Pro Scribe Tip #1: Know Your Terms 

You will be expected to know medical terminology, not just recognize it, but actually spell it, say it out loud, and type it fast. My scribe training involved memorizing a general list of terms, especially ones heard often in the ED. But if you're working in a specialty (like ortho, derm, or GI), tailor your study list to fit that field.

Some of the hardest terms you'll encounter are physical exam findings, things like nystagmus, crepitus, or pronator drift, and providers often rattle them off at lightning speed outside the patient’s room, while you're still catching up. It can feel awkward to ask, “Can you spell that?” but trust me, it’s way better than getting it wrong in the note.

That said, don’t beat yourself up. You’re not in med school (yet), and no one expects you to be a walking dictionary. Just keep practicing. Say terms out loud, quiz yourself on spelling, and know that every scribe starts out feeling overwhelmed, and then gradually levels up.

 

Pro Scribe Tip #2: Doctors Are People Too (Just Really Tired Ones)

Working with physicians can be intimidating, especially if you’re a recent or current undergrad. Chances are, you’ll be younger than most of the staff, and definitely younger than the doctors, after all, they’ve gone through years of intense training and have the eye bags and experience to prove it.

So here’s the truth: some will be warm and chatty, some will be laser-focused and barely look up. And many are just plain exhausted. But don’t let that stop you from introducing yourself at the start of your shift. You don’t need to launch into small talk or try to become besties. A quick, professional hello goes a long way.

Doctors are often so focused on patients that they forget you're there to make their life easier. So gently remind them. Make your presence known early, and if the moment’s right, ask if they have any preferences for how you write their notes or whether they want you to follow them into every room.

And when they do start making conversation, which they often will once they have a breather, don’t be afraid to share a little about yourself. You’ll be surprised how many will take an interest in your goals, especially if you’re pre-med or considering a healthcare career.

Bottom line: don’t be invisible. Be professional, be available, and let them know you’ve got their back.

 

Pro Scribe Tip #3: Master the EMR. It’s Ugly, But It’s Home

Let’s be honest: EMRs are not designed with beauty, simplicity, or sanity in mind. They’re not cute. They’re not clean. They’re not intuitive. Most screens look like they were designed by a committee that hates both color coordination and new users.

But you’ve got to get familiar... fast. Spend time outside of the chaos clicking around, exploring different views, filters, and tabs. Learn how to pull up lab results, imaging, vitals, and past workups without fumbling. Because during a shift, your provider might turn to you in the middle of a patient encounter and say, “Can you pull up their old head CT?” or “What were their last three glucose readings?” and you don’t want to be stuck squinting at a sea of tabs like it’s a puzzle you’ve never seen before.

Your goal is to become your provider’s second hand, not someone they need to babysit or guide through the chart. The better you know the EMR, the more helpful, and impressive, you’ll be.

Bonus: once you really learn the system, you’ll be faster, more confident, and way less stressed. Ugly interface or not, it’s your new habitat, so make yourself at home.

 

https://www.typingtest.com is a great website that offers free typing tests and exercises to practice your typing skills! This is what my program used to test us on our typing speed during interviews, so I know that it works!