Tool Box for the Medical Translator

Tool Boxfor the Medical Translator

Alain CôtéDirector, Linguistic ServicesJanssen-Ortho Inc., Toronto

[email protected]

IntroductionATA Conference, Toronto, October 2004Questions and issues raised regardingmedical/pharmaceutical translationin Canada and the United StatesTool Box for the Medical Translator

ObjectivesProvide some direction to students and beginners in medical translationPresent a tool box for novice and experienced medical translatorsConcentrate on EnglishFrench translations, with some reference to other language combinations and to interpretationFocus on Canadian market, with information on American and European markets

ProgramOverview

– Markets– Requirements– Study Programs– Work Sources

Tool Box for the Medical TranslatorExchange / InteractionConference on Medical Translation in Canada

Overview - MarketsIs there a market for medical translation?

CanadaUSA

Is there a need for medical translators?CanadaUSA

Survey of the Canadian Translation Industry. Final Report of the Canadian Translation Industry Sectoral Committee. 1999.

“Our various surveys have shown that the demand for professionals among translation firms, independent workers seeking to expand, in-house translation departments of large companies, public agencies and the Translation Bureau, will hover between 900 and 1000 per year for the next three years. According to the same surveys, 40% (between 360 and 400 per year) of these professionals will have to have an Honours B.A. or a Master’s degree in translation. However, the universities are only producing about 320 graduates per year at the present.” (p. 31)

“Shortages of experienced translators are often observed in specialization sectors. The main specialization sectors in the world are: aerospace industry, transportation, business services, pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications equipment, financial services, information technology and international organizations.” (p. 52)

www.uottawa.ca/associations/csict/princi-e.htm

Overview - RequirementsWhat does it take to become a good medical translator?

A linguist doctor or a medical translator?A generalist or a specialist?

Overview – Study ProgramsFormal studies

University/College programsAccreditation programs

CMR (US) : www.cmrinstitute.orgCCPE (Canada) : www.ccpe-cfpc.comContinuing education

On-the-job trainingReading

Overview – Work SourcesAs a freelancer

IndependentTranslation firm

As an employeeCompanyGovernmentNot-for-profit association

Tool Boxfor the Medical Translator

GenesisPurposeLimitationsPresentationDiscussionQuestions

Exchange / InteractionWhat is your main challenge right now?What has been your experience in this field?What would you suggest to beginners?What are your favourite tools/sources?

Conference on Medical Translation in Canada

Monday, May 8, 2006Université de MontréalOrganized by Translation Group – Rx&DPresentations/Discussions in FrenchFor English/French translators, students, writers12 speakers on 6 topics, networking sessionInformation: www.groupetraduction.ca

www.groupetraduction.ca2005 + 2004 ATA PowerPoint presentationsTool Box for the Medical Translator (pdf)Pharmaterm (free access in 2006)Jobs section (15 pharmaceutical companies) Contacts for 15 pharmaceutical companiesMay 2006 Conference (early 2006)Other resources

www.groupetraduction.ca

www.groupetraduction.ca

Questions?Comments?

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