Off The Record

Theirs is an unlikely relationship.  Not exactly like Demi and Ashton, but still.

If you placed a Physician (Doc, for today’s purposes) alongside a Medical transcriptionist (MT), it’s likely you couldn’t find two people with less in common.  So you think.

It’s true, our imaginary Doc and MT probably hail from very different backgrounds.  One holds advanced degrees, commands a top-dollar salary and enjoys peer respect, and patient gratitude.  (Hopefully.) The other may hold a college degree, but often learns on the job, earns an hourly wage and mostly completes his or work under the radar.  Very often – at home, staving isolation and the jeers of dishes and laundry.

Each one has their share of professional headaches – pun intended.  But each may develop a sort of unspoken animosity toward the other.  Each may look at the other one’s intentions with skepticism, each critical (or oblivious) to the other one’s gifts, talents and challenges.  Docs may become frustrated when the MT makes a mistake that should have been examined; MT’s might assume Docs are just rude when they talk too fast or pause too long – or cough, snort or burp while recording.  They really are human, after all!

Just like any other – this “relationship” requires some empathy and grace.  Easier said than done!

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