Meet Samia Saad, Diversity Advisory Council Member

“I take pride in being part of this great institution and working with a group of very diverse people. I like the international flavor and the opportunity to serve the patients and to be the bridge of communication between the patients and the OHSU staff in all the languages of the world.”

Samia Saad
Manager
Translation & Interpreter Services

Samia spent her childhood in Lebanon, and moved to Zambia with her family as a teenager. In Zambia, Samia attended the International School of Lusaka, which enrolled students from 35 different countries. Going to school in that multicultural and multilingual environment had a deep effect on Samia. After moving to Oregon for college and completing her Business Administration degree at Portland State University, languages and international studies were still her passion. Samia joined OHSU 12 years ago, and currently in the Manager of Translation & Interpreter Services. Her job entails leading a team of employees, which is composed of people from 12 different countries, that facilitates communication between OHSU health care providers and patients who prefer to speak in a language other than English. Samia is also a certified Arabic interpreter, and fulfills that role as the need arises.

At OHSU, Samia has found a work environment compatible with her interest in language and international studies. In addition to working with a diverse and international staff, Samia is happy that her department provides a feeling of inclusion and understanding of other cultures. By providing communication support, Translation & Interpreter Services enhances the quality of patient care for OHSU’s diverse patient population.