Cape Dorset (June 09/03) - Pitseolala Manning is having a busy Tuesday morning at the health clinic in Cape Dorset.

Pitseolala Manning makes sure Inuktitut-speaking patients and their doctors understand each other. - Chris Puglia/NNSL photo

Two doctors have arrived to conduct monthly check-ups with patients from surrounding communities and Manning's schedule is packed.

At first, she doesn't think she'll have time to talk before 9 a.m.

But she makes time, laughing easily about her work, saying that after seven years she still enjoys it.

Manning's job involves listening closely and feeling other people's pain.

Then she makes sure those feelings are communicated so they can get the help they need.

As one of three clerk-interpreters at the health centre, she is a vital link between patients and health care workers.

It is Manning's job to make sure Inuktitut speaking patients are understood -- that all their aches, pains, and illnesses get checked out.

In turn, she must also ensure patients understand the diagnosis and prescriptions they receive verbally and in writing.

"The phone starts ringing before 8:30 a.m.," Manning says.

"People call in and they don't speak English. Interpreting is most important."

In a month, the clinic in Cape Dorset will see between 600-800 people.

But in the years she has been an interpreter at the centre, Manning has sometimes seen over 1,000 people each month.

She has no favourite part of the job.

From providing transportation for medevacs to comforting a nervous new mother, her days are always different.

Tuesdays are "well child" days, which involve follow-ups with moms and babies.

Every Monday afternoon there is prenatal care.

Wednesday there is a clinic for elders.

Thursdays are "well woman" days, when area women can get their yearly check-ups and Pap smears.

If she had to pick her least favourite day, it would probably be Friday, when Manning and the other clerks catch up on their paper work.

While being fluent in English and Inuktitut is like breathing to Manning, mastering all the medical terms has taken a lot of time and dedication. But she clearly loves being a health care link for her community.

"It's gotten easier," she says, with a laugh. "I've gotten to know the terms."