Latin is to language as the basic notes are to music.  Latin's exceptional value lies in that it is a dead language and common usage has not mutated into different connotations in different languages and different age groups.   Musicians who can read music have, if not the ability, at least the potential,  to transfer this theoretical knowledge to any musical instrument.  Botanical names, retained in Latin, are universally recognised even when the common or local names are so vastly different.   Simple latin terms to describe anatomical positions and structures eliminate the differing personal perceptions of people who are doctors, who use personal terms to identify problems.   I have noticed a decidedly frightening trend amongst new doctors who do not take the time to learn the correct latin terms of structures and positions and find an alarming number of gross errors in their diagnosis and reports of what they perceive to be the problems.  The number of reports I find the need to correct, with the patient's confirmation, about the problem is hair raising in the implications of incorrect treatment based on incorrect observations and conclusions and  poorly educated or poorly understood and applied medical language.    I see many doctors in their zeal to appear to know everything, telling their patients so much garbage couched in lofty medical terms, that patients go away thoroughly confused.  When I confront these doctors, their medical superiority in the presence of patients fades rapidly and it becomes clear they don't know what they are talking about, but it sounded good, because it sounded above the patient's head. Latin is the musical basic of many languages.  The commonality that allows anyone with the same knowledge and understanding to perceive clearly what another is trying to communicate.  Common every day usage does not allow the specificity that doctors need and require to communicate accuracy not just to other doctors and specialists in referrals, but it also allows accurate communication to the patient, provided that the doctor is able to present that knowledge to the patient in a way the patient can clearly understand. This skill may be an innate talent, but it can be cultivated by a thirst for knowledge in many areas so that the doctor can find and reach the patient on the level that is necessary for understanding, communication and healing.   Birds, plants, trees, electricity, mechanics, Latin, philosophy, religion, spirituality, travel, origami,  the list is endless, are all levels for communication.    Learning, no matter what, broadens anyone's base to be able to connect with his fellow man, woman and child.  It is of vital importance as science reveals the healing power of information.  But it needs to be accurate information, intensely relevant to the patient at the time conveyed with insight, compassion and wisdom.
Posted by Dr Linda