Respect for language
Summerside based medical administrative assistant named Étoile Santé
Another Étoile Santé has been named, this time in Megan Arsenault, a bilingual medical administrative assistant.
Originally from St. Edward, the Westisle Composite High school graduate completed the Medical Administrative Assistant at CompuCollege.
“I was in French immersion at school. I did my medical secretary course in English, and for eight years after that, I worked at the Summerside Animal Hospital, mostly in English,” she said.
“When I saw that they were looking for a bilingual medical secretary at the Harbourside Health Centre, I decided to apply. It’s a designated bilingual position, and I always have the little Français/English sign on my desk. I want to practise my French. I listen to the radio in French, I read in French, and I have been taking evening French classes since I started working there.” Arsenault realizes that people hesitate to speak to her in French, so she actively offers bilingual services.
“I know that being served in the language of their choice can make a big difference for those who have health-related questions.”
She remembers speaking with a young woman who was going through a difficult health situation.
“When I started talking French to her, she instantly became calmer. It was like a completely different person.” One of Arsenault’s many tasks is to set up appointments for clients. Thanks to the new health card functionality, a client’s preferred language appears on the card, and is registered in his or her file. If clients have indicated wanting to be spoken to in French, she speaks French to them.
Arsenault’s contact information can be found in the bilingual service provider directory at www.santeipe.ca/repertoire. Anyone can nominate health professionals who actively offer French language health services in Prince Edward Island for a chance to win $500. For more information on the Étoile Santé campaign or to nominate someone directly on the PEIFHN’s website, go to www.santeipe.ca.