For over two decades, Ms. Camelo has led UMass Memorial Health’s interpreter services department, transforming it into one of the largest and most comprehensive hospital-based programs in the U.S. Under her leadership, the department supports patients with limited English proficiency and the deaf and hard of hearing, providing roughly 600,000 interpretation encounters annually in over 100 languages. Her strategic efforts have made UMass Memorial a national leader in delivering linguistically and culturally appropriate care, critical for the diverse patient population in Central Massachusetts. Ms. Camelo played a pivotal role in addressing health disparities during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring equitable access to care for underserved communities. Her dedication to integrating human expertise with advanced technology has helped improve patient outcomes, reduce misunderstandings and control healthcare costs, all while fostering trust within the community.
