Medical Spanish

The first- and second-year of the MD Program curriculum at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison includes an elective titled Medical Spanish.

Medical Spanish for Health Science Students (Medical Sciences 622-735)

Improve your Spanish skills in a medical interviewing context and effectively interact with Spanish-speaking patients from the community. Earn one credit and gain valuable language skills from University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Araceli Alonso, RN, PhD.

Applications for the course will be accepted beginning Friday, December 16, 2011. Deadline for applications is 5pm Monday, January 23, 2012. Students will be notified of acceptance by Friday, January 27, 2012.

Course Dates

• 10 weekly sessions: Thursdays from February 2 to April 19, 2012; 5:30-7pm, 2288 HSLC

Class Features

• Pertinent medical vocabulary for clinical histories and physical exams
• Grammar component to facilitate effective and professional communication
• Small group interaction with native Spanish speakers serving as "teaching patients"
• Information about cultural practices unique to the hispanic community and working with interpreters
• An opportunity to gain insight into a different culture’s concerns and a better understanding of the diversity in the Madison area
• Practice scenarios that relate to medicine, pharmacy, nursing, PA, PT, and veterinary medicine students

Intermediate level Spanish speaking skills are required for the course. Course enrollment is limited to 24. Online application is required for admission. Students are required to attend eight of 10 sessions to receive credit. No tuition or fees are charged for full-time students. Purchase of coursebook ($11.95) is required. Typically, this course is offered during fall and spring semester.