Natasha Wiley
Scientific/Medical Discourse
In our world, it is a necessity to interact with other human beings. We often find
ourselves interacting with people who have same the qualities and beliefs that we are fascinated
with. The groups, in which we are placed into, are called communities. In the professional world,
there are many discourse communities. Discourse communities are groups of people in a
particular field composed of goals, communication and research which are usually defined by
texts and practices. All discourse communities have similarities. For example, communication is
used in all discourse communities but groups can differ when it comes to the actual
communicating process. Some groups may require more verbal communication while others rely
on written material such as emails. In the scientific and medical field, both forms of
communications is necessary. According to Professor Damer, “The discourse can look at
anything from nanotechnology to forensic science. However, research and information is a key
part of the discourse.” (Personal Communication, September 14, 2010). One of the most
important communities is the scientific/medical discourse.
Science is very important and interesting in our world. Science is a way to prove that
something does or not exist. With science, we understand why our bodies act the way they do.
Many people are interested in sciences for different reasons. I plan to go to medical school.
Becoming a doctor has always interested me because I love to help people feel better and my
favorite subjects are science and math. On the other hand Professor Damer is interested in
science because of research. She said, “It is interesting because we investigate the world. For me,
however, I investigate a world that many people do not think about until they get sick. I look at
cells. It is a fascinating world that is hidden from many” (Personal Communication, September
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14, 2010). My interest of science has led me to imagine how people in the discourse
communities are like and how difficult the field is.
Before I conducted research for this project, I already had assumptions about the
scientific/medical field and the people. People in the field are scientific, direct and detective.
(Personal Communication, September 14, 2010). People in that field are considered investigators
of the world, body and mind. Since the field is so difficult, the people who participate must have
certain qualities. They must be hard-determined and patient individuals because the process can
be very time consuming. Participants in this field must have time management. Professor Damer,
“It is impossible to do everything. I had to learn to manage my time like a drill sergeant. I also
learned that going through this process situated my social life in a very specific way. My
classes, classmates, and research partners became my life community” (Personal
Communication, September 14, 2010). I knew that that the field required a lot of difficult work
during undergraduate and graduate school. My conjecture was confirmed by a statement made by
Professor Damer. She stated,
Working under graduate and doctorate research driven projects can be very
difficult. You are the person who does much of the grunt work, you may even
have some interesting suggestions and findings, but the credit does not go to you.
It is simply a step one must take before he/she is an actual “member” of the
community (Personal Communication, September 14, 2010).
Research is not the only thing that is difficult in the scientific/medical field
Writing can be very difficult but it is a very important factor in the discourse community.
There is also a format for scientific writing. For example, in biology peoples uses either APA or
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AMA, which both are similar. When writing, many people use scientific journals for references.
Professor Dahmer uses Biology Direct, BMC Biology, PLoS Biology and she said they are good
to look at. (Personal Communication, September 14, 2010). Since research is necessary it is very
important to know who to put ideas together correctly to explain or prove something. Writing
can also be a great tool to assist becoming a superior in the field.
In order to have authority in any scientific field or as a doctor, there are many things that
must be completed before power is obtained. For many scientific fields, it is best to have a
scientific degree. Once that degree is acquired, it is best to get into some sort of graduate
program for research. Many people in the science field who are not doctors become renown by
doing research and publishing articles and journals. The process of becoming a doctor is very
lengthy. It all starts in undergraduate school and then ends up at medical school. As an
undergraduate student, a science major is not required but a year of the following course must be
completed: general biology, physics with lab, organic and inorganic chemistry both with a lab,
calculus and English. The average GPA for most medical schools is a 3.5. MCAT scores are very
important. It evaluates problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills and knowledge physical
and biological sciences. The first year of medical school focuses on how bodily functions are
developed and how they work. The second years deals with diseases and treatment. During the
four years of medical school, students must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing
Examination) which test the students’ knowledge and determination. Many people participate in
clinical and animal research before completing medical school. Medical students must
participates in participate in voluntary work just like residents but with no official decision
making. After the completion of medical school and a year of internship, usually three years of
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residency will be completed. Internships are usually unpaid and residents make about $30,000 a
year. According to Mr. Turk, Residents are often on call and work at least 50 hours per week
(personal communication September 18, 2010). Once everything has been completed, doctors
start looking for jobs.
Once someone has a scientific degree and/or a profession in a scientific field, he or she is
a member of the scientific/medical discourse community. Members of the discourse can range
from various professions such as scientist to doctors. Specifically in the medical field,
communication and language is very important. Members of the discourse communicate with
each verbally and through emails. Language is very important in the discourse. They usually
meet where they work, such as hospitals, private practices, or labs. Most people with different
positions in a hospital communicate with each other. The receptionist sets appointments for
patients and takes messages for doctors. Many people in this discourse use scientific
terminology. Doctors, specifically, have to alter their language when talking to patients. They
must explain things in way that is easy for the patients to understand. When patients visit a
hospital, they talk to the nurse telling them their issue(s). The nurse, then use nonverbal
communication to explain to the doctor what the patients’ problem is. Once the doctor reviews
the chart, ask the patients questions concerning their health. Once the doctor knows what the
problem is he or she tells the patient exactly what is wrong and express to the patient the
proposed solution(s).
As I wrote this paper, I became more interested to become a doctor. I learned about how
the discourse worked. I did not know that people in the science field had to do so much writing. I
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learned that not only residency has to be completed but internships should be completed as well.
I knew that residency programs were time consuming but I did not know that it could be
considered a sleepless period. Even though it will be a difficult process, the hardships in
becoming a doctor have not swayed me away from dreams.
In conclusion, the discourse community of scientist, researchers and doctors are very
difficult. This project gave me an insight on what scientist, researchers and doctors must
complete and the challenges they may face. The discourse community is very significant in the
scientific and medical field. I believed that communication is one of the most important aspects
of the scientific and medical field. People in this discourse must communicate with people inside
their field such as others doctors, nurses and people in the lab as well as people outside their field
such as patients, to ensure that the ultimate goal of helping people with illnesses will be
completed.