MET workshops
Classifications in modern medicine – navigating the ever-evolving nomenclature
Technological advances result in a rapid accumulation of scientific data and corresponding evolution (or sometimes revolution) of medical practices. New concepts warrant new terms, or the redefinition of old ones. A natural response to this is to standardize and classify. While this is meant to simplify and improve the work of scientists and healthcare providers, it can pose significant challenges for language professionals. How can we best deal with the increasing volume of terminology, and contend with constant changes to and inconsistencies in the application of supposedly standardized medical vocabulary? This workshop will help you navigate this complex and fascinating landscape.
Facilitator: Katarzyna Szymańska, Science to the Point
Purpose: To make participants aware of standardization and nomenclature trends in contemporary medicine and their practical implications, alert them to the resulting language pitfalls, and equip them to identify and solve related challenges in their daily work.
Description: The workshop will look at classification tendencies in modern medicine, using the example of oncology. Participants will explore what is classified, how classifications change, and how these trends impact the terminological realities of language professionals. Theoretical presentations of medical concepts and nomenclature developments will be interspersed with examples of relevant texts and short practical activities, challenging attendees to identify terminological pitfalls and suggest appropriate solutions. Inspiring discussions are guaranteed. Various document types and registers will be used for the activities. Participants are also welcome to submit texts or text fragments they would like to work on during the workshop. These will be carefully considered by the facilitator and – if possible – integrated into the session.
Participant profile: This workshop is for all language professionals who are interested in the topic; experience in working on medical texts is welcome but not essential.
Although the workshop will focus on nomenclature in English, some examples from languages other than English (mostly French) may also be used. In such cases, the facilitator will provide English translations and/or explanations.
Outcome: By the end of the workshop, participants will have learnt
- about classification/standardization trends in modern medicine and the resulting nomenclature changes
- about some reliable references relevant to the topic
- to watch out for related terminological pitfalls when working on medical texts and to propose appropriate solutions
Preparation: Participants will receive a brief online questionnaire to complete at least two weeks before the workshop.
About the facilitator: Katarzyna Szymańska has a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (specialty: cancer), a postgraduate study diploma in translation and interpreting, and a wealth of international experience in, and between, these two fields. She founded Science to the Point to promote cross-disciplinary dialogue and clarity in scientific communication. She regularly works with scientists and medical doctors as a translator, editor and writer. She also runs tailor-made CPD training in science, scientific and cross-cultural communication, and biomedical translation.
