January 10, 2025#WeAreNorthern
Meet Gustavo Salamone, Italian Interpreter, Transcultural and Language Services (TALS), Northern Health.
Q: Firstly, what is your coffee order?
A: My coffee order is typically a short black, however, I enjoy starting the day with a latte for a bit of variety.
Q: Tell us about your journey with Northern Health?
A: I’ve been working as an interpreter at TALS for over six years. Before joining Northern Health, I worked as a freelancer for various interpreting agencies. Prior to that, my background was in manufacturing, which, although quite different, helped me develop skills like adaptability in fast-paced environments and attention to detail. These skills have been invaluable in my current role, especially when interpreting sensitive medical information.
Q: What does a day in the life of an interpreter look like?
A: A day in the life of an interpreter at Northern Health is incredibly diverse and unpredictable. Each day requires a new set of skills and brings challenges. For example, I could be interpreting for a psychiatric assessment in the morning, followed by an aged care assessment in the afternoon, then assist with a cardiology consultation later in the day. The variety extends across all Northern Health campuses, and it even includes home visits. This means I have to be prepared for any healthcare situation that may arise, from routine check-ups to complex medical procedures.
Q: Favorite childhood memory?
A: My favourite childhood memory is spending time with my family. Those moments together were filled with laughter and love, creating lasting bonds that I cherish to this day.
Q: Are you a night owl or an early bird?
A: While I consider myself more of a night owl, I don’t mind waking up early when there’s a good reason to do so. It’s all about balancing my natural habits with the demands of my work as an interpreter.
