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'''Medical slang''' is the use of [[acronym]]s and informal terminology to describe patients, other healthcare personnel and medical concepts. Some terms are pejorative. In [[English language|English]], medical slang has entered [[popular culture]] via television hospital and forensic science dramas such as ''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]'', ''[[House (TV series)|House M.D.]]'', ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]'', ''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]'', and ''[[Grey's Anatomy (TV series)|Grey's Anatomy]]''.
{{Short description|Informal medical terminology and acronyms used by healthcare professionals}}
'''Medical slang''' refers to the informal terminology and acronyms used by [[healthcare professionals]] to describe patients, medical conditions, procedures, and colleagues. These expressions range from practical shorthand to humorous or pejorative phrases. While some serve as useful abbreviations, others reflect the culture, stress, and humor of the medical field.


Examples of pejorative language include ''bagged and tagged'' for a corpse, a reference to the intake process at a [[mortuary]], ''donorcycle'' for ''[[motorcycle]] or PFO'' for ''pissed [<nowiki/>[[Alcohol intoxication|drunk]]] and fell over''. Less offensive are the terms ''blue pipes'' for [[vein]]s; ''cabbage'' for a heart bypass (''coronary artery bypass graft'' or CABG), and ''champagne tap'' for a flawless [[lumbar puncture]], that is, one where [[erythrocyte]] count is zero.
Medical slang has been popularized through television series such as '''''[[ER (TV series)|ER]]''''', '''''[[House (TV series)|House M.D.]]''''', '''''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''''', '''''[[Scrubs (TV series)|Scrubs]]''''', and '''''[[Grey's Anatomy (TV series)|Grey's Anatomy]]'''''. However, its use in professional settings is increasingly discouraged due to ethical considerations, patient sensitivity, and legal risks.


==Limitations on use==
== Categories of Medical Slang ==
In many countries, facetious or insulting acronyms are now considered unethical and unacceptable, and patients can access their medical records. Medical facilities risk being sued by patients offended by the descriptions.{{citation needed|date=March 2013}}  Another reason for the decline is that facetious acronyms could be confused with genuine medical terms and the wrong treatment administered.


In one of his annual reports (related by the BBC), medical slang collector Dr. Adam Fox cited an example where a practitioner had entered “TTFO”, meaning “told to [[wikt:fuck off|fuck off]]”, on a patient’s chart. When questioned about the chart entry, the practitioner said that the initials stood for “to take fluids orally.”<ref name="bbc">
=== 1. Patient-Related Terms ===
{{cite news
These terms describe patient behavior, conditions, or frequent interactions with medical staff. While some are neutral, others may be considered offensive.
| title = Doctor slang is a dying art
* '''Frequent flyer''' – A patient who frequently visits the hospital or emergency department, often for minor issues.
| work =
* '''Gomer''' ("Get Out of My Emergency Room") – A patient who repeatedly uses the ER for non-emergency conditions.
| pages =
* '''Whiney primey''' – A pregnant woman who complains excessively about her symptoms.
| language =
* '''PFO''' – "Pissed and fell over," describing an intoxicated patient with injuries from a fall.
| publisher = [[BBC]]
* '''CTD''' – "Circling the drain," referring to a critically ill patient near death.
| date = 18 August 2003
* '''LOLNAD''' – "Little old lady, no apparent distress," describing an elderly patient with stable vitals.
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3159813.stm
| accessdate = 2008-02-05}}
</ref>


As a result, medical slang tends to be restricted to oral use and to informal notes or [[Electronic mail|E-mails]] which do not form part of a patient’s formal records. It may also be used among medical staff outside of the hospital. It is not found on patients’ charts and, due to growing awareness of medical slang, often not used in front of patients themselves.{{original research inline|date=April 2017}}
=== 2. Condition-Related Terms ===
These terms describe illnesses, symptoms, and medical conditions.
* '''Acute disease''' – A sudden and short-lived illness.
* '''Chronic condition''' – A long-lasting illness that requires ongoing management.
* '''Edema''' – Swelling due to fluid accumulation in the body.
* '''Myocardial infarction (MI)''' – A [[heart attack]], caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries.
* '''Blue pipes''' – A casual reference to [[vein]]s.


