Course Description

This session offers a clinically grounded introduction to anatomy and physiology tailored specifically for sign language interpreters working in healthcare settings. Recognising that anatomy is a large and complex subject, the session focuses on the anatomical knowledge most commonly encountered in routine GP and hospital consultations, rather than broad or technical coverage.

Participants will be introduced to core anatomy concepts, including how the body is described and divided into sections, followed by a high-level overview of major body systems and organs frequently discussed in clinical practice. Emphasis is also placed on understanding what these structures do, why they matter in healthcare conversations and how anatomy is commonly explained in everyday clinical language, including discussions around scans, tests and results.

Interactive breakout activities are embedded throughout the session, giving interpreters opportunities to explore how anatomical concepts can be represented in sign language and to practise moving between anatomical terminology and everyday language. The session is introductory, practical and application-focused, aiming to build confidence for interpreters supporting patients and clinicians in healthcare environments.

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe core anatomy concepts, including directional terminology, to support accurate interpretation in routine healthcare contexts.
  2. Explore the anatomy and physiology of major organs and body systems most commonly discussed in routine GP and hospital consultations.
  3. Apply anatomical understanding to support clear and accurate interpretation in sign language across a range of routine healthcare settings.
  4. Develop increased confidence in interpreting anatomy-related content through practical examples, discussion and interactive breakout activities.

This webinar will be delivered in English.




Ourania Varsou

Dr Ourania Varsou is a medically-qualified Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of Glasgow, where she leads curriculum innovation across bioscience, medical and dental programmes. She is the POCUS and Anatomy Director at Ballater Medical and serves as the MVLS College Ethics Committee Vice Chair at her home institution. She also holds leadership roles within the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy of Scotland as Exchange Grant Challenge Lead and Advisory Group Chair. Her research focuses on ultrasound imaging, humanities in healthcare/biosciences and generative AI in higher education. A strong advocate for inclusive, creative and active pedagogies, Dr Varsou promotes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching approaches across sectors.

Course curriculum

    1. Learner Terms & Conditions

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Slides and Handout

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. Slides: Anatomy and Physiology for Sign Language Interpreters: A Clinically Grounded Introduction

    4. Handout: Anatomy and Physiology for Sign Language Interpreters: A Clinically Grounded Introduction

    5. Anonymised chat log

    1. Webinar video 1

    1. Webinar video 2

    1. Breakout Activity

    2. Breakout Group Feedback

About this course

  • £40.00

Related training:

  • £40.00

    Interpreting in Healthcare Settings

    Buy Now
  • £40.00

    Interpreting for Deaf Children in Healthcare Settings

    Buy Now
  • £40.00

    Vision matters: Introduction to Eye Care Appointments for BSL/English Interpreters

    Buy Now