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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2019 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Importance of English in Medical Education

Anshita Batta

Keywords : Communication, Communication skills, Medical English

Citation Information : Batta A. Importance of English in Medical Education. Journal of Medical Academics 2019; 2 (2):58-60.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10070-0042

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 03-09-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2019; The Author(s).


Abstract

For speedy developments in the universe of medicine, the medical education, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has devised competency-based undergraduate curriculum (CBUC) for medical graduation. The new curriculum is proposed to be “more learner-centric, patient-centric, gender-sensitive, outcome-oriented and environment appropriate in keeping with the global trends.” The outgoing medical graduate has to perform multiple roles as a clinician, leader of healthcare team, communicator with patients, families, colleagues, and community and become a life-long learner committed to continuous improvement. This is expected to be achieved through a foundation course that would allow the students from diverse educational streams and backgrounds to transition appropriately. The course would focus on “Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) Competencies.” He should be able to demonstrate ability to establish professional relationships with patients and families that are positive, understanding, humane, ethical, empathetic, and trustworthy. He must also demonstrate ability to communicate with patients in a manner respectful of patient's preferences, values, prior experience, beliefs, confidentiality, and privacy. Obviously for gaining expertise in medicine and medical communication, language that is commonly and internationally well understood is English. Need for communicating in English in India is more important. True, that most students admitted to medical colleges are selected through a national process of competition, they come from diverse backgrounds. Many of them might have taken tests in their vernacular because they were in vernacular schools and studied most of the subjects, including biology, in vernacular and not in English. More than education of language, communication skills are more important communication is the ability you use when giving and receiving different kinds of information. Some examples include communicating new ideas, feelings, or even an update on your project. Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing, and empathizing.


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  2. MCI. 2018. Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) Competencies for the Indian Medical Graduate 2018. Medical Council of India, Dwarka, New Delhi.
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