To be the best...

What are the top 3 traits or skills every transcriptionist must have to excel?

Can you suggest any tips or insights to develop your transcriptionist expertise?

1 - Flexibility and an ability to accept changes FREQUENTLY. This business is not one that has stagnant rules and certain fixed ways of doing things. Each account requires that things be done their way. No school can teach that and some people are really rigid and it is not an asset in this type of job.

2 - Willingness to take a bit of time to invest in YOURSELF in the beginning. No one knows every single word they will hear. There are going to be days when you have to look up words repeatedly. Google is one of my best friends. It is also not a bad idea to be easy on yourself when you are new or even new to a certain doctor, speciality, etc ....no one can steal or remove knowledge and 99% of medical transcription (in my opinion of course) is "what you know".

3 - Ability to take edits/comments/constructive criticism and IMPROVE yourself. I have been transcribing for 18 years now and have done almost all specialities at one time or another. Some people really are skilled at letting you know what needs improvement, etc, and some are just seemingly eager to tear you down. You have to take the criticism with a smile (fake is acceptable) and go kick the tires on the car later if you need to get out the frustration. The ONLY thing "good" feedback can do is help you improve yourself.

Ah...so I came looking and I decided to answer this. Hope it is helpful!!

Mary Ann