Volunteer Spotlight: Astrid (Volunteer Interpreter)

Volunteers founded Culmore Clinic in 2007 and to this day it is still significantly volunteer run. Each month we like to spotlight one of the volunteers that ensures Culmore Clinic continues to provide quality, culturally sensitive healthcare at little to no cost to our uninsured patients. 

This month we are spotlighting Astrid Atkins, one of our all-star Volunteer Interpreters! 

Astrid came to Culmore Clinic nine years ago as a volunteer interested in interpreting. A fluent Spanish speaker, Astrid was trained in medical interpreting by our Interpreter Manager and immediately excelled. At one point, Astrid also held an administrative position at The Clinic, but when we needed more Spanish interpreters, she returned to us in an interpreting role and has stayed on as a loyal volunteer throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

Astrid was raised in South America, attending international schools while her father was posted in Chile and Peru. Astrid has two daughters in college and resides in Vienna with her husband and their two adorable dogs. 

It’s worth noting that interpreters often work more shifts than other volunteers at The Clinic for the simple reason that medically trained interpreters, who are willing to work in a volunteer capacity, are in extremely short demand. Culmore Clinic and its patients are truly privileged to have such dedication from our core Interpreting Team. 

Caroline Hillkirk, our Interpreter Manager, says the following about Astrid: 

Astrid is kind, compassionate, upbeat, and always a pleasure to work with. Culmore Clinic is very lucky to count Astrid as a vital member of our core Interpreting Team. 

Thank you so very much for all that you do for Culmore Clinic and our patients, Astrid!  

Please feel free to share some nice words for or about Astrid below in the comment section: