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Original poster

Medical Secretary

5 replies

Hello1290 · 20/08/2021 22:35

Does anyone have any experience working as a medical secretary - is it still lots of audio typing these days. I have seen a role I think looks intetesting although it doesn't list audio typing as an essential skill it talks more about communication and customer service skills. This has made me wonder if the role has changed over recent years. Do newcomers still need to know lots about medical terminology.

OP posts:

Ugzbugz · 21/08/2021 02:56

My DM did this and then I'm sure it changed to doctors dictating their own letters and them possibly tidying up. She had no medical knowledge although she had to transcribe a doctors writing. Don't mean to offend. She loved her job.

Can you touch type?

You can learn this online very easy which I would suggest.

PeigiSu · 21/08/2021 03:05

Probably varies place to place. I know some places where secretaries still type, some places now have voice recognition software, some places they have a typing pool so sometimes typist will do the typing to free up secretary for other things.

Personally much prefer having a switched on secretary who knows the team and will listen and sense check and make sure the plan from the letter is actioned. Although haven’t tried the voice recognition!

dontsaynothing · 23/08/2021 13:35

Any medical secretaries here who can tell us what's required to become a medical secretary?

villagegirlatheart · 23/08/2021 14:50

I'm a medical secretary of 30 years (both NHS and private practice) Started in a data entry role with no experience and then undertook a secretarial Pitman's course in the evenings.

Some secretaries touch type, some don't, but in my opinion it is definitely worth learning. The workload is huge so accuracy and speed is beneficial. I haven't worked in the NHS for quite some time but in private practice secretaries do type the clinic letters. I agree with @PeigiSu that being switched on and knowing the team is really important. You need to be a "doer".... calm, organised, and with great attention to detail.

I've only worked for one practice who had voice recognition software. Most secretaries opted to type themselves. I tried it and agree. In the time it takes you to listen to the audio and check the transcription, you can type it yourself.

Terminology can be picked up as you go along. It is a huge learning curve but it does fall into place and you get used to the specific terminology for your speciality. I did do a medical terminology course but it isn't necessary. Just make a note of mistakes as you go along and learn from them. It all comes with time.

I'd say go for it - it really is an interesting role and highly rewarding.

thenightsky · 23/08/2021 14:56

Its stressful. I've just taken early retirement after being a medical secretary since 1987. I used to have to go loads of overtime just to keep up with the outpatient clinic typing, going in at the weekends. I used to dread coming back from more than a few days' leave, as the pile of work would outface me.

But, if you get a good team lead by a sensible consultant, then the job is wonderful and hence why I stayed as long as I did. It was only when restructuring meant I got moved to work for an awful, misogynist bully that I had to go for the sake of my mental health.

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