Taking notes, whether in college, at seminars or for patient visits, I often resort to abbreviations and occasionally, some high school steno. I learned clever letters and symbols for both speed and even some privacy.

And this was way before the acronyms of texting. Now we have OMG, BFF, TMI and so many more. By now there is likely a glossary to help figure out what they all mean. Lol.. :-D

 But sometimes they are just for me to simply recall a comment or special moment shared during an office visit. I use symbols like an up arrow, to let me know patient had a positive change since their last appointment. Sometimes a smiley face, an exclamation point, or an underscore to note that the adjustment was a profound experience or an ‘aha’ moment.