Culture Advantage

Who We Are

Marlene Obermeyer, RN

Marlene Obermeyer, MA, RN

Director. Curriculum Designer.

Subject Matter Expert (SME). Interpreting Skills Mentor and Coach.

WA-DSHS Authorized Interpreter Ilokano and Tagalog.

What is our philosophy?

We define medical interpreting as Provider-Managed, Patient-Centered, Interpreter-Facilitated Communication.

Interpreting is interpreter-facilitated communication.

The goal of facilitated commmunication in healthcare is clinical accuracy.

Provider-managed means the physician or other healthcare provider manages the communication to obtain accurate information to make the correct diagnosis and to prescribe treatment.

Patient-centered means the patient is able to participate fully in the treatment process by having a complete understanding about his/her diagnosis.

Interpreter-facilitated means the interpreter is responsible ensuring the patient and the provider have accurate information for shared decision-making.

This entails a strong background knowledge of medical concepts in both languages, the ability to convey complex medical information into the patient's language, while maintaining the ethical and professional standards for interpreters.

Clinical accuracy in interpreting is fundamental to PATIENT SAFETY.

Culture Advantage offers a clinically authentic learning experience in BOTH languages, that ensures clinical accuracy during the medical encounter.

This program integrates the medical provider's perspective with the patient's perspective.

As healthcare professionals, our goal is patient safety and quality of care. In facilitated communication, the quality of care depends on quality interpreting.

What is our experience?

Registered Nurse

My name is Marlene Obermeyer and I'm a registered nurse and founder and director of Culture Advantage.

Originally from the Philippines, I have over 25 years of experience as an RN:

What is our expertise?

Are we nationally recognized?

National speaker and trainer.

Leadership positions in international organization (IMIA) for interpreters.

Our Mentors and Coaches

We are proud of our mentors and coaches!

What other services do we offer?

Culture Advantage Programs

Go to the programs directly.

Contact us!