Dary Osorio (pictured above, right), from our Greenville market, and Maria “Claudia” Oystese (pictured above, left), from our Richmond market, are two of our ministry’s exceptional senior interpreter navigators.
Their unique journeys and dedication to serving their communities are reflections of their deep cultural roots and passion for helping others.
Dary’s journey of resilience and empowerment
Born and raised in Colombia, Dary’s journey to becoming a senior interpreter navigator is one marked by a deep commitment to giving back.
Twenty-one years ago, Dary moved to the United States with her family, embracing a new culture while raising six children. After dedicating years to her family, she returned to work, bringing with her a background in dentistry from Colombia and a new-found passion for interpreting.
As a breast cancer survivor, Dary felt a strong pull toward oncology. Volunteering at a free clinic, she discovered her calling while interpreting for oncology patients.
“I knew firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis,” she reflects. “I wanted to be there for others going through the same, especially those who don’t speak the language or feel isolated.”
Her experience as an immigrant gave her a unique understanding of the challenges faced by non-English-speaking patients in navigating the health care system. This inspired her to work more closely with oncology patients, providing not just language interpretation but also emotional and cultural support.
Dary’s work grew rapidly, eventually earning her a position as one of our on-site interpreters at Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center. She now serves as a senior interpreter navigator, using her personal experience and cultural background to empower patients and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve.
Claudia’s global perspective on patient advocacy
Claudia’s story is one of cultural diversity. With a heritage that spans continents, Claudia’s journey into medical interpreting began after years spent living in different countries and experiencing various cultures.
Born in South America and educated in Switzerland and the Netherlands, Claudia later earned a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University before transitioning to a career in medical interpreting. Her professional and personal experiences of navigating different cultures and languages helped her understand the vulnerability that many patients face when accessing health care services.
“Patients often feel intimidated, not just by the language barrier, but by the system itself,” Claudia explains. “My goal is to empower them to take control of their health care and feel confident in our ministry.”
Claudia’s passion for patient advocacy led her to help establish the interpreter navigator role in our ministry, recognizing that non-English-speaking patients needed more than just language support – they needed a guide to help them understand the complexities of the health care system. Her multicultural background has been an asset in bridging gaps, allowing her to connect with patients on a deeper, more personal level.
A shared dedication to community
Both Dary and Claudia bring their rich cultural backgrounds to their roles, using their heritage to connect with patients in profound ways. As Hispanic leaders in health care, they embody the values of empathy, health equity, advocacy and empowerment, ensuring that every patient, regardless of language or background, receives the care they deserve.
Recently, both Dary and Claudia completed the American Cancer Society Oncology Navigation Training and Credentialing Program, equipping them with the tools to further support oncology patients through culturally informed care. It also helped them gain deeper insights into patient navigation and the importance of addressing social determinants of health for improved outcomes.
Congratulations to both Dary and Claudia!
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