Page 25 - Layout 1

MEDICAL STUDENT

PERSPECTIVES

LEARNING SPANISH WILL GREATLY BENEFIT
YOUNG DOCTORS

By Matthew Milam

Cultural Competency: It’s a term drilled into us over our preclinical years. Rightfully so, understand-
ing of the backgrounds of our patients is critical for establishing an adequate physician patient rela-
tionship. In our classes, we address several of the major national issues in American culture such as
gender inequality, heath care concerns of the LGBTQ community, and the importance of health lit-
eracy. Yet, with a city as diverse as San Antonio are we really addressing the culture and needs of our
own community?

San Antonio has long been known for its rich history and vibrant cultural diversity, showcased across
the city from its old esteemed missions to the festive River Walk. But perhaps the place that showcases
this diversity the most is none other than University Hospital. If you were to walk through the wards
of University Hospital you would be able to notice a hodgepodge of culture present. Interestingly,
you would likely be able to notice it even without seeing any patients, just simply by hearing the variety of languages ambient in the air.
Although even in my early career I have seen patients from across the globe, you would be quick to notice that one culture in particular
is far more prevalent than the rest. It is a culture that is intimately associated with San Antonio, so intertwined in fact that the name of
our city is derived from its language. It is the Hispanic culture, and it is a culture that for how prevalent it is in our community I think
we may be neglecting its importance in our medical training.
It is no secret that knowing Spanish is a very valuable skill for a medical student to have. When asking advice for how to succeed
during clinical rotations I have been told several times by older students that as long as you can show up on time, speak Spanish, and
not be a jerk you are almost guaranteed fantastic evaluations. However, most importantly being fluent in Spanish allows you to com-
municate directly with so many patients in hospitals across San Antonio and within the community of South Texas. This is critical for
establishing personal connections and trust.
Clearly it is important to learn Spanish, but is it even possible for a medical student to spend enough time to thoroughly learn a
new language? It can seem like an impossible challenge when you are constantly bombarded with multiple weekly quizzes and
monthly examinations, not to mention volunteering, research, shadowing, networking and trying to maintain at least some remnant
of a social life. Quickly realizing the importance of learning Spanish myself, I have made several attempts at learning. I’ve tried a
few online resources, nagged some of my fluent friends to teach me phrases, and volunteered at medical community service events
across South Texas to try to speak to patients in Spanish. Yet, despite these efforts I am still far from fluent. It can be disheartening
because whenever I feel like I am quickly making progress a major project or test will appear on the horizon and interrupt my efforts.
Now as my classmates and I creep nearer and nearer the end of the preclinical years we are starting to feel the pressure of upcoming
national board examinations, most notably the USMLE STEP 1 exam that has become overwhelmingly important with regards to
becoming a competitive residency applicant.
Learning Spanish as a medical student is certainly no easy task. Having more opportunities to learn Spanish such as elective classes
or subscriptions to online classes would be helpful, but ultimately the responsibility of learning a new language is on the learner. In the
end, I think that it is unreasonable to expect a medical student to completely learn a new language during medical school, especially
during the preclinical years. However, I think it is completely reasonable, and I even think it should be expected, that medical students
put in enough effort to learn at least a few basic greetings and some basic medical Spanish. Even if a translator is still required, making
an effort to communicate directly with patients is important and will go a long way with regards to making a positive physician patient
relationship.

Matthew Milam is a second year medical student at UTHSA.

visit us at www.bcms.org 25