The third revised and extended edition of “Professional Communication in English: Medicine” by Ilina Doykova, published by the Medical University of Varna, is a comprehensive course book designed specifically for medical students and healthcare professionals. This edition builds upon previous versions with significant updates, reflecting the rapid developments in medical education and practice. The textbook addresses the evolving needs of students who require a solid foundation in medical English to communicate effectively in clinical settings.
Content Overview and Key Highlights of the Chapters
The textbook is structured around eight detailed units, each focusing on a specific medical system or condition, such as musculoskeletal health, gastrointestinal health, respiratory health, cardiovascular health, genitourinary health, immunity care, endocrinology, and neurology. Each unit is meticulously designed to enhance the four core language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while simultaneously integrating medical terminology and communication skills relevant to clinical practice.
- Musculoskeletal Health: This chapter explores the vocabulary and communication skills needed to discuss bones, muscles, and joints, focusing on conditions such as fractures, arthritis, and joint health. Students learn to define terms, describe medical conditions, and engage in discussions about musculoskeletal disorders.
- Gastrointestinal Health and Nutrition: This chapter focuses on the digestive system, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and the communication skills necessary for discussing dietary recommendations and gastrointestinal disorders. Activities include doctor-patient dialogues, vocabulary building, and writing medical reports.
- Respiratory Health: Covering essential topics such as respiratory anatomy and common conditions like asthma and bronchitis, this chapter includes tasks that help students describe symptoms, give instructions for respiratory care, and practice emergency procedures like CPR.
- Cardiovascular Health: Focusing on the cardiovascular system, this section teaches students how to communicate about heart health, describe conditions such as hypertension and angina, and understand patient narratives related to cardiovascular care.
- Genitourinary Health: This unit explores conditions affecting the urinary and reproductive systems. It includes vocabulary related to infections, reproductive health, and patient communication strategies for sensitive topics.
- Immunity Care: This chapter covers immunological health, including diseases affecting the immune system. It helps students practice skills such as explaining complex conditions, summarizing case studies, and counseling patients.
- Endocrinology: The focus is on the endocrine system, addressing conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. Tasks involve reading comprehension, listening exercises, and writing about clinical findings.
- Neurology: The final chapter explores neurological conditions, offering insight into the human brain, mental health issues, and neurology-related vocabulary. Students practice explaining conditions, interpreting data, and engaging in doctor-patient dialogues.
Why You Should Consider This Book if You Are an International Student at the Medical University of Varna
The textbook combines a task-based approach with a strong emphasis on practical language use. Each unit is structured to build key academic skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—while also introducing specialized medical vocabulary and terminology. The activities are varied and designed to reflect real-life scenarios, such as consulting patients, writing clinical notes, and engaging in professional discussions.
- Language Focus: The book introduces medical terminology in context, making it easier for students to understand and retain complex vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on high-frequency medical terms, and grammatical patterns relevant to medical communication are highlighted throughout the chapters.
- Practical Application: The exercises are geared toward practical application, encouraging students to actively use language in clinical settings. This includes role-playing, dialogue reconstruction, and writing tasks that mimic real-world medical communication.
- Skill Development: The book not only focuses on language acquisition but also enhances other academic skills such as critical thinking, data interpretation, and the ability to construct logical arguments—skills essential for any medical professional.
The textbook is primarily intended for second-year medical students with a B2 level of English proficiency. However, it also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, PhD students, and medical professionals who wish to improve their communication skills in English. Its clear structure and focus on real-life application make it suitable for both classroom use and self-study.