Presbyterian Healthcare 
2003 News Releases
Medical Library Offers Spanish Language Searches
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June 5, 2003 Contact: Amy Philbeck, 704-384-9798 |
Medical terminology can seem like a foreign language to anyone, but for the growing Hispanic population most of the available health information truly is in another language.
Consuelo Lopez, a South American physician who moved to the United States two years ago, saw this problem and began to look for a way to help. That's when she found the Health Library at Presbyterian Hospital Matthews.
"Even though there are many resources in Spanish, we still couldn't serve the Hispanic population as well as we would've liked," said librarian Darlene Byrd.
Lopez, now a volunteer at the library, is taking big steps to solve that problem. She assists the Hispanic community by providing professionally prepared health and medical information searches in Spanish.
"It's hard for patients to get all the information they need - even with an interpreter," Lopez said. "I can help find additional information after a doctor's diagnosis."
Patients, or other community members, can simply call or stop by and make an appointment with Lopez.
"With her knowledge and expertise, she can also answer specific questions," Byrd said. "Even though we were often able to find the information written in Spanish before, now she is there to answer any other questions they have."
Lopez not only worked as a doctor in South America, but also as a director at a local department of health and as a scientific consultant.
The medical library is a full-service facility for patients, doctors, other medical staff and the community. Staff will provide personal assistance to all customers in locating in-depth health and medical information.
Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are available Thursdays until 6 p.m. Information requests can be submitted prior to the appointment. To make an appointment with Lopez, contact Darlene Byrd at (704) 384-6393.
Consuelo Lopez, a South American physician who moved to the United States two years ago, saw this problem and began to look for a way to help. That's when she found the Health Library at Presbyterian Hospital Matthews.
"Even though there are many resources in Spanish, we still couldn't serve the Hispanic population as well as we would've liked," said librarian Darlene Byrd.
Lopez, now a volunteer at the library, is taking big steps to solve that problem. She assists the Hispanic community by providing professionally prepared health and medical information searches in Spanish.
"It's hard for patients to get all the information they need - even with an interpreter," Lopez said. "I can help find additional information after a doctor's diagnosis."
Patients, or other community members, can simply call or stop by and make an appointment with Lopez.
"With her knowledge and expertise, she can also answer specific questions," Byrd said. "Even though we were often able to find the information written in Spanish before, now she is there to answer any other questions they have."
Lopez not only worked as a doctor in South America, but also as a director at a local department of health and as a scientific consultant.
The medical library is a full-service facility for patients, doctors, other medical staff and the community. Staff will provide personal assistance to all customers in locating in-depth health and medical information.
Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Extended hours are available Thursdays until 6 p.m. Information requests can be submitted prior to the appointment. To make an appointment with Lopez, contact Darlene Byrd at (704) 384-6393.