==Non-English==
=== 3. Procedure-Related Terms ===
Although online medical slang dictionaries are primarily from English-speaking countries, non-English medical slang has been collected by Fox from elsewhere. Brazilian medical slang includes ''PIMBA'' ("Pé Inchado Mulambo Bêbado Atropelado" meaning "swollen-footed, drunk, run-over beggar"), ''Poliesculhambado'' (multi-messed-up patient) and ''Trambiclínica'' (a "fraudulent clinic" staffed cheaply by medical students).<ref name="bbc" /><ref name="Peterson">{{cite journal |author=Peterson C |title=Medical slang in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |journal=Cadernos de Saúde Pública |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=671–82 |year=1998 |pmid=9878893 |doi=10.1590/S0102-311X1998000400002}}</ref>
These terms refer to medical procedures, tests, and treatments.
* '''Code brown''' – An emergency involving bodily waste (e.g., fecal incontinence).
* '''Champagne tap''' – A perfect [[lumbar puncture]] with no blood contamination.
* '''Cabbage''' – Slang for [[coronary artery bypass graft]] (CABG) surgery.
* '''Double tap''' – A second attempt at a failed procedure, such as [[intravenous catheter]] insertion.
* '''PITA''' ("Pain in the Arse") – A difficult or annoying procedure.
* '''Stat''' – Immediately, often used in urgent medical situations.


==Annual round-up==
=== 4. Other Medical Slang ===
There is an annual round-up of the usage of medical slang by British physician Dr. Adam Fox of [[St Mary's Hospital, London|St Mary's Hospital]], [[London]]. Fox has spent five years charting more than 200 examples, regional and national terms and the general decline of medical slang.<ref name="fox">{{cite journal|last1=Fox|first1=Adam|last2=Fertleman|first2=Michael|last3=Cahill|first3=Pauline|last4=Palmer|first4=Roger|journal=Ethics and Behavior|title=Medical Slang in British Hospitals|volume=13|issue=2|pages=173–189|url=http://interesting-articles.wikispaces.com/file/view/Medical+Slang+in+British+Hospitals.pdf|accessdate=2015-04-21|doi=10.1207/s15327019eb1302_04|pmid=15124632|year=2003}}</ref> He believes that doctors have become more respectful of patients, which has contributed to the decline. While its use may be declining in the medical profession, several dictionaries of the slang have been compiled on the internet.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Doctors issue warning over misuse of slang| pmc=1142506 | page=360 | volume=327| issue=7411| journal=BMJ: British Medical Journal}}</ref>
These general terms relate to medical staff, hospital culture, or exclamations.
* '''Doc''' – Short for [[doctor]].
* '''Medic''' – A general term for a healthcare professional, especially in emergency settings.
* '''OMG''' ("Oh My God") – An exclamation of surprise or dismay.
* '''Road rash resident''' – A first-year [[medical resident]] who looks exhausted and overwhelmed.
* '''Gunner''' – A highly competitive medical student or resident eager to impress.
* '''House of God rules''' – A reference to the satirical medical novel ''[[The House of God]]'', humorously outlining cynical medical realities.


== Common acronyms and abbreviations in medicine ==
== Ethical and Professional Considerations ==
=== A ===
Medical slang is increasingly discouraged due to ethical concerns, professionalism, and legal risks. Factors contributing to this decline include:
{{catz}}
* '''[[ABG]]''' – [[Arterial blood gas]]
* '''[[ACE]]''' – [[Angiotensin-converting enzyme]]
* '''[[ACTH]]''' – [[Adrenocorticotropic hormone]]
* '''[[AFVSS]]''' – [[Afebrile]], [[vital signs stable]]
* '''[[ADH]]''' – [[Antidiuretic hormone]]
* '''[[AED]]''' – [[Automated external defibrillator]]
* '''[[AIDS]]''' – [[Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]]
* '''[[ALP]]''' – [[Alkaline phosphatase]]
* '''[[ALT]]''' – [[Alanine aminotransferase]] (formerly [[SGPT]])
* '''[[ASA]]''' – [[Acetylsalicylic acid]] ([[aspirin]])
* '''[[AST]]''' – [[Aspartate aminotransferase]] (formerly [[SGOT]])
=== B ===


