Medical Slang

Medical Slang

After talking about medical slang in class, I was very interested to learn more about it. While discussing medical slang in class, we learned five different reasons it is used. The use of slang serves to create a sense of belonging, establish a unique identity, provide a private means of communication, creates opportunities for humor and wit, and soften tragedies and emotions. Although these are all interesting, after looking more into medical slang I thought I would focus on the pros and cons of slang.

            Using slang in the medical field does not come with a lot of pros. One good thing about medical slang would be not scaring the patient, because they would not know what the doctor is talking about for the most part. It is better for the patient when the doctors explain everything in words that the patient will understand. “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 understand of a situation. Using the same medical terminology eliminates misunderstanding” (Litherland).

            There are many cons with using slang while at work in the medical field. The patient may misinterpret what the doctor is saying. This could be extremely bad because it could lead to scaring the patient as well as possibly offending the patient. “Some slang is pejorative, that is, uncomplimentary or even abusive. Examples in medical language include crock and gomer, both referring to tiresome, difficult, or hypochondriacal patients” (Dirckx). Each of these terms are not necessarily the most genuine, which could potentially upset the patient if they are able to distinguish what the doctor is saying.

           

            In my opinion, I feel that doctors should only use this type of slang only around other doctors or coworkers, as well as where no one else can hear them. Because there can be a lot of confusion, or misinterpretation, it would be better for the doctor and the patient if this lingo was just not used in front of a patient at all. This also saves time for the doctor so they are not explaining to the patient what they just said. Although sometimes there is no way around medical slang and terminology, the doctor with have to “dumb down” this jargon in order for the patients to understand.

References:

Dirckx, John H. "Urines Are Cooking:Perspectives On Medical Slang and Jargon." (n.d.): n. pag. Sept. 2004. Web.

Litherland, N.Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_5775696_advantages-using-medical-terminology_.html