Many people, when listening to their doctors talk, feel as if they're listening to another language. The names of diseases, anatomy, and certain medical conditions all fall under the broad umbrella of medical terminology. However, as cumbersome as it might be for many people to learn and know, there are advantages to understanding medical language.
Understanding
The primary benefit of using medical terminology is so that those involved in the medical field will have a common language. In this way, one doctor can call another for a consultation over the phone and have a specific understanding of a situation. Using medical terminology eliminates misunderstanding.
Specifics
Medical terminology is also very specific. Each disease has its own name and classification, as does every part of the body. When a doctor wants something done during surgery for instance, he can tell the rest of the surgical team exactly what to do in very specific terms by giving his orders in medical terminology.
Additionally, take the above example of the two doctors that are consulting with one another over the phone. By using medical terminology, one doctor can explain very clearly to the other the exact happenings in his case. Medical terminology can eliminate generalities, vagueness, and misunderstanding when used properly.
Language Barriers
Medical terminology can cross language barriers and allow medical professionals from a variety of countries and backgrounds to communicate with each other and work together. Like a foreign language known by those in the medical profession, medical terminology can operate as a fall back tongue for finding answers to medical problems. Medical terminology represents a way of thinking, and an attention to detail that will help in a meeting of the minds when it comes to solving medical dilemmas.
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Writer Bio
Neal Litherland is an author, blogger and occasional ghostwriter. His experience includes comics, role playing games and a variety of other projects as well. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Indiana University, and resides in Northwest Indiana.