You're a Medical What?!: A Lighthearted Peek into the World of a Medical Transcriptionist

Sara Burns
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9781934759004
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 self-motivation 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 life-experiences so the reader can easily relate to many of the situations.  She includes humor to entertain and keep the audience interested.  In addition, she serves as sort of a mentor for people considering making medical transcription their career.

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