Madison House volunteers who serve as Spanish-speaking patient ambassadors assist patients with non-medical interpretation, navigation, and social interaction at UVA Hospital.
As the University of Virginia community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the spotlight turned to the Spanish Patient Ambassadors program, where student volunteers ensure that Spanish-speaking patients and their families feel welcome, comfortable, and heard during their stay at UVA Hospital.
These patient ambassadors, who are part of Madison House’s Health & Medical Services track, assist with non-medical interpretation, wayfinding, and companionship for Spanish-speaking inpatients. Volunteers visit rooms, check in on patient experiences, and confirm that effective communication has taken place through professional translators. They also provide social interaction, often through casual conversation, reading materials, or games.
As Sebastian Ordoñez Velasco, a second-year Biochemistry student and Program Director, explains, “Spanish Patient Ambassadors assist in non-medical interpretation, navigation, and social interaction. Inpatient Ambassadors help Spanish-speaking inpatients & their family members feel as welcome and comfortable in the hospital as possible.”
This is Sebastian’s second year with the program. He explained his motivation to join, saying, “The reason that I applied was . . . [to use] my skills that I learned in previous volunteering opportunities and to [apply them] in this unique setting, as well as using my Spanish.” Born in Barcelona, Spain, Sebastian is a native speaker who views language as a powerful tool for service in healthcare.
All activities take place within UVA Hospital, in close collaboration with the hospital’s language office. Currently, the program has 10 volunteers, each committing to three continuous hours once a week. Recruitment occurs on a limited basis. Sebastian notes that the program is currently full and that students interested in next year’s program will apply in August 2026.
When asked about his favorite moments, Sebastian reflected that it would be the many times he has spoken with patients one-on-one and helped them with various inquiries. Looking ahead, he has clear goals for the program’s growth this year.
“My goal this academic year is that my program has the highest number of attendances and that we try to beat our record number of reminder calls, as well as successful inpatients visits,” Sebastian states.
Programs like Spanish Patient Ambassadors show how cultural and linguistic skills can directly improve patient care. During Hispanic Heritage Month especially, the program stands as a testament to how language access and community service strengthen trust, connection, and compassionate healthcare at UVA.
By Cecilia Murphy