Hi there, I am taking an online course in MT and need to brush up my grammar, Could somebody tell me if this sentence is correct.
Hospitalizations, None, Surgery, None, Serious medical illnesses, Patient has had asthma since age 2.

Should words be capitalized after a comma? Basic stuff I know but I have been out of school for a long time and need a reminder. From what I do remember, words are only capitalized after a period.
Also is this correct. I'm not sure of the format.
HEAD: Head, is normocephalic
NECK: Neck, is supple, no masses, no adenopathy
Thanks Jacki

No, words are not capitalized after a comma.
Hospitalizations: None.
Surgery: None.
Serious Medical Illnesses: Patient has had asthma since age 2.

HEAD: Normocephalic.
NECK: Supple. No masses. No adenopathy.

Thanks, thought so

Hi madcad--I would suggest that you brush up on your grammar before you go any further in your course--it's not going to get easier. I had newbies working for me a few years ago and their grammar skills were far more lacking than their medical terminology, which surprised me.

I bought the Gregg Reference Manual used on Amazon.com for like $10 and it is a great grammar book.

Also, there are some things in transcription that are done differently from nonmedical grammar. These are found in the AHDI Book of Style (3rd edition). This is a reference book that MTs need for almost any job to which they apply. Many national companies use this as their reference book and there will be a lot of grammar and style references on the tests.

Another suggestion: Try www.grammarbook.com -- check under English Rules on the left-hand side. There are quizzes you can take also to brush up on your skills.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for your suggestions. I will check out those books you mentioned...I can't help but feel a little foolish, maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew. Only time will tell I guess.

Grammer seems to be a tough one for many of us. I always thought I was pretty good at it until I started that section in my training! I'm sure you'll get it as time passes and you begin to transcribe. Here are a couple sites that I found early to understand. Good luck!

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/604/01

http://www.robsmegaphone.com/2008/07/12/overcome-the-comma/

Addy

Thank you Addy. I'll check the sites out

Jacki