English is the most spoken language in the world. About 1.5 billion people out of the world’s 7.5billion population speak English, which accounts for 20%. The ability to speak and understand English allows people to communicate effectively with more people, not only around him but also around the world. Indeed, a person’s proficiency in English can broaden one’s world.

English proficiency can enhance one’s career. Job opportunities are far greater for a person who can write and speak English. With the world becoming smaller every day because of technology, to be able to speak the world’s most spoken language has enormous advantages.

English schools are popping up in non-English speaking countries for obvious reasons. In some countries like in Portuguese-speaking Brazil, medical English courses are offered specifically for professionals in the medical field. With the aim to empower physicians in the practice of their profession, these courses allow them to become more competent professionals because of the following reasons.

Most Printed Materials Are Written in English

From textbooks to medical periodicals and bulletins, English is the most commonly used language. Some of these printed materials may have been translated to native tongues, but new publications on recent developments in the medical field may take some time to be transcribed to different languages.

When a physician is adept in English, he can be updated with the latest medical developments that are happening around the world.

The Internet Becomes More Useful

Nowadays, the internet does not only support our communication needs, but it has become one of the most useful research tools. Most medical websites are written in English. And bear in mind, Google, which is the world’s most used search engine, is all written in English.

Patient Care Can Be Optimized

There will always be a probability that as a physician, you will be encountering a patient who cannot speak your native language. Most probably, you may be able to communicate with each other using English. When there is a language barrier between a patient and the physician, it can turn out that there will be a wrong diagnosis.

Medical tourism has been on the rise in recent years. You need not work overseas to meet English speaking patients because anybody from around the world can seek your medical expertise.

Professional Discussions and Conventions Use English

When discussing with your co-physicians, English may be the right language to use because some terminologies may be loosely translated to native tongues. Attending medical conventions is advisable to every physician because it updates doctors on new developments in the medical profession. These conventions become more important when speakers are international icons in the medical field. For sure, the speakers will be talking in English if that is the case.

Honestly, proficiency in English does not only increase your chances of a better job, but it will make you a more competent medical professional.