This paper presents the results of an exploratory qualitative study aimed to gather information on the medical translator profile and the competences required for the practice of the profession. To do so, twelve translators with different training profiles (physicians, biologists and translators) working as freelancers or staff workers in different organizations were interviewed. The study allowed us to obtain data about the practice of medical translation (genres and topics translated, difficulties encountered, employers' requirements, clients, etc.), and yielded some interesting differences in the translators' professional career depending on the training profile or the employment status. The results also show that acquiring background medical knowledge or mastering medical documentary sources are key competences for professional practice, according to the respondents' opinions.
