In the medical field, English serves as a universal language, facilitating exchanges between healthcare professionals of different nationalities and communication with international patients. For medical secretaries and assistants, fluency in English enriches interactions with patients and improves collaboration with international healthcare teams. Proficiency in medical English not only enables them to provide a better service, but also to participate effectively in wider professional exchanges, with a positive impact on the quality of care delivered.

Specialised English vocabulary for medical professionals

The course programme places a strong emphasis on the acquisition of specific and extensive medical English vocabulary. Participants will explore :

• Detailed medical terminology : Knowledge of a wide range of medical terms is crucial to accurately communicating diagnoses, procedures and treatments to patients and colleagues.
• Common medical expressions: The course teaches the expressions regularly used in medical interactions, which are essential for writing reports, medical documentation and oral communication.
• Patient communication : Participants will learn to explain medical instructions clearly, respond to patients' concerns with empathy and professionalism, and manage the exchange of sensitive information with confidence and precision.

Our teaching approach is strongly focused on interactive communication, ensuring that participants can put what they learn into practice in real-life scenarios:

• Face-to-face interaction : Secretaries and medical assistants practise conducting direct conversations with patients, improving their ability to communicate complex information in an understandable way.
• Telephone and e-mail communication: The course covers specific techniques for remote communication, a crucial aspect of administrative medical work. Students learn how to handle professional telephone calls and write clear, precise e-mails.

Using technology for language learning

The use of modern technologies enriches the learning experience and provides additional tools to empower learners:

Online platforms : Students are encouraged to use language learning applications and online platforms to practise their English outside class hours. These resources allow students to revise vocabulary, practise grammar and practise listening, speaking and writing.

To make progress in medical English, participants must adopt a proactive and regular approach:

• Continuous practice : Regular immersion in the language through dialogues with native speakers or simulated medical scenarios helps to build fluency and confidence.
• Constructive feedback: Receiving regular feedback from instructors helps students understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement in their communication.
• Specific learning objectives : Setting clear and measurable objectives for learning medical English is essential. Regularly assessing progress and adjusting learning methods accordingly helps to maintain motivation and commitment.

The role of cultural sensitivity

Understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential in an international medical environment. This can not only enhance interactions with patients and colleagues, but also enrich the overall professional experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being proficient in medical English is a necessity for medical secretaries and assistants working in international contexts. This course provides the necessary tools to develop a specialised vocabulary, refine communication skills and engage in lifelong learning, enabling professionals to better serve their patients and progress in their medical careers.