Mastering Medical Dialects: Medical Language Differences in British and American English

Having a grasp of medical terminology is important for ensuring safety. It’s all about being specific. Every aspect, be it drugs, diseases, anatomy, tests, or instruments, has a precise name. By using accurate terms, there is no room for ambiguity or confusion. This enables work to be done quickly, efficiently, and with greater benefits, as there’s no need to pause and explain what you mean.

The significance of choosing and using the correct words cannot be overstated. In fact, someone‘s life may depend on it.

This article will explore the distinctions between British and American medical jargon, highlighting key differences in vocabulary and spelling. Additionally, we will provide tips for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of these variations, ultimately facilitating clear communication and improving patient care across international borders.

Key Differences in British & American Terminology

The English language is spoken and used in various forms across the globe, with notable differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling between American English and British English. These differences in terminology reflect the unique linguistic preferences and conventions found in each region. When comparing British and American medical jargon, professionals must be aware of distinct linguistic differences that can affect communication. Let’s explore some key areas where American and British English diverge regarding medical terminology.

1. Vocabulary:

Firstly, it’s important to note that there are differences in medical vocabulary between American English and British English. Gaining a deeper understanding of these linguistic disparities is vital for facilitating clear and effective communication within the international medical community. Let’s take a look at some examples:

• The terms “operating theatre” and “operating room” describe the dedicated space in a healthcare facility where surgical procedures occur. “Operating theatre” is commonly used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, while “operating room” is more prevalent in the US and Canada.
• In the United Kingdom, the term “plaster” is commonly used to refer to a medical dressing applied to protect and support wounds or injuries. It is similar to what is known as a “band-aid” in the United States.
• In the United States, the term “internist” is used to refer to a doctor who specializes in internal medicine, while in the United Kingdom, the term “general practitioner” (or GP) is more commonly used.
• In the United Kingdom, the department within a hospital that handles emergency cases, commonly known as the emergency room/department (ER or ED) in the United States, is referred to as Accident and Emergency (A&E).
• In American English, the medical equipment known as a “crash cart” or “code cart” is called a “crash trolley” in UK medical jargon.
• The terms “shot” and “jab” are both colloquial expressions used to describe the administration of an injection, particularly for vaccinations. “Shot” is more commonly used in American English, while “jab” is more prevalent in British English.

2. Spelling:

Vowels:
In general, there is a tendency towards simplification in American English when it comes to vowels. In American English (AmE), terms are typically written using a single vowel (such as “e”), whereas British English (BrE) commonly uses two vowels (such as “ae” or “oe”).

“ae” vs. “e”
The following are typical examples of terms that illustrate the contrast between “ae” and “e”:
aetiology (BrE) – etiology (AmE)
anaemia (BrE) – anemia (AmE)
anaesthetic (BrE) – anesthetic (AmE)
caesarean (BrE) – cesarean [section] (AmE)
faeces (BrE) – feces (AmE)
gynaecology (BrE) – gynecology (AmE)
haemoglobin (BrE) – hemoglobin (AmE)
haemophilia (BrE) – hemophilia (AmE)
leukaemia (BrE) – leukemia (AmE)
orthopaedic (BrE) – orthopedic (AmE)
paediatric (BrE) – pediatric (AmE)
synaeresis (BrE) – syneresis (AmE)

Be mindful of aero- words, as they exhibit consistent spellings in both British and American English, such as aerofoil and anaerobic. The New Oxford Dictionary indicates that these terms retain uniform spelling across the two dialects.

“oe” vs. “e”
Likewise, there exist numerous medical terms in British English spelled with “oe” that are spelled with “e” in American English. Examples of such terms include:
diarrhoea (BrE) – diarrhea (AmE)
coeliac (BrE) – celiac (AmE)
dyspnoea (BrE) – dyspnea (AmE)
oedema (BrE) – edema (AmE) (and its derivative: angio-oedema – angioedema)
oesophagus (BrE) – esophagus (AmE)
oestrogen (BrE) – estrogen (AmE)
gonorrhoea (BrE) – gonorrhea (AmE)
menorrhoea (BrE) – menorrhea (AmE)
homoeopath (BrE) – homeopath (AmE)

