A Lighthearted Peek into the World
of a Medical Transcriptionist
by Sara Burns
"Sara entertainingly depicts the real world of medical transcription — its humor, challenges, frustrations, accomplishments, joys, and pains.
Seasoned MTs will laugh and nod in agreement, "newbies" and students will get an uncensored view of MT as a career, relatives and friends will better understand what MTs do and why, and physicians and other healthcare professionals will better appreciate their silent partners. A delightful read for all!"
– Claudia Tessier, CAE RHIA, Vice President, Medical Records Institute & Former CEO of The American Association for Medical Transcription
You're a Medical What!? entertains and informs anyone who would peruse its pages. What reader would not eagerly turn the page to discover which famous person was a flirtatious rascal in the recovery room?What do medical transcriptionists hear when doctors forget to turn off their recorders?Imagine yourself sitting by the ocean in Kauai, watching the dolphins play offshore, while you continue your work, as the author so deftly describes.
There is an abundance of resource books for current as well as aspiring medical transcriptionists, and there is a small handful of humorous books, but there is nothing on the market that combines lighthearted anecdotal content with sound how-to advice. At last a book that appeals to anyone who is curious about the world of medicine, and more specifically how medical transcription fits into that picture.It provides a peek into a part of that world, and informs and teaches as it entertains.
Sara Burns offers a lighthearted perspective and insight into this little known, but vitally significant, component of the medical community.
"From the onset Sara informed me that she would mold her work first to satisfy herself. I suspect she's pleased. Next she felt she had something to say. And so she did. She wanted to offer her score-plus-years of experience and accumulated wisdom in support ofcareer aspirants. And so she has. She knew that her own passion for a demanding job must obviously exist in others. She is likely right. Lastly, books are usually produced as a labor of love. She has that and so she composed. She effectively encourages aspirants attracted to the 'word trade'. She would take great delight to learn that she had inspired even a handful of you. Such an evoked joy would be no surprise to those of us who have known the ever-ebullient Sara."
– R. Paul St. Amand, MD, author of
"What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia"
and "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia Fatigue"
"A superb little tome that entertains and informs. Sara tells it like it is, cleverly bringing to life the world of medical transcription, a little known but vitally important cog in the wheel of medicine. A delightful read for anyone fortunate enough to open its pages."
– W. Grant Stevens, M.D., F.A.C.
Director, Marina Plastic Surgery Associates
Associate Clinical Professor, USC School of Medicine
Clinical Instructor, UCLA School of Medicine
You're a Medical What?!: A Lighthearted Peek into the World of a Medical Transcriptionist
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (4/08)
“You’re a Medical What?!” is a compilation of anecdotes written about things author Sara Burns has experienced in her twenty-nine years as a medical transcriptionist. Her passion and love for her chosen career resonate throughout the book, However, she is upfront with the reader about aspects of her job that are not as glamorous. Burns states that she wrote the book for three distinct groups: veteran transcriptionists, those considering a career as a transcriptionist, and “any inquisitive individual who happens upon this book.” All three groups can appreciate the book and gain important knowledge. However, people with backgrounds in the medical field or those who are familiar with medical terminology will be able to better identify with her stories.
Burns offers helpful tips for those interested in seeking a career in medical transcription. She also discusses where the profession is headed for the future and how vastly it may differ from its present state. She provides good advice for those trying to decide between working at home and working in a traditional office setting. (These tips are helpful for anyone considering working at home, regardless of his or her profession.) She challenges the reader to ponder if he or she has enough selfmotivation to remain focused and complete the work on time. Another important item to consider is whether a particular person can work well alone or if interaction with other people is needed.
The author uses humor to depict the job of a medical transcriptionist. She includes some cute cartoons, but the best part is her takeoff of Jeff Foxworthy’s “you might be a redneck” routine. She devotes an entire chapter to her “you might be a medical transcriptionist” theme, including such quips as, “If every time you sit in a chair you automatically feel for the foot pedal with your foot, you might be a medical transcriptionist.”
This is a fun and well-written book. Sara Burns does an excellent job of recounting her lifeexperiences so the reader can easily relate to many of the situations. She includes humor to entertainand keep the audience interested. In addition, she serves as sort of a mentor for people considering making medical transcription their career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (see photo below): Sara Burns' work as a surgical secretary led to medical transcription, including an AA degree with a medical transcription major. Her articles were published in the association's journals, which she expanded into this book, her first. Sara and her husband live in their new home in the woods near Nevada City, California. Sara's work as a medical language specialist and independent contractor continues.
You're a Medical What!? A Lighthearted Peek into the World of a Medical Transcriptionist by Sara Burns ISBN: 978-1-934759-00-4 Soft Cover, 6 x 9, 144 pages, $14.95 US / $14.95 CAN
