In response to a Technical Writing assignment, I interviewed UW-Stout's Athletic Trainer, Mike

Raemaker, to gain insights on the types of writing encountered in the health professions.
As a health care professional, I will have to be proficient in writing many types of documents to inform
people who are on a variety of knowledge levels, thereby increasing their decision making
ability.According to Mr.Raemaker, health professionals are responsible fir many forms of writing.I will
have to write daily injury reports, progress notes, clinical notes, clinical evaluation, proposals,
proposals for equipment, grants for funding, medical supply orders, and possibly articles for
publication in magazines or journals.
Daily injury reports include information on signs and symptoms of injury, how injury was sustained,
observations of professionals, and a treatment regimen.
Progress notes are sporadically added to the patient's file and deal with recovery progress and
adjustments to the rehabilitation program.
Clinical evaluations contain information on patients' past medical history, current chief health concern,
and the diagnosis, and are uses frequently in referral to other health specialists.
Proposals for equipment and grants for funding are considered longer documents, and are used to
improve your facility with new equipment.
Medical supply orders are used to maintain supplies, anf published articles usually deal with your area
of expertise.
My writing will be directed at people who know more, less, or equal amounts of information about my
subject.This information will give them information enabling them to make decisions.
I will write to physical therapists, physicians, athletic trainers, health centers, pharmaceutical firms,
patients, and "people with deep pockets." These contacts will have high levels of knowledge in their
profession, and their insight will aid in the rehabilitation of a patient.For example, clinical evaluations
are usef to inform othet professionals of a patient's overall condition, and they will incorporate this
information in their future decisions and diagnosis."People with deep pockets" refers to individuals in
industries who are potential financial donors.
Effective, clear written communication in the health profession is extremely important.A grant needs to
be well written if it is to be clearly understood and accepted.Well-written grants and journal articles
may go on my resume and could aid in professional advancement.Writing to other professionals about
patient converns will give evidence of personal ability but will not promote career advancement.