Lisa M. Morris is director of cross cultural initiatives for the MassAHEC Network. She officially began working for UMass Medical School in 1991, but was as a consultant before that, starting in the fall 1989.

What brought you here to UMass Medical School?

Monica Escobar-Lowell recruited me to assist her with coordinating a statewide medical interpreter training effort in conjunction with MassHealth’s Office of Clinical Affairs.

What do you love most about the work that you do?

I enjoy knowing that the fruits of my labor allow patients to get access to quality care and safe care. I also get to meet many new fabulous people along my journey.

How would you explain your work to your spouse/child/a student?

This is always the big ambiguous question at the Morris household. I like to keep them thinking: teacher, interpreter, director, mom.

Best kept secret about your department?

Me!

What is the practical application of your work?

Understanding how to communicate with each other in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to avoid collisions in care or misunderstandings in our daily communication with each other.

If you could talk to patients about your work, what would you most want them to know?

You have the right to a free medical interpreter to be able to ask questions and understand everything about your personal health and well being.

Which trait do you most admire in yourself?

I love to enjoy life and make the best of every day!

Describe yourself in six words or fewer.

Fun, dedicated, mother, wife, teacher and friend

If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.

A saucepan, box of matches and a knife

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be?

Michelle Obama

Who or what inspired you to enter your field?

Throughout my teenage and adult years, I used to assist family members or some of my dad’s patients with their medical appointments. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction of being able to help someone else to get their needs met was always incredibly rewarding to me.

What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?

I love to travel, cook, listen to music, dance, enjoy the outdoors, and most of all enjoy the company of friends and family.

What is your most treasured possession?

My three beautiful children: Aria, 21, Nathan, 20, and Joshua 16

What do you consider the most interesting thing about yourself that most people might not know (and you would want to tell them).

I have accomplished two full marathons and a half-marathon

What book have you read, or what movie have you seen, most recently, or what kind of music do you most enjoy?

The Medium Next Door by Maureen Hancock

Who are your heroes?

My dad is definitely my hero. He was the first and only one from his family who immigrated to the United States. He has always been an inspiration to me, encouraging me to get an education and work hard. I am proud of his success as an immigrant doctor. Having the courage to take the U.S. medical boards, and start a residency again in the United States at a later age to re-establish his medical career once again. As he says, “Hard work pays off, it doesn’t come easy!”

What’s the most exciting thing happening in your field right now?

National certification for medical interpreters