March 2012

Maria Torres-Paraizo

Interpreter Services Department

"Maria always spends extra time with each patient and the ICU nurses when she's called in to translate, she's just one who consistently goes above and beyond." This is how the ICU staff describe the "Patients First" attitude of Maria Torres-Paraizo, our March Star Performer of the Month.

Maria began her career here at Lowell General Hospital in 2006 as a per-Diem Portuguese Translator, later beginning full time with the Interpreter Services Department in 2007. She comes to the aid of patient care staff, physicians, and any other departments that need assistance in communicating with patients who may only speak Portuguese, or have limited understanding of English.

Says Maureen Ide, RN, ICU, "Maria spends extra time at the bedside with patients and their families, she will come back to visit the ICU several times during the day without even being called. She shows true dedication, a caring spirit, and the love she has for her patients at Lowell General each and every work day."

Maria is also passionate about the plight of midwives in the northeast area of Brazil, and after living in the U.S for more than 10 years, she decided to return to this remote area in November 2008 to research the culture and practices of these midwives in a selfless effort to raise awareness about the care for women and children in this community. She has done several Lunch & Learn sessions at Lowell General on the topic, and is a dedicated member of the Diversity Council at Lowell General Hospital.

Maria lives in Groton with her two boys and her husband, Orlando. Her hobbies include organization, reading, and going to her son's soccer games.

Congratulations, Maria. You're a Star!