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ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
For frontline doctors, communicating clearly and confidently is essential. The GMC requires doctors to demonstrate a high level of ability in English before they may register in the UK.
However, for international clinicians, trained in a different style of healthcare, and often working under pressure, it is not always easy to get the more subtle aspects of practising in English right.
Even those with very fluent language, or native speakers of an international variety of English, may be unaware that they could be transferring patterns of communication from their first language into British English, which could cause their intent to be misread.
Misunderstandings may also arise from cultural assumptions about professional communication that, in a new context, may no longer be appropriate.
Language and communication skills need to be applied in a way that fulfils the communication standards in the GMC’s guidance for all doctors, ‘Good Medical Practice’.
Questions to reflect on if you are a non-native speaker of English:
- How will you identify the areas of language you need to develop?
- What strategies can you use to ensure your language skills continue improving?
- How might direct translation from your first language affect your communication In English?
- Where can you get feedback on your linguistic skills and support to develop them?
Resources:
The PSU’s Specialist Clinical Communication and Linguistic Service (SCCLS) offers London and Kent, Surrey, and Sussex trainees the following courses:
Developing your English for Clinical Practice:
Working with the PSU’s team of specialist linguists, participants will have the opportunity to:
- evaluate their existing English skills and learn how to use these to sound more concise and professional
- consider new ways to increase language flexibility using resources in the workplace
- explore the link between language, relationships, and rapport
- identify patterns from their native language that may be unhelpful if transferred to English
- consider cultural differences in professional presentation
- receive personal, focussed feedback to inform a PDP for ongoing language development
Accent Reduction/Pronunciation workshops:
- Specialist support to improve clarity and intelligibility of spoken English
Booking information can be found here: https://london.hee.nhs.uk/professional-development/professional-support-unit/courses-and-conferences
Other resources:
https://pronunciationstudio.com
http://www.doctorsspeakup.com/
GMC English language requirements and other evidence to support your application
‘Good Medical Practice’, is the GMC’s guidance on professional values and behaviours:
https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/good-medical-practice