Learning of medical English and academic curricular reform in medicine

Abstract

Background: English is indispensable in the field of science and especially in medicine: it is the predominant language of publications and medical bibliographic databases. In addition, the training of competent physicians and the foundation of a socially responsible faculty of medicine and in order to comply with the international standards stipulated by the accreditation and certification of faculties of medicine, the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse- Tunisia initiated a curriculum revision leading to the setting up of a working group to reform the "Medical English" system.
Aim: To identify the deficiencies of the academic learning of medical English following a rigorous analysis of the specificities of the teaching, to make the diagnosis of the current situation and to propose the required recommendations.
Methods: The analysis of the so far medical English teaching process at the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse was approached by coupling the two methods related to the cause and effect: the SWOT (Strength-Weaknesses / Opportunities-Threats) methodology and the diagram of Ichikawa.
Results: Our analysis revealed a lack of effectiveness for various reasons related to the lack of identification of learning needs by levels in a clear and precise manner, a quantitative and qualitative insufficiencyof hourly volume with an inadequate distribution compared to the other disciplines and content not updated. Thus,a shortfall ininnovative human and material resources.
Conclusion: The learning of medical English must be upgraded in order to improve skills and promote the quality of health care.