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Rocío Ríos Rojas, Giangiorgio Orsi, and María del Carmen Gutiérrez Morales

This course has the specific purpose to aid healthcare professionals interested in learning medical Spanish. We teach doctors the language to communicate when their patient’s visit takes place. This course not only helps you to greet patients but also interview them to find out the chief complaint.

The course is based on fundamental beginner language that enables students to communicate in the professional field with colleagues and patients. The course gradually develops to be completely taught in Spanish to create an immersion atmosphere to familiarize you with the use of the language.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Vocabulary for social communication and doctor-patient interaction.
  • Spanish language structures embedded in exercises to develop language skills.
  • Reading and writing to reinforce the topics and level of this course.
  • Latin american mexican culture related to the medical field.

Syllabus

Module 1: Doctor’s introduction to colleagues in his/her new working place
Vocabulary: greetings and nationality. Personal pronouns, verb “ser”, verb “estar” and definite articles.
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Module 2: Doctor’s patient introduction in his/her office
Vocabulary to describe physical characteristics and personality. Verb “tener” to express age. Indefinite articles. Numbers from 0 to 100. Colors.
Module 3: Doctor-patient interview part 1
Patient’s personal data. Vocabulary related to the doctor’s office. Verbs “ser” and “haber” to describe places and accessories. Singular and plural words.
Module 4: Doctor-patient interview part 2
Basic patient’s personal data. Vocabulary related to the family members. Possessive adjectives.
Module 5: Doctor-patient interview part 3
Basic patient’s personal data. Hospital’s organogram introduction. Numbers from 101 to 1000 and verb “tener” to express possession.
Module 6: Description of a person
Vocabulary to describe a person. Adjectives and question words.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches vocabulary specifically designed for the healthcare industry
Facilitates communication in professional settings between doctors, colleagues, and patients
Emphasizes Latin American Mexican culture within the medical field
Uses immersion to familiarize learners with the target language, creating a real-world setting
Gradually introduces the target language to build upon knowledge
Requires proficiency in Spanish, as the course is taught entirely in Spanish

