Saturday, February 14, 2009

What I Do - Part 2

Things have been a bit more hectic lately - I switched jobs - sorta kinda. My "second" job is still medical transcription, but now I listen to a different voice. The change calls for a little adjustment, but it's all good.

Generally, I put what a person says into written word. Usually this is a doctor though one time I did transcribe directions for roasting a Thanksgiving turkey. I listen to what they record on a tape or sound file and then type out the words. Sounds simple enough, and it is, in concept anyway. There is a bit more to it however. Let's say the doctor is from Russia or the deep South. Hmmm...did he say "heel," "hill," or "hell?" You also have to know what's connected to what in the human body and a little something about how they work. Perineal and peroneal sound and look a lot alike, but they mean totally different things. Ditto for caudal and Cottle. I gotta know which is which and what goes where - completing a transcription diploma program gave me lots of info there. I have lots of reference books and reliable internet sites to help me out. I also have a special tape player, operated by foot, that allows me to listen to a section over and over and over again when needed. It's not everybody's cup of tea, but I like doing transcription. It gives me a way to be a part of the medical community I enjoy without having to deal with all the people. Next patient....










Traditions

Traditions. I think we have more traditions than we realize. Our Valentine's Day tradition: He gives me flowers and a card, and I give him a cherry cheesecake and a card. Not a fancy cheesecake - one of those Jell-O no-bake cheesecakes (though in a heart-shaped pan) with cherry pie filling on top. One year I tried to mix things up a bit and make a "real" cheesecake. When all was said and done, he said he like the Jell-O one better. I guess that's just the way it's supposed to be.

Some may say that traditions mean dull and boring. I say they mean reliability and comfort.


Happy Valentine's Day!