Translating medical documents accurately requires a native level of proficiency in the specific languages, as well as analytical capabilities, and an expansive cultural knowledge of the source and target languages. A medical translator must have been formally educated in the chosen languages (ideally with training in both translation theory and practice), be an expert in medical terminology, have a full understanding of the source text, write correctly and accurately and be able to make use of specialist medical dictionaries. Professional medical translators must also be qualified to conduct terminology research to validate equivalents in the target language, in particular to understand terms within their context, or when translating into a language with specific regional variations.
The quality of a source document will greatly affect that of the final translation. If there are confusing or badly written passages, it is down to the abilities of the translator clarify matters to ensure a satisfying end result.