mornings to serving as a medical interpreter at Mission of Mercy\u2019s North Phoenix clinic. Fluent in Spanish thanks to his Cuban heritage and upbringing, he ensures that Spanish- speaking patients feel heard, understood and cared for during their visits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Martinez\u2019s initial connection to Mission of Mercy occurred years ago when his mother brought his grandfather, who was visiting from Cuba, to the clinic for a minor illness. That experience stayed with his family, and when it came time to find a volunteer opportunity earlier this year, Mission of Mercy felt like the perfect fit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI wanted to give back to my community, especially because the political climate is hot right now in regard to immigrants,\u201d Martinez said. \u201cMission of Mercy intrigued me because of the large Spanish-speaking population that it serves. As a Hispanic myself, I feel connected in that sense.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Each Wednesday, he helps bridge communication between patients and medical providers, often forming bonds beyond translation. Some patients notice his Cuban accent and open up about their worries, grateful to have someone who understands not just their language but also their culture.<\/p>\n

Martinez says what inspires him most about Mission of Mercy is its mission to provide care with \u201clove and dignity\u201d to all patients, regardless of their financial situation or beliefs. \u201cI really respect that about the organization,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

With plans to pursue a master\u2019s degree in biology and eventually attend medical school \u2014 potentially specializing in oncology, immunology or endocrinology \u2014 Martinez sees his time at Mission of Mercy as a vital part of his journey to becoming a compassionate physician.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as Mission of Mercy needs my help, I\u2019d love to keep volunteering here,\u201d he says. \u201cThis experience reminds me why I want to practice medicine in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At just 22 years old, Max Martinez is already making a meaningful difference in his community. A senior at Arizona State University\u2019s Barrett Honors College on a pre-med track, Martinez dedicates his Wednesday mornings to serving as a medical interpreter […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":11966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,1,26,174,272],"tags":[349,351,352,72,350,38,39],"class_list":["post-11962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-mission-of-mercy-arizona-dignity-digest","category-featured","category-homepage-blog","category-volunteer-story","tag-arizona-state-universitys-barrett-honors-college","tag-cuban","tag-imigrants","tag-medical-interpreter","tag-north-phoenix-clinic","tag-spanish","tag-volunteer"],"yoast_head":"\nVolunteer Medical Interpreter Plans on Attending Medical School - 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