The language programmes aim to provide students with a series of classes to develop their ability to converse in a different language. As Singapore is a multicultural country where many languages are spoken, it is expected that there will also be a variety of patients. Thus, it is ideal that clinicians are able to converse in the patients’ native tongue to better develop rapport. To provide this training, SMSANZ has conducted both basic and advanced language programmes that cover a wide range of languages such as Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Hokkien, and Cantonese.
During the workshop, students are exposed to not only the medical terminologies of the different languages, but also the culture and history behind the languages. These workshops have since equipped them with an arsenal of vocabulary and skills to hold basic conversations in these languages.
Singapore Medical Society of Australia & New Zealand 