Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Youre a Medical What A Lighthearted Peek into the World of a Medical Transcriptionist

November 13, 2009 by sgtwak  
Filed under Uncategorized

Youre a Medical What A Lighthearted Peek into the World of a Medical Transcriptionist




There is an abundance of resource books for current as well as aspiring medical transcriptionists, and there is a small handful of humourous 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.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Overall, a wonderfully informative book.
A a MT student with lots of questions, this book gave a wonderful, well-rounded perspective of a career in medical transcription. It has re-invigorated my studying. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in an MT career, and especially to all MT students. There are peeks and valleys and it’s great to know that the peeks are higher than the valleys are deep!

5 Stars Medical Job
This was a good book that help me realize I do not want to seek a job as medical transcriptionist.

5 Stars Absolutely loved this book!!
I absolutely love this book. I was so happy with it that I ordered 3 more for my transcriptionist friends. I find myself constantly quoting something from the book while I am at work. I also have a better understanding of how my doctors feel some days by the time they get to the office. I was amazed at the similarities that we transcriptionists have. We are certainly not alone in our love for our work and in our frustrations that we have at times.

5 Stars An absolute delightful and fun read with tons of practical advice!
Sara Burns makes the world of medical transcription come alive to those unfamiliar with the field and creates a “chum-hood”, if you will, to those of us who share experience in the field, to the point of pure nodding hilarity in which we can identify with common experiences.

Her book is an absolute delight to read. As a medical transcriptionist for almost 20 years, I feel she blends a perfect recipe of information, heaping cupfuls of wit and humor, and plenty of wisdom from her 29 years of experience. She offers everything from practical advice for not only the prospective or new transcriptionist but also wisdom to benefit the seasoned transcriptionist that adds spice to a job you already love. Many times, this book is just plain fun that will have you laughing out loud.

I absolutely loved her chapter, “You Might be a Transcriptionist if … ,” which had me cackling to the point of my tummy almost hurting, and I found myself filling in the blanks with my own experiences on the job. It would be fun for all of us MTs to send Mrs. Burns our “You might be’s” so she could be the beneficiary of the same types of wonderful hoots she provided the reader. What an absolutely clever and fun chapter. Quite a change from some of the usual material on the subject of medical transcription, which tends to be on the rather dry and serious side, making one wonder if the field of medical transcription is devoid of individuals with an ounce of personality. Certainly, Sara debunks that speculation and offers her charmingly infectious personality. She draws you into her world and lets you know enough about her own life story that just fills you with a desire to sit with her in a couple of cozy chairs, sipping tea, and asking her to share more stories about herself and this interesting profession.

Funny thing is, working at home, we don’t always have another transcriptionist friend ready at hand to talk to. Reading Sara’s book was like having a luncheon with her, sharing the ups and downs of the job, the hysterical things that happen, helpful hints, pros and cons … you name it, she covered it. She essentially became my mate for the duration of the book. I also so appreciated hearing some of her faux pas, gaining comfort from the fact that even a seasoned transcriptionist makes mistakes. Goodness, when you are an independent contractor, you are your own worst critic, so knowing that even the mature transcriptionist makes a mistake here and there, is able to laugh about it, and then move on is ever so comforting. Even the cartoons were a hoot because she nailed every aspect of being a home-based transcriptionist.

My conclusion: We transcriptions have needed a book like this. Sara Burns has filled the void. Many of us are fun, we love our job, and it is far from boring. I definitely would recommend this to those looking into the field and those new to the field, as there is much sound advice given from a woman with vast experience. Additionally, this is a book I would highly recommend to the seasoned transcriptionist who will find themselves smiling and laughing throughout as we can identify with every aspect of what she shares and even gain some helpful tips and new perspectives on our profession. It is simply a refreshing book. Finally, I even think physicians would benefit a great deal from reading her book as they could gain an understanding of what we have to deal with as a transcriptionist, might even laugh at themselves, and might even gain a greater appreciation for those of us who work so hard to make them sound their best.

So, two thumbs up for Sara. Get this book. You not only won’t be disappointed, but you will be glad you did because you will have had so much fun … it’s not just a “how to” but a wonderful story that unfolds in the process. Enjoy!

5 Stars Great advice, well-written, and entertaining!
The previous reviews give an excellent description Sara Burns’ book, so I will not repeat what they have to say as I agree with their reviews and praise. I have been in the field for many years and found Sara’s book to be a wonderful compellation of wisdom, humor, practical advice, and refreshing honesty, written in a lighthearted, easy, and witty style. I enjoyed Sara’s book from start to finish and was sad to turn the last page. I found myself nodding in agreement and smiling with understanding at the humerous, frustrating, and fulfilling moments that she describes so well. With so many years of experience, Sara’s insights and practical suggestions will be invaluable to someone considering medical transcription and will provide a good understanding of all aspects of this field. She has a way with words that will hold your attention, whether you are someone looking to get into the field or have worked in the medical field for years. I highly recommend her book – read it slowly and enjoy it!

Buy/More Info

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print this article!
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

You must be logged in to post a comment.