* '''[[BCG]]''' – [[Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine]]
* Patient Access to Records: Many healthcare systems now allow patients to review their electronic medical records (EMRs), increasing the risk of offense or misinterpretation.
* '''[[BID|bd, bid]]''' – [[Twice a day]]
* Professional Standards: Medical organizations emphasize professionalism and discourage derogatory or dehumanizing language.
* '''[[BIBA]]''' – [[Brought in by ambulance]]
* Legal Implications: Inappropriate documentation using slang could result in malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
* '''[[BIBP]], [[BIBPD]]''' – [[Brought in by police]]
* '''[[BLS]]''' – [[Basic life support]]
* '''[[BMR]]''' – [[Basal metabolic rate]]
* '''[[BP]]''' – [[Blood pressure]]
* '''[[BPAD]]''' – [[Bipolar affective disorder]]
* '''[[BPD]]''' – [[Borderline personality disorder]] (not to be confused with [[BPAD]])
* '''[[BSA]]''' – [[Body surface area]]
* '''[[BUN]]''' – [[Blood urea nitrogen]]
=== C ===


* '''[[CBC]]''' – [[Complete blood count]]
== Medical Slang in Other Languages ==
* '''[[CDC]]''' – [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]]
Although much of the documented medical slang comes from English-speaking countries, similar informal terminology exists in other languages:
* '''[[CNS]]''' – [[Central nervous system]]
* '''[[COPD]]''' – [[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]
* '''[[CPR]]''' – [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]]
* '''[[CT]]''' – [[Computed tomography]]
* '''[[CSF]]''' – [[Cerebrospinal fluid]]
=== D ===


* '''[[D&C]]''' – [[Dilation and curettage]]
* Brazilian Portuguese:
* '''[[DNA]]''' – [[Deoxyribonucleic acid]]
* '''PIMBA''' – "Pé Inchado Mulambo Bêbado Atropelado," meaning "swollen-footed, drunk, run-over beggar."
* '''[[DTP]]''' – [[Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine]]
* '''Poliesculhambado''' – A slang term for a "multi-messed-up" trauma patient.
* '''[[D/W]]''' – [[Dextrose in water]]
* '''Trambiclínica''' – A term for a low-quality or fraudulent medical clinic.
=== E ===
{{catz}}
* '''[[ECF]]''' – [[Extracellular fluid]]
* '''[[ECG]]''' – [[Electrocardiogram]]
* '''[[EEG]]''' – [[Electroencephalogram]]
* '''[[ENT]]''' – [[Ear, nose, and throat]]
* '''[[ESR]]''' – [[Erythrocyte sedimentation rate]]
=== F ===


* '''[[FDA]]''' – [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]]
* French:
* '''[[FUO]]''' – [[Fever of unknown origin]]
* '''Zebra''' – Refers to rare or unusual medical cases.
=== G ===
* '''Touriste''' – A patient who frequently visits the hospital without serious conditions.


* '''[[GFR]]''' – [[Glomerular filtration rate]]
* German:
* '''[[GI]]''' – [[Gastrointestinal]]
* '''Himmelfahrtskommando''' – "Suicide mission," referring to extremely difficult surgical procedures.
* '''[[GVHD]]''' – [[Graft-versus-host disease]]
* '''Kreislaufkollaps''' – "Circulatory collapse," slang for a patient fainting.
=== H ===
{{catz}}
* '''[[Hb]]''' – [[Hemoglobin]]
* '''[[HIV]]''' – [[Human immunodeficiency virus]]
* '''[[HLA]]''' – [[Human leukocyte antigen]]
* '''[[HIPAA]]''' – [[Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act]]
=== I ===


