The most important tool for learning about English medical language is real-life experience, according to Lopez. He says students go along with doctors to visit patients in the university’s hospital or clinic. On these “rounds” the students observe how doctors and specialists talk with patients, discuss each case, and make reports.
The value of this real-life experience is to connect theory to practice. Students learn theory in the classroom, but find out how doctors help patients in the clinic. For example, students may learn germ theory - the idea that germs cause disease. But as they follow doctors they may see how often the doctors wash their hands and how they wear masks and gowns or scrubs to prevent infection.
As students become more advanced, Lopez says they learn the English grammar structure reported speech. Reported speech is how we tell others what someone else said. When doctors write a report or talk with others, they use reported speech.
