The specialized field of medicine covers a large variety of technical degrees as well as interactant constellations. It is therefore well-suited to demonstrate the complexity of the language, speciality and culture-specific analysis of social parameters in the field of translatory action. In this article the author discusses some aspects of the social practice of translation in the field of medicine from a didactic point of view with a special emphasis on the translator’s role as a mediator in expert and non-expert communication. She also examines possible action frames and functions of translation in the different realities of the actors involved. The results of the analysis underline the importance of social parameters in preparing translators for the specific demands of intercultural medical communication.