Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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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.

I am an MT student, almost finished with my distance learning program and excited to start! Reading this book confirms for me that I have made the right decision, and it is a field that I am also naturally drawn to because I find medicine so fascinating. There are some cute stories that will make you laugh. I am glad to learn that after almost 30 years as an MT, Sara Burns still struggles to hear a word now and then. I thought it was just because I am a struggling student who isn't sure of herself yet. Finally, for those thinking about this profession, Ms. Burns mentions the predatory magazine ads which portray easily learning medical transcription in order to work at home. Let me say that it is a serious undertaking, and there are several accredited learning programs out there through some reputable MT training schools. Do your research. You will not become a qualified MT after finishing a $75 course found in a magazine ad. After reading this book I feel that I now understand all the possibilities.

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

Introduced as "Sara Burns, medical transcriptionist" she is often greeted with the response "You're a Medical What?" In her new book by that title Sara shares how she got started in this unique career field, its pitfalls, and rewards. She also gives insight into where the industry is headed and a look behind the "Sanctum Sanctorum."

Practical tips are given throughout the book, addressed specifically for those who are Medical Transcriptionists or for any professional, self employed individuals working alone, or for those on a staff of the large corporation. She warns about burnout: "When you reach your burnout stage (and we all do), dream a dream, create a wonderful odyssey and then make it happen."

Sara's writing offers a combination of imparting knowledge from her chosen field, a connection with the reader, and a credibility that comes with the experience gained in her thirty year career.

Clever and witty, Sara's humor comes out in poetry, "Ode to a Home-Based Transcriptionist," comedy routines, and subtle observations. I enjoyed her colorful descriptive words as she introduces some of her clients: "curmudgeons and sweethearts: perfectionists; the regular guys, the prima donnas; the tyrants and the pussycats..."

Whether sharing random thoughts or tackling specific problems of the transcriptionist Sara helps the reader recognize what is working, what needs to be fixed and how to respond with immediate actionable steps. This is a book to be enjoyed by all health care professionals. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she writes with clarity.

"You're a Medical What?!" is a must read for the Medical Transcriptionist, and will be enlightening, entertaining reading for anyone who has ever had an emergency visit or been admitted to the hospital. Entertaining, witty, and practical this is a great read.

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!

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!

My friend, a medical transcriptionist, really enjoyed this book I gave her for her birthday. She shared many funny stories with me that she could identify with the author. The review of this book was a real eye opener for me, too!

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!