Endings:
“our” and “or”
Words in British English that end in the unstressed “our” are commonly spelled with “or” in American English. For example:
behaviour (BrE) – behaviour (AmE)
colour (BrE) – color (AmE)
humour (BrE) – humor (AmE) (Note that “humoral” is used in both British and American English)
odour (BrE) – odor (AmE)
tumour (BrE) – tumor (AmE) (Note that according to The New Oxford Dictionary, “tumor” is becoming the standard international spelling in gene and protein names)
vapour (BrE) – vapor (AmE)

“re” and “er”
The majority of words in British English that end in a consonant followed by an unstressed “re” are typically spelled with “er” in American English. Here are some examples:
centre (BrE) – center (AmE)
fibre (BrE) – fiber (AmE)
litre (BrE) – liter (AmE)
metre (BrE) – meter (AmE)
titre (BrE) – titer (AmE)

“lyse” and “lyze”
This applies only to verbs derived from “lysis”:
analyse (BrE) – analyze (AmE)
catalyse (BrE) – catalyze (AmE)
hydrolyse (BrE) – hydrolyze (AmE)
haemolyse (BrE) – hemolyze (AmE)
paralyse (BrE) – paralyze (AmE)

“ical” and “ic”
It is worth noting that the -ical form is often used in US texts too.
anatomical (BrE) – anatomic (AmE)
biological (BrE) – biologic (AmE)
morphological (BrE) – morphologic (AmE)
serological (BrE) – serologic (AmE)

Other spelling differences

Apart from the spelling differences mentioned earlier, there are several other instances where spelling varies between British English and American English, which do not fit into the categories mentioned above. Here are a few examples:

ageing (BrE) – aging (AmE)
aluminium (BrE) – aluminum (AmE)
counsellor (BrE) – counselor (AmE)
fulfil (BrE) – fulfill (AmE)
intervertebral disc (BrE) – intervertebral disk (AmE)
leucocyte (BrE) – leukocyte (AmE)
license (verb), licence (noun) (BrE) – license (verb and noun) (AmE)
mould (BrE) – mold (AmE)
per cent (BrE) – percent (AmE)
practise (verb), practice (noun) (BrE) – practice (verb and noun) (AmE)

Tips for Improving British and American English Medical Terminology

Improving your understanding of British and American English medical terminology is essential for effective communication in the healthcare field. Here are some tips to help you navigate and enhance your knowledge of these two distinct dialects:

• Study the differences: Familiarize yourself with the most common differences between British and American medical terms. Create a list of equivalent terms, such as “general practitioner” (UK) versus “primary care physician” (US) and “surgery” (UK) versus “office” or “clinic” (US). Regularly review this list to reinforce your understanding.
• Read medical literature from both regions: Expand your knowledge by reading medical journals, articles, and textbooks from both the UK and the US. This will expose you to various terminologies and help you understand the context in which they are used.
• Engage in conversations with healthcare professionals: Interact with healthcare professionals from both the UK and the US to gain firsthand experience of how these terms are used in real-life situations. Ask questions and seek clarification when encountering unfamiliar terms.
• Watch medical TV shows and documentaries: Medical dramas, documentaries, and educational programs from the UK and the US can help you become more familiar with the different terminologies. Pay close attention to the language medical professionals use and note unfamiliar terms.
• Participate in online forums and discussion groups: Join online communities, forums, or social media groups where healthcare professionals from both sides of the Atlantic discuss medical topics. These discussions can help you learn new terms and understand their usage in various contexts.
• Attend conferences and workshops: Participate in medical conferences, seminars, and workshops that bring together healthcare professionals from both the UK and the US. This provides an excellent opportunity to network, exchange knowledge, and learn about the latest developments in medical terminology.
• Enroll in a medical terminology course: Consider taking a course focusing on British and American medical terminology. Many online and in-person courses are available, which can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of linguistic differences.
• Practice, practice, practice: Regularly practice using both British and American medical terms in your writing and conversations. The more you use these terms, the more comfortable and proficient you will become.

By following these tips and actively improving your understanding of British and American medical terminology, you can enhance your communication skills and contribute to more effective collaboration among healthcare professionals from different linguistic backgrounds.

In conclusion, mastering medical dialects and understanding the language differences between British and American English is crucial for the international medical community. A comprehensive grasp of terminology ensures clear communication, enhancing patient care and outcomes. By recognizing and adapting to these linguistic nuances, healthcare professionals can collaborate effectively across borders, minimizing potential ambiguity or confusion.