From Law to Medicine: How to Successfully Translate Unfamiliar Topics

As a certified translator specialized in legal and financial translation, I usually work on a wide range of documents, including birth certificates (lots of birth certificates!), marriage certificates, powers of attorney, background checks, and even court orders. However, once in a while, I receive a request that terrifies me: a medical report.

Medical translation has never been my primary focus, but since my clients need their translations certified, they come to me. So, this is what I do to make sure I’m up to the challenge of translating a document I’m not specialized in:

Taking the Time to Understand

Before starting to translate, I consider it essential to read and inform myself about the illnesses, procedures, and conditions I’ll be translating. I don’t go into too much depth, as that is part of the research involved in the translation process. Instead, I read articles, books, and websites that help me grasp the fundamental concepts in my source document. After all, it’s impossible to translate something you don’t understand. This also helps me identify the key terms and phrases that will be crucial for an accurate translation.

Finding Reliable Dictionaries, Glossaries, and Term Bases

As in all fields, certain institutions and organizations are recognized authorities in medical terminology. For example, I often consult resources from the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and specialized medical dictionaries. These resources help ensure that I’m using the most accurate and up-to-date terms. I keep a curated list of these sources, which allows me to quickly return to them whenever I encounter a challenging term or concept in a translation, as maintaining an organized library of the most reliable resources can save time and improve the quality of my work.

Going Back to the Basics

Fortunately, I had extensive training in medical translation during college. It’s always helpful to review the books, glossaries, and professors' notes from that time, where I often find answers to my questions. Revisiting my college materials not only refreshes my knowledge, but also reminds me of the strategies I learned for tackling complex medical terminology. All that time invested in learning about areas outside my specialization always pays off, as these resources are some of the most useful tools I have.

Checking and Double-Checking Unfamiliar Terms

I never trust the first Google result. I carefully check all my term choices using the reliable sources I mentioned earlier. By cross-referencing terms across multiple reputable sources, I can confirm their accuracy and ensure that I’m conveying the correct meaning. This step is crucial, especially when dealing with terms that may have different interpretations in different contexts.

Consulting with Specialists

I’m lucky to have two doctors in my family who are always willing to explain the medical jargon I find challenging. Additionally, I leverage specialized Facebook groups or platforms like ProZ for term inquiries. Networking with other professionals in the field helps me find the assistance I need when I come across particularly complex terms or concepts.

Learning to Say No

I always read the documents thoroughly before accepting a translation request. If I notice the content is too technical or that I don’t fully understand it, I don’t hesitate to advise my clients to look for a specialist in the subject. This practice protects my integrity as a translator and ensures that clients receive the highest quality of work, even if that means directing them to someone better suited for their needs.

In the end, I’m always committed to delivering accurate, reliable translations and being aware of my limitations is key to continuing to offer high-quality services. By implementing these strategies, I can approach any translations outside my field of specialization with confidence and maintain the trust of my clients.