Are you considering a career as a medical narrator? Perhaps you already identify yourself as one. Do you possess a comprehensive medical demo? If your responses align with a resounding “yes, yes, and yes,” then you’re on the right track. However, breaking into the medical narration niche requires more than just claiming expertise. It demands a nuanced understanding of the field, which can be achieved through practice, experience, and a profound knowledge of medical terminology.
The Challenge of Medical Narration
While having some experience in ADR work, video game narration, or audiobook narration is valuable, it doesn’t automatically qualify you as an expert in those genres. In the realm of medical voiceovers, expertise is cultivated through a deep immersion in the subject matter.
“It Takes One to Know One”
Medical narration occupies a significant portion of the voiceover industry. Whether you are actively involved in medical narration or considering venturing into this domain, honing your skills and proficiency is essential. One effective way to stand out is by familiarizing yourself with the unique language and terminologies prevalent in the medical field.
Speaking the Language of Medical Professionals
Just as every profession has its jargon, the medical field is replete with acronyms and specialized language. Before entering the world of voice acting, terms like “put your cans on” might have left you bewildered. Understanding the unique language used in medical narration not only showcases your professionalism but also establishes trust and credibility with clients who are deeply immersed in medical content.
Decode the Medical Language
Embrace the following terms commonly used in medical narration to enhance your fluency in this specialized niche:
- AE (Adverse Events): Unfavorable outcomes or side effects associated with medical treatments.
- Black Box Warning: A mandated cautionary statement by the US FDA for medications with significant safety risks.
- EUA (Emergency Use Authorization): Special permission granted for the use of certain medical products during emergencies.
- Fair Balance: Providing an equitable representation of a drug’s risks and benefits.
- HCP (Health Care Provider): A broad term encompassing healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other caregivers.
- ISI (Important Safety Information): Crucial details regarding a drug’s safety considerations.
- MLR (Medical Legal Review): A process ensuring medical content complies with legal and regulatory standards.
- MOA (Mechanism of Action): How a drug exerts its therapeutic effects.
- MOD (Mechanism of Disease): Understanding the biological processes underlying a medical condition.
- MOOC (Massive Open Online Course): Large-scale online courses providing medical education.
- SME (Subject Matter Expert): An individual with extensive knowledge and proficiency in a specific area.
Building Trust through Language Proficiency
When you speak the language of your clients, in this case, medical professionals, you instill confidence and ease. Much like surprising someone by conversing in their native language, gaining familiarity with medical narration terms can lead to delightful expressions of recognition and understanding. Your proficiency in the medical language becomes a bridge between you and your clients, fostering trust and collaboration.
Conclusion
In the competitive landscape of medical narration, differentiation is key. Elevate your expertise by not only perfecting your craft but also by becoming fluent in the language that defines the medical content industry. By embracing and understanding the terminology used in medical narration, you position yourself as a reliable and knowledgeable voiceover artist, ready to navigate the intricacies of healthcare communication, pharmaceutical content, and medical advertising. Master the language, and you’ll master the art of medical narration.
Debbie Irwin
WoVO At-Large Exec. Board Member