"THE GREEK LANGUAGE CONSULTANT"
An introduction to this article, by: Suzan DeWitt
In order to facilitate the reader, I feel compelled to provide a short introduction to the
following aritcle.
Having worked for many years in the medical field, I have collected immeasurable and
unforgettable experiences, but this one is unique, rare, and worthy of telling.
It is also a tribute to the fantastic splendor called the Greek language that I came to
admire. So, please, let me begin:
1. The early years of medical transcription
Prior to "spell-check" computers and Xerox copiers medical and radiology trans-
ptionists were sent to the dictionaries extensively which consumed on abundnace of
typing time. Medical dictionaries encompassed Greek, Latin, French and German words
These dictionaries were unique and gave exposure to the Greek language. Most people
tend to recognize that medical terms are Latin, however, the Greek language is more
prominent than the Latin which medical students used to study in medical school.
In the late 1960's there were no vocational schools that taught medical or radiology
transcription. This skill required accurate and fast typing skills and the knowledge of
medical terminology. It also required the ability to make many, many "carbon copies"
so if you made a mistake, you either learned now to erase the error so that you could
not perceive it or start your text over again. How marvelous the computer was as well
as the many medical terninology reference books that came much later. The focus on
medical and radiology reports is for medical legal purposes. Physicians would dictate
radiology reports and surgical reports on a reel-to-reel stenograph all while eating
carrots or chewing gum. In later years the medical profession became multilingual
from the influx of foreign physicians from every corner of the earth. With this came the
many accents. The turn-around time for these diverse and multiple dictated reports
grew and grew and grew into quite a business, prducing an abundance of type written
legal report estimated at 20.000 to 30.000 per month. To make a long story short,
the demand for instant reporting grew too: speed and accuracy became the game.
2. Meeting with Evi Martyn
In the mid 1970's, while working as a medical / radiology transcriptionist for a very
large Anaheim California hospital, I met and was fortunate ot study piano under
Ms. Evi Martyn, a marvelous concert pianist and linguist. A one to 250.000 type person
I remember the evening of my first interview at the Martyn School of Music. I was
greeted first by Maestro Philip Martyn who later learned was an operatic tenor and
sang in Europe. Mrs. Martyn was just finishing with her prior pupil as I chatted with
Maestro Martyn. He made me feel at home. Being an American who served as
captain in Patton's army during world War II , he was proud to tell me he was a
"Golden Greek" . He was sweet and fascinating talking about his experiences. Over
the course of many months we became fast friends and I was ammzed by Mrs. Martyn's
charm rare warmth, superior intellect and witnessed many of her magnificent piano
performances.
Through the course of our friendship I learned she was a linguist and spoke fluent Greek
as well as Ancient Greek and other languages. She was so cute and suprising to me.
When we would often discuss medical subjects, she would correct my Greek pronuncia-
tion, like the word Cephalic, she pronunced it Kephalik, then proceeded to give the
literal definition, if we discussed religion, she would tell me about Proselytizing and
its Greek derivation. I learned so many interesting aspects of the Greek language.
The Greek language is so vast and beautiful, I would presume it is so vast becau-
se Greece was the foundation of Western civilization.
3. Evi's Contribution to Medical Records
via the Greek Language
One day during the course of my work at the hospital transcription department, we were
extremely stressed to complete an abundance of reports-you know, the turn-around
time was approaching. I was stuck on a word with indistinct pronunciation by the
dictator, and after diligently searching in the Dorland Medical Dictionary for what seemed
too long, in desperation I called Mrs. Martyn. It was a little early in the morning, so I
was hesitant to call . The phone rang, I explained the desperation and could she
possibly help us out?? The word " gnathoschisi". First she laughed and asked me to
pronounce it again, then laughed and told me I was corrupting the word. She told me
how to spell the word. She saved the day in the transcription department. The other
ladies in the department called her our hero of the day. The girls were pleased with
her too, because they couldn't find it either. She then became our department resident
language consultant. We called her in desperation and always had the answer.
Thank you Mrs. Martyn for your help, here is another word for you today:
"pterygium"
which is a wing like structure of the conjunctiva and cornea.
All these experiences have given me a profound admiration for the Greek
Language, and I consider myself fortunate to become an ADVOCATE FOR
THE HELLENIC CULTURE.
Article by: Suzan DeWitt
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