Medical Translation Step by Step
Written by ForeignExchange Translations on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We know that medical translation isn't for everybody. But among those translators who want to specialize in medical translations, the most common question is "How do I get started?".
Andy Bell of AAA Scandinavian Translations provided a great response to this question last year, on the There's Something About Translation blog. He provides realistic and specific pointers like:I would suggest that if you’re planning to translate patient notes, medical records, surgical texts or journal articles then you might consider a course in medical writing/editing, read prolifically around the subject ("Medical Translation Step by Step" by Vicent Resurrecio and Maria Gonzalez Davies is excellent) or even consider working in a hospital on a paid or volunteer basis if you really want to get a handle on the language of medicine.
Take a look at the full interview - it's well worth the read.
Andy's comment that you "can't 'best guess' medical translation" identifies the crux of the problem faced by new-comers. Luckily, the book that Andy mentions, Medical Translation Step by Step, is a terrific tool to help beginner medical translators acquire insight and develop a suitable work style.
The book, which is published by St. Jerome Publishing, covers three main areas: medical writing, translation practice, and exploration of different paths to learning.
The 250-page book does a really good job of explaining the process of medical translation. Spread-out over seven chapters and two appendices, the book offers a comprehensive and practical textbook on medical translation.
For more information, take a look at the book review that appeared in The Journal of Specialised Translation. You can also get a sense of one of the author's experience and approach by reading The Acquisition of Translation Competence.
For other interesting books, take a look at:
ForeignExchange Translations provides specialized medical translation services to biopharma and medical equipment companies.
Thanks for your comment! Glad to hear that the book is useful and recommended by translation students! Do you have any other recommended reading for medical translation professionals/students? We're always interested in hearing about good resources for information!
[Via LinkedIn]
[Via LinkedIn]
Even within medical translation, I think one can benefit from specializing even further... I've only been a full-time translator for a year, but I find it more challenging to translate cardiology-related medical notes than a clinical trial protocol / ICF / SPC because I have such deep expertise in the latter. But luckily I can rely on colleagues to help me out with some of the cardiology terminology that I get stuck on!
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