Why and How to Learn Spanish as a Clinician

00:01 Your opportunity to provide care to a variety of patients is continuously growing.

00:06 This includes people from different cultures, religions, and languages.

00:11 Let's take a look at one of the most widely used languages in the world, Spanish.

00:17 As a healthcare worker, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with Spanish speaking patients in order to provide them with the best possible care.

00:28 This course will teach you the key Spanish phrases that you need to know to communicate with Spanish speaking patients in a healthcare setting.

00:37 You will learn phrases from greetings and introductions, common medical terms, questions to ask patients, instructions for patients, and phrases for providing emotional support.

00:49 By the end of this course, you will be able to greet and introduce yourself with patients, use common medical terms in Spanish, ask questions to Spanish speaking patients about their symptoms and medical history, give instructions in Spanish to your patients about procedures and medications and provide emotional support to Spanish speaking patients.

01:12 This course is designed for healthcare workers who want to improve their communication skills with Spanish speaking patients.

01:20 It is also a good resource for anyone who wants to learn basic Spanish for healthcare purposes.

01:28 Each topic it is going to cover in detail examples of Spanish phrases that you can use in a healthcare setting, and you will also have the opportunity to practice your Spanish skills with interactive exercises and activities.

01:43 So, if you are ready to communicate more effectively with your Spanish speaking patients, then come on, let's go.

01:52 The opportunities to practice a new language in your profession can be exciting and a little nerve wracking.

02:00 Imagine a patient that is already anxious about an injury, illness, or diagnosis and on top of that, they have to communicate not in their primary language.

02:12 Simple phrases can make you a more accessible and understanding healthcare provider.

02:17 Build better rapport with your patients and open opportunities in your practice.

02:24 As you prepare to learn Spanish healthcare vocabulary and phrases, here are a few things I want you to keep in mind.

02:31 First, practice regularly.

02:35 The more you practice, the better you will become at speaking and understanding Spanish.

02:41 Try to set aside some time each day to practice your Spanish, even if it's just for a few minutes.

02:50 Also, don't be afraid to make mistakes.

02:53 Everyone makes mistakes whenever they are learning a new language.

02:57 The important thing is to keep practicing. Don't give up.

03:02 Also, find a language partner.

03:06 A language partner is someone who is fluent in Spanish and willing to help you practice.

03:13 You can find language partners online or in your local area.

03:18 Don't be afraid to ask for help.

03:20 If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for help from a native Spanish speaker or a Spanish teacher.

03:27 There are also many online resources that can help you with Spanish grammar and vocabulary.

03:34 Be patient. Give yourself grace in learning a new language.

03:41 Learning a new language takes time and effort.

03:44 Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

03:48 Keep practicing and you will eventually reach your goals.

03:53 Pay attention to cognates.

03:55 Cognates are words that are similar in both Spanish and English.

03:59 For example, Excellent and "Excellente!" This can be a great way to learn new vocabulary.

04:08 I will point out some cognates in our learning together.

04:11 You can also use mnemonic devices.

04:14 Mnemonic devices are memory aids that can help you remember new vocabulary and grammar.

04:21 There are many different mnemonic devices you can use, such as acronyms, rhymes, and visualizations.

04:29 I will give you various mnemonics throughout our learning together that you can use in your learning journey.

04:36 You can use the aids that I provide, or you can create your own.

04:42 Lastly, and this is important - Have fun! Learning a new language should be enjoyable.

04:49 If you're not having fun, you're less likely to stick with it.

04:53 So find ways to make learning Spanish fun, such as watching Spanish TV shows, listening to Spanish music, or reading Spanish books.

05:04 Here’s what I want you to do - I want you to set aside some time to practice these phrases and vocabulary, today.