Mastery of medical French: an essential asset for international doctors in France

The Importance of Medical French

• Communication with patients: Understanding and being understood is essential in diagnosis and treatment. Mastery of medical French allows for establishing a trustful relationship with patients, which is crucial in the healthcare sector.
• Collaboration with Colleagues: Smooth communication with other healthcare professionals ensures better coordination and quality patient care. It also allows easier access to professional networks and career development opportunities.

Resources for Learning Medical French

• Online Courses and Apps: Platforms like Duolingo or Babbel offer a solid foundation in French. For private lessons, we recommend the Italki platform. For more specialized vocabulary, we recommend the book Le Français des Médecins
• Training Programs and Workshops: French universities and institutions offer intensive training. These programs often include simulations and medical role-playing. We also offer intensive training through our campus.
- **Immersion and Practice:** Nothing replaces immersion in a French-speaking environment. Participating in internships or working in a French-speaking environment accelerates learning.

Effective Learning Methods

• Work-Integrated Learning: Taking notes in French during consultations, using French in professional discussions, and requesting feedback from French-speaking colleagues are beneficial practices.
• Discussion Groups and Language Exchanges: Joining online or local discussion groups can promote regular practice. Language exchanges with French-speaking colleagues are also very useful.

Testimonials from Foreign Doctors

When I talk about the French classes, I often think of Marco, our first candidate who had benefited from our campus, back then, in Rome. Marco had chosen a particularly intensive schedule: 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. In addition, he engaged in reading in French, consuming French media, and having regular conversations in French. After 6 weeks, Marco was expressing himself in "the language of Molière." After 12 weeks, he was starting out in France.

Conclusion

The path to mastering medical French can be strewn with obstacles, but it is undeniably rewarding. For international doctors in France, it is a crucial step for successful integration, both professionally and personally. It is also a mandatory step to successfully register with the order of doctors.