P010A MedSpanish: January 2019

We welcome students from RUTGERS, Boston University and other universities for the February 2019 session of the P010A course

This is a very intensive Medical Spanish Course focusing on the interaction between the physician and patient. We have defined critical points in the geography of human communication, considering all different scenarios in the clinical context:

Clinic history
Clinical interview (under normal conditions versus stressful conditions)
Physical exam
Clinical rounds and case presentations

The first three correspond to interpersonal communication. The fourth is a group communication. Have different characteristics. We have de-composed these first three elements to generate a thematic inventory of critical issues at level of oral communication with patients, as a guide to be developed with students:

Surface Anatomy
Internal anatomy
Signs and symptoms
Vital signs
Anthropometric measures
Prescriptions
Laboratory tests
Medical procedures
Inform consent
Management plan, recommendations and case monitoring
Communicating bad new
Alternative medicine

Clinical rounds and case presentations (as daily dynamics within a hospital) include more technical medical communication elements. Analysis of clinical cases and simulated patients will be educational practices as a tangent that crosses the entire matrix of the course. Common (such as chronic diseases) and rare medical problems and tropical diseases are considered in our Medical Spanish learning model. But our methodology also considers the students particular interests. We want student’s participation is active and not passive.

If participants are expecting this course to give them only ‘pre-formulated questions and statements’ as ‘pocket formula’ (which are very common on the Internet now), then this course is not what you are looking for. These formulas can be only useful to ask questions to a patient but do not prepare you to understand the response of the patient, it requires hard work to learn Spanish as a second language but that is exactly what the participants will do with us.

To facilitate the learning process and to address the particular needs of students, we will divide the group into 2 levels:

Beginner
Intermediate

This is a division that makes an empirical and simple approach to a complex assessment levels model. It's only useful to plan the start of the course and share a general notion. Our grammar staff is highly trained in the Common European Framework of reference for language learning, teaching and assessment. At the end of the course we can make a technical assessment of your skills within this theoretical model.

Reference: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Language Policy Unit, Strasbourg. Link: CEFR last version, 2017. Link here.

In this course we apply an eclectic approach that combines different conceptions of linguistic theory for teaching Spanish as second language with learning philosophy of Problem Based Learning (PBL).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem-based_learning

We trust that both our planning and our tools are consistent with this educational model. Management course by our instructors aims to make this experience dynamic, intense and participative. We also hope that this course will produce significant momentum in your communications skills with Hispanic population living in US.

It is important to understand that human communication transcends oral communication. An important content of this course will be cultural immersion. Especially the dynamics of daily sharing with a Costa Rican family that will benefit the students in many ways.

Please explore and take advantage of this Blog. There are tools that can facilitate your learning process. We agree that these are essential activities.

Enjoy this experience. We trust and rely on your commitment and effort. Good luck!

Dr. Mario Tristán

Director-General & CEOProgram Development Director

IHCAI FOUNDATION IHCAI FOUNDATION

San José, Costa Rica, Febrero 2019