A renegade medical transcriptionist rants about the inherent crappy nature of his former job. He used to have no choice, so he held on to that job because there weren't many other jobs available to him at that time. He used to be a victim of global exploitation occasionally masquerading as outsourcing.

Monday, December 3, 2007

English and Listening Skills: More Important than Medical Jargon

The problem with many companies hiring medical transcriptionist is their emphasis on one's educational background, specifically the pre-med or med course one studied in college.

The fact is, medical terminologies can be learned by anybody who can memorize and who is seriously interested in learning such words. When it comes to actual transcription work, it is ultimately hearing acuity and listening skills that will help one get through the day.

Additionally, one's English proficiency will help make sense out of the document. A female colleague once transcribed it as "... shaft on the penis ..." -- well, she could be "inexperienced" so I don't blame her, but imagine a penis (which already has a shaft) having another shaft on it.