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Foundations of Medical Spanish with these activities:
Vocabulary Reinforcement
Learn the vocabulary for greeting patients and describing their physical characteristics.
Show steps
  • Review the vocabulary list provided in the course materials.
  • Complete the exercises in the workbook that focus on vocabulary.
Learn about the structure of medical Spanish
Understanding the structure of medical Spanish will help you to communicate more effectively with patients and colleagues.
Show steps
  • Find online or in-person tutorials on medical Spanish grammar.
  • Complete the tutorials and practice the exercises.
  • Review the grammar rules regularly.
Practice greeting and introducing yourself
Practicing greetings and introductions will build a strong foundation for interacting with patients in a medical setting.
Browse courses on Greetings
Show steps
  • Write out a list of common greetings and introductions in Spanish.
  • Practice saying the greetings and introductions out loud.
  • Find a language partner or tutor to practice with.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Grammar Drills
Practice using the Spanish language structures taught in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the grammar rules presented in each module.
  • Complete the exercises in the workbook that focus on grammar.
  • Create your own sentences using the grammar structures you have learned.
Conversation Practice
Engage in conversation with a Spanish-speaking classmate through video conferencing to practice speaking and comprehension skills.
Show steps
  • Find a classmate who is also taking the course and is willing to practice conversation with you.
  • Schedule a time to meet online for a video conference.
  • Prepare a list of topics you would like to discuss.
  • During your conversation, focus on using the Spanish language structures you have learned.
Create a medical Spanish dictionary
Creating a medical Spanish dictionary will help you to build your vocabulary and improve your ability to communicate with patients.
Browse courses on Medical Terminology
Show steps
  • Start a list of medical terms in Spanish and English.
  • Add to the list as you encounter new terms.
  • Organize the list by category or topic.
  • Use the dictionary regularly to practice your vocabulary.
Self-Recorded Dialogue
Record yourself having a conversation in Spanish to practice your speaking and listening skills.
Show steps
  • Prepare a short dialogue based on the topics covered in the course.
  • Record yourself having the dialogue using a video or audio recording device.
  • Listen to your recording and identify areas where you can improve your pronunciation or grammar.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Medical Spanish will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Doctor
Doctors oversee patient care and work with them to resolve medical concerns and provide proactive advice. The course **Foundations of Medical Spanish** is a powerful tool for doctors who wish to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients. Through exercises and language instruction specific to the medical field, you will be equipped to establish rapport, gather medical history, perform physical exams, and provide clear instructions. This course empowers doctors to provide culturally sensitive care and improve patient outcomes.
Nurse
Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and monitor patient health. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be beneficial for nurses who work with Spanish-speaking patients. The course provides a solid foundation in medical Spanish, enabling nurses to communicate effectively, build rapport, assess patient needs, and provide culturally competent care. By enhancing their communication skills, nurses can improve patient outcomes and foster a positive patient experience.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support doctors and other healthcare professionals. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be a valuable asset for medical assistants who work in diverse communities, enabling them to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients. The course covers essential medical vocabulary, Spanish language structures, and cultural nuances, helping medical assistants to assist doctors in providing quality care and improving patient satisfaction.
Case Manager
Case managers coordinate care and support for individuals with complex health and social needs. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be beneficial for case managers who work with Spanish-speaking clients. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling case managers to communicate effectively, understand cultural nuances, and advocate for the well-being of their clients. By bridging language barriers, case managers can improve care coordination, access to resources, and overall outcomes for Spanish-speaking individuals.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, provide drug information, and manage medication therapy. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for pharmacists who work in areas with Spanish-speaking populations. The course introduces essential medical vocabulary, Spanish language structures, and cultural considerations related to medication use. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, pharmacists can effectively communicate with patients, provide accurate drug information, and improve medication adherence.
Medical Interpreter
Medical interpreters facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients who do not share a common language. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** provides a strong foundation for aspiring medical interpreters. The course introduces essential medical vocabulary, Spanish language structures, and cultural nuances. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, individuals can effectively convey medical information, ensure accurate communication, and bridge cultural gaps in healthcare settings.
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and resources to individuals and families facing various challenges. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be beneficial for social workers who work with Spanish-speaking clients. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling social workers to communicate effectively, understand cultural nuances, and advocate for the well-being of their clients. By bridging language barriers, social workers can enhance their ability to provide culturally sensitive support and empower clients to navigate healthcare systems.
Health Educator
Health educators promote health and wellness through education and outreach programs. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be a valuable tool for health educators who work with Spanish-speaking communities. The course equips educators with essential medical vocabulary, Spanish language structures, and cultural insights. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, health educators can effectively communicate health information, develop culturally appropriate interventions, and empower individuals to make informed health decisions.
Community Health Worker
Community health workers provide health education, outreach, and support to underserved communities. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be a valuable asset for community health workers who work with Spanish-speaking populations. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling community health workers to communicate effectively, build trust, and deliver culturally appropriate health services. By bridging language barriers, community health workers can improve access to healthcare and promote health equity in diverse communities.
Public Health Nurse
Public health nurses promote health and prevent disease at the community level. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** can be beneficial for public health nurses who work with Spanish-speaking populations. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling nurses to communicate effectively, understand cultural nuances, and address the health needs of diverse communities. By bridging language barriers, public health nurses can improve access to healthcare, promote health equity, and create healthier communities.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare services and operations. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for healthcare administrators who work in diverse healthcare settings. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling administrators to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking staff, patients, and families. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, healthcare administrators can foster a more inclusive work environment, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers conduct studies to improve health outcomes and advance medical knowledge. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for medical researchers who work with Spanish-speaking populations or conduct research in Spanish-speaking countries. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling researchers to communicate effectively with participants, gather accurate data, and interpret findings. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, medical researchers can expand their research capabilities and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants provide chairside support to dentists and perform various administrative and clinical tasks. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for dental assistants who work in areas with Spanish-speaking populations. The course introduces essential medical vocabulary, Spanish language structures, and cultural considerations related to oral health. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, dental assistants can effectively communicate with patients, assist dentists in providing quality care, and create a more comfortable and inclusive dental experience for Spanish-speaking individuals.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood for laboratory testing. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for phlebotomists who work in areas with Spanish-speaking populations. The course provides a basic understanding of medical Spanish, enabling phlebotomists to communicate effectively with patients, explain procedures, and obtain accurate blood samples. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, phlebotomists can improve patient satisfaction, reduce anxiety, and ensure a more positive blood draw experience for Spanish-speaking individuals.
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists convert voice-recorded medical reports into written documents. **Foundations of Medical Spanish** may be helpful for medical transcriptionists who work with Spanish-language medical recordings. The course provides a foundation in medical Spanish, enabling transcriptionists to accurately transcribe medical information, understand cultural nuances, and adhere to HIPAA regulations. By gaining proficiency in medical Spanish, medical transcriptionists can expand their job opportunities and contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare for Spanish-speaking patients.

Reading list

We've selected five books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of Medical Spanish.
Is designed for healthcare professionals who need to communicate in Spanish with patients and colleagues. The book covers a wide range of topics, including medical vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Hispanic culture in Spanish. It includes definitions, pronunciations, and examples of usage for a wide range of terms related to Hispanic history, culture, and traditions.
This grammar book is the definitive reference for Spanish grammar. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to improve their Spanish language skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Mexican culture and customs, enriching the learner's understanding of the cultural context of healthcare in Mexico.

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