* '''[[ICU]]''' – [[Intensive care unit]]
== Notable Medical Slang Terms and Their Meanings ==
* '''[[IgA]]''' – [[Immunoglobulin A]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* '''[[IM]]''' – [[Intramuscular]]
! Slang Term !! Meaning
=== L ===
|-
| Frequent flyer || A patient who frequently visits the hospital or emergency room.
|-
| Gomer || A patient who repeatedly uses the ER for non-emergency conditions.
|-
| Whiney primey || A pregnant woman who complains excessively about her symptoms.
|-
| Acute disease || A sudden and short-lived illness.
|-
| Chronic condition || A long-lasting illness.
|-
| Edema || Swelling due to fluid accumulation.
|-
| Myocardial infarction (MI) || A [[heart attack]].
|-
| Code brown || An emergency involving bodily waste.
|-
| Stat || An urgent medical order meaning "immediately."
|-
| PITA || "Pain in the Arse," a difficult or annoying procedure.
|-
| Doc || Short for doctor.
|-
| OMG || "Oh My God," an exclamation of surprise or dismay.
|-
| Medic || A healthcare professional.
|-
| Champagne tap || A perfect lumbar puncture with no blood contamination.
|-
| Cabbage || Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
|-
| Blue pipes || Veins.
|-
| Road rash resident || A first-year medical resident who looks exhausted.
|-
| Gunner || A highly competitive medical student or resident.
|-
| House of God rules || Cynical or humorous unwritten rules of medical practice.
|}


* '''[[LDH]]''' – [[Lactic dehydrogenase]]
== See Also ==
* '''[[LMP]]''' – [[Last menstrual period]]
* [[Medical abbreviations]]
=== M ===
* [[List of medical slang terms]]
* [[Medical terminology]]
* [[Doctor–patient relationship]]
* [[Medical ethics]]


* '''[[MRI]]''' – [[Magnetic resonance imaging]]
== External Links ==
* '''[[Mg]]''' – [[Magnesium]]
* [https://www.medicalslangdictionary.com Medical Slang Dictionary]
* '''[[MI]]''' – [[Myocardial infarction]]
* [https://www.abbreviations.com/medical Medical Abbreviations List]
=== N ===


* '''[[NaCl]]''' – [[Sodium chloride]]
[[Category:Medical slang]]
* '''[[NPO]]''' – [[Nothing by mouth]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
=== O ===
[[Category:Professional jargon]]
{{catz}}
* '''[[O2]]''' – [[Oxygen]]
* '''[[OTC]]''' – [[Over-the-counter]]
=== P ===
 
* '''[[PT]]''' – [[Prothrombin time]]
* '''[[PCR]]''' – [[Polymerase chain reaction]]
=== R ===
 
* '''[[RBC]]''' – [[Red blood cell]]
* '''[[RNA]]''' – [[Ribonucleic acid]]
=== S ===
 
* '''[[SIDS]]''' – [[Sudden infant death syndrome]]
* '''[[SLE]]''' – [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]]
=== T ===
 
* '''[[TB]]''' – [[Tuberculosis]]
* '''[[TPN]]''' – [[Total parenteral nutrition]]
=== U ===
 
* '''[[URI]]''' – [[Upper respiratory infection]]
* '''[[UTI]]''' – [[Urinary tract infection]]
=== W ===
 
* '''[[WBC]]''' – [[White blood cell]]
* '''[[WHO]]''' – [[World Health Organization]]
=== Symbols ===
 
* '''[[μg]]''' – [[Microgram]]
* '''[[μL]]''' – [[Microliter]]
 
