¶ … L.O.L. In N.A.D. Written by a physician who is also a writer, this article looks at the mind-bending jargon physicians use every day. She clearly shows how these nearly illegible acronyms become so common in the healthcare field that practitioners do not understand why nonprofessionals cannot figure them out immediately. Humorous and yet sad, the essay shows jargon serves a purpose, to "remove" the patient from the physician, and this is surprising.

Klass' primary writing strategy is humor, but it is a dark humor. The essay starts out lightly enough, with much of the medical jargon her essay concerns. However, as the essay continues, the tone becomes darker, and it is clear Klass is concerned about the jargon and its dehumanizing effects. She utilizes less offensive jargon to open the essay, (L.O.L = Little Old Lady), for example, and then uses an anecdote with her mother to show how the jargon has already taken over her speech. She uses this humor to make the reader more receptive to what they are reading, but also...

For example, "adeno-C.A." is lung cancer, and "to box" is to die. These are necessary definitions for an audience who is not medical, and so would have no idea what she is talking about. She uses narration throughout the essay too, to differentiate between the definitions and the background of the patients, and her own reaction to what she is learning, along with her conclusion about why jargon exists and what she feels about it.
Klass uses contrast quite subtly throughout her essay, just as she uses humor. The contrast in her essay is the jargon juxtaposed with the severity of many of the symptoms, and the light and uncaring attitude many interns take regarding human life. The contrast of humor, lack of empathy, and the situation of many of the patients makes this essay much more…