DEVELOPING A FOUNDATION COURSE IN MEDICAL ENGLISH: AN ESP APPROACH FOR FIRST-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) plays a crucial role in medical education,
particularly for first-year medical students who require foundational language skills for
academic and professional success. This study explores the need for a specialized Medical
English course tailored to the linguistic and communicative needs of beginner-level medical
students. Through a needs analysis approach, the research identifies key language competencies
essential for medical education, including medical terminology, patient communication, and
academic writing. The study proposes a structured ESP-based syllabus that integrates reallife medical scenarios, technical vocabulary, and interactive learning methods to enhance
students' comprehension and practical language use. The findings suggest that a well-designed
ESP curriculum can significantly improve students' confidence and proficiency in medical
English, laying the groundwork for effective communication in their future medical careers.