==See also==
*[[Acronyms in healthcare]]
*[[List of medical abbreviations]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==Further reading==
*{{cite journal|journal=Ethics and Behaviour|year=2003|volume=13|issue=2|pages=173&ndash;189|title=Medical slang in British hospitals|author1=Adam T. Fox |author2=Michael Fertleman |author3=Pauline Cahill |author4=Roger D. Palmer |pmid=15124632|doi=10.1207/S15327019EB1302_04}} &mdash; Discussion of the "usage, derivation, and psychological, ethical, and legal aspects of slang terminology in medicine" as well as a glossary of common UK medical slang terms
*{{cite journal|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|title=Medical slang|author1=Adam T. Fox|author2=Pauline Cahill|author3=Michael Fertleman|year=2002|volume=324|issue=179|doi=10.1136/bmj.324.7350.S179|url=http://student.bmj.com./search/pdf/02/07/ed.pdf|pages=179S|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911033640/http://student.bmj.com/search/pdf/02/07/ed.pdf|archivedate=2008-09-11}}
*{{cite journal|journal=British Medical Journal|date=2002-08-24|volume=325|issue=7361|pages=444a–444|title=Slang in clinical practice|author=Paul S. McDonald|doi=10.1136/bmj.325.7361.444/a|pmid=12193372|pmc=1123955}}
*{{cite journal|title=The Spoken Language of Medicine: Argot, Slang, Cant|author1=Peter B. Hukill |author2=A. L. H. |author3=James L. Jackson |journal=American Speech|volume=36|issue=2|date=May 1961|pages=145&ndash;151|doi=10.2307/453853|publisher=American Speech, Vol. 36, No. 2|jstor=453853}}
*{{cite journal|title=Notes on the Sociology of Medical Discourse: The Language of Case Presentation|author=Renee R. Anspach|journal=Journal of Health and Social Behavior|volume=29|issue=4|date=December 1988|pages=357&ndash;375|doi=10.2307/2136869|publisher=Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Vol. 29, No. 4|jstor=2136869|hdl=2027.42/51147|url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/51147/1/379.pdf}}
*{{cite journal|title=Between Two Worlds: Medical Student Perceptions of Humor and Slang in the Hospital Setting|journal=Journal of General Internal Medicine|publisher=Springer New York|volume=16|issue=8|date=August 2001|doi=10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016008544.x|pages=544&ndash;549|author1=Genevieve Noone Parsons |author2=Sara B. Kinsman |author3=Charles L. Bosk |author4=Pamela Sankar |author5=Peter A. Ubel |pmid=11556931|pmc=1495252}}
*{{cite journal|title=Medical slang and its functions|journal=Soc Sci Med|date=April 1993|volume=36|issue=8|pages=987&ndash;998|vauthors=Coombs RH, Chopra S, Schenk DR, Yutan E |doi=10.1016/0277-9536(93)90116-L}}
*{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3159813.stm|title=Doctor slang is a dying art|work=BBC News|date=2003-08-18}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.totse.com/en/ego/literary_genius/aclamt.html|title=Slang words that hospitals use, some are funny|author=National Lampoon|publisher=totse.com|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050116032903/http://www.totse.com/en/ego/literary_genius/aclamt.html|archivedate=2005-01-16}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.messybeast.com/dragonqueen/medical-acronyms.htm|title=DOCTORS' SLANG, MEDICAL SLANG AND MEDICAL ACRONYMS|author=Dragonqueen}} &mdash; Medical Slang around the world
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071214010225/http://www.stoppagingme.com/  Online Housestaff Community] features [https://web.archive.org/web/20070814093214/http://www.stoppagingme.com/articles.php?articleId=27 Top 5 Annoying Medical Terms]
 
==External links==
* [http://messybeast.com/dragonqueen/medical-acronyms.htm doctor's slang, including veterinary acronyms and slang]
* [http://acronymsandslang.com/category/medical.html Medical Abbreviations in 68 categories]
* [http://www.allacronyms.com/_medical medical acronyms and slang]
 
[[Category:Occupational cryptolects]]
[[Category:Medical slang|*]]
[[Category:Medical lists]]

Latest revision as of 22:48, 19 March 2025

Informal medical terminology and acronyms used by healthcare professionals


Medical slang refers to the informal terminology and acronyms used by healthcare professionals to describe patients, medical conditions, procedures, and colleagues. These expressions range from practical shorthand to humorous or pejorative phrases. While some serve as useful abbreviations, others reflect the culture, stress, and humor of the medical field.

Medical slang has been popularized through television series such as ER, House M.D., NCIS, Scrubs, and Grey's Anatomy. However, its use in professional settings is increasingly discouraged due to ethical considerations, patient sensitivity, and legal risks.

Categories of Medical Slang[edit]

1. Patient-Related Terms[edit]

These terms describe patient behavior, conditions, or frequent interactions with medical staff. While some are neutral, others may be considered offensive.

