This is best accomplished by the mentoring of a new MT by a trainer (another MT) with expertise in the appropriate specialties, who can provide the new MT with immediate feedback on proper terminology, research sources, and even the dictating styles of particular physicians. One-on-one training of the new MT provides an avenue for questions and answers that can be handled immediately either by Instant Messaging or e-mail. The provision of Internet web-sites for research is an invaluable tool to assist the new MT in becoming proficient at researching and finding answers to their questions regarding new terminology, new equipment, etc.

versus simply sending the job on to Quality Assurance with blanks. Providing 100% Quality Assurance during the training period as a standard procedure for a specified period of time aids in helping the new MT become comfortable with the research skills they are developing and in trusting their own judgement. Constructive criticism with positive feedback and encouragement are the shortest road to encouraging a new MT to become the best they can possibly be, thereby giving them a vested interest in learning all they can to produce the most professional medical documents possible.

Once the MTSO has completed the training process of a new MT, the continuing education of the MT basically becomes the sole responsibility of the MT. For the MT who becomes a certified medical transcriptionist, there are continuing education courses for which credit is obtained. However, there are a great many MTs who have been in this profession for well over 25 years, long before certification even existed in the field. Because the medical field is not a static one where everything remains the same, an MT who wishes to become truly proficient at his or her profession must not become static either. The MTSO should encourage its MTs to constantly strive for increased knowledge by providing up-to-date information whenever available and through proficiency reviews, thereby avoiding complacency and insuring the production of medical reports that are accurate, professional, and that will stand up in a court of law.Sharon Champion is a lead medical transcriptionist at Alphamed Solutions, Inc.,

with over 20 years of experience in Ophthalmology and Orthopedics, whose present emphasis is on Genetics and serving as a training mentor to new MTs. In addition she has experience in Cardiology, Urology, Family Practice, General Surgery, Oral Surgery and Acute Care. She has worked in the Healthcare Industry since 1982, holding the positions of Medical Office Manager and Medical Billing Department Manager prior to becoming a full-time medical transcriptionist.Alphamed Solutions, Inc is focused on delivering comprehensive and value based healthcare technology and services solutions to physicians and medical practices. Alphamed solutions empowers practices of all sizes to reduce their cost and medical errors and to maximize their clinical, financial and operational efficiencies and ultimately improve their patients quality of care.