  • Frequent flyer – A patient who frequently visits the hospital or emergency department, often for minor issues.
  • Gomer ("Get Out of My Emergency Room") – A patient who repeatedly uses the ER for non-emergency conditions.
  • Whiney primey – A pregnant woman who complains excessively about her symptoms.
  • PFO – "Pissed and fell over," describing an intoxicated patient with injuries from a fall.
  • CTD – "Circling the drain," referring to a critically ill patient near death.
  • LOLNAD – "Little old lady, no apparent distress," describing an elderly patient with stable vitals.

2. Condition-Related Terms[edit]

These terms describe illnesses, symptoms, and medical conditions.

  • Acute disease – A sudden and short-lived illness.
  • Chronic condition – A long-lasting illness that requires ongoing management.
  • Edema – Swelling due to fluid accumulation in the body.
  • Myocardial infarction (MI) – A heart attack, caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries.
  • Blue pipes – A casual reference to veins.

3. Procedure-Related Terms[edit]

These terms refer to medical procedures, tests, and treatments.

  • Code brown – An emergency involving bodily waste (e.g., fecal incontinence).
  • Champagne tap – A perfect lumbar puncture with no blood contamination.
  • Cabbage – Slang for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Double tap – A second attempt at a failed procedure, such as intravenous catheter insertion.
  • PITA ("Pain in the Arse") – A difficult or annoying procedure.
  • Stat – Immediately, often used in urgent medical situations.

4. Other Medical Slang[edit]

These general terms relate to medical staff, hospital culture, or exclamations.

  • Doc – Short for doctor.
  • Medic – A general term for a healthcare professional, especially in emergency settings.
  • OMG ("Oh My God") – An exclamation of surprise or dismay.
  • Road rash resident – A first-year medical resident who looks exhausted and overwhelmed.
  • Gunner – A highly competitive medical student or resident eager to impress.
  • House of God rules – A reference to the satirical medical novel The House of God, humorously outlining cynical medical realities.

Ethical and Professional Considerations[edit]

Medical slang is increasingly discouraged due to ethical concerns, professionalism, and legal risks. Factors contributing to this decline include:

  • Patient Access to Records: Many healthcare systems now allow patients to review their electronic medical records (EMRs), increasing the risk of offense or misinterpretation.
  • Professional Standards: Medical organizations emphasize professionalism and discourage derogatory or dehumanizing language.
  • Legal Implications: Inappropriate documentation using slang could result in malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

Medical Slang in Other Languages[edit]

Although much of the documented medical slang comes from English-speaking countries, similar informal terminology exists in other languages:

  • Brazilian Portuguese:
  • PIMBA – "Pé Inchado Mulambo Bêbado Atropelado," meaning "swollen-footed, drunk, run-over beggar."
  • Poliesculhambado – A slang term for a "multi-messed-up" trauma patient.
  • Trambiclínica – A term for a low-quality or fraudulent medical clinic.
  • French:
  • Zebra – Refers to rare or unusual medical cases.
  • Touriste – A patient who frequently visits the hospital without serious conditions.
  • German:
  • Himmelfahrtskommando – "Suicide mission," referring to extremely difficult surgical procedures.
  • Kreislaufkollaps – "Circulatory collapse," slang for a patient fainting.

Notable Medical Slang Terms and Their Meanings[edit]

Slang Term Meaning
Frequent flyer A patient who frequently visits the hospital or emergency room.
Gomer A patient who repeatedly uses the ER for non-emergency conditions.
Whiney primey A pregnant woman who complains excessively about her symptoms.
Acute disease A sudden and short-lived illness.
Chronic condition A long-lasting illness.
Edema Swelling due to fluid accumulation.
Myocardial infarction (MI) A heart attack.
Code brown An emergency involving bodily waste.
Stat An urgent medical order meaning "immediately."
PITA "Pain in the Arse," a difficult or annoying procedure.
Doc Short for doctor.
OMG "Oh My God," an exclamation of surprise or dismay.
Medic A healthcare professional.
Champagne tap A perfect lumbar puncture with no blood contamination.
Cabbage Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Blue pipes Veins.
Road rash resident A first-year medical resident who looks exhausted.
Gunner A highly competitive medical student or resident.
House of God rules Cynical or humorous unwritten rules of medical practice.

See Also[edit]

External Links[edit]

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