Medical Russian - learning it worth it?

[laxtiger499]

So, I was wondering, with all the encouragement out there to learn or at least be familiar with some medical Spanish, what do you all think about learning medical Russian? I have a background in Russian language, so this will not be some shot in the dark trying to memorize random words in another language with no base. How can one address this in the interview, also?

Thanks for the tips!
вам большое спасибо! 🙂

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Whatyousay]

I mean, it would be something to talk about on your application, but in terms of practical applications, medical Spanish is probably infinitely more useful.

(that is, unless you know something about a secret population of Russian immigrants...)

 

[AestheticMed]

Unless you're planning on working in a location where many people speak Russian, then there's not really a point. However, I do admit it is an awesome sounding language.

 

[postbacpremed87]

Russian chicks can be really hot. It's worth learning.

Since LizzyM brought the heat. I thought I would clarify...this was directed at those who say learning a language isn't important because it isn't widely spoken....there are hidden benefits to learning any language.

LizzyM ftw...

 

[macsta]

Russian chicks can be really hot. It's worth learning.

You really only need to a learn a select set of phrases.

 

[laxtiger499]

I definitely see where you guys are coming from, that Spanish is considerably more useful, at least in America. Then again, what happens if, say a Russian patient walks in ... or even more rare, a Georgian-speaking patient! 😱 (I can say that, I'm from Kavkaz, .. Armenia!!! )

Btw, to get a Russian girl, you can say, kakaya krasavitsya!

 

[Mithril]

I definitely see where you guys are coming from, that Spanish is considerably more useful, at least in America. Then again, what happens if, say a Russian patient walks in ... or even more rare, a Georgian-speaking patient! 😱 (I can say that, I'm from Kavkaz, .. Armenia!!! )

Btw, to get a Russian girl, you can say, kakaya krasavitsya!

If you want to learn an entire language for the chances of being able to speak with a 1-in-500 Russian patient who probably already knows competent English, then by all means go for it.

 

[LizzyM]

No wonder so many of you do so poorly in the verbal section.... this guy knows Russian, he's from overseas himself and he wants to learn the medical words that aren't everyday household vocabulary so as to be able to communicate in a medical setting with Russian speaking patients.

Spanish speakers are ubiquitous in much of the US, but try finding interpreters in those other 39 languages that are frequently spoken in areas that attract large numbers of new immigrants.

There are Russian speaking people (over 700,000 in the NY tri-state area) in the US incluing those from Russia as well as the former Soviet Union and Soviet satellites. Many people do speak English as a foreign language but when it comes time to talk to one's physician, as with a spiritual advisor, many prefer to speak in their native tongue. Furthermore, there well may be situations where Russian would come in handy in medical mission trips, etc.

Go for it, OP.

 

[postbacpremed87]

+1 there is a huge Russian population in my hometown. There is a huge presence on the east coast.

No wonder so many of you do so poorly in the verbal section.... this guy knows Russian, he's from overseas himself and he wants to learn the medical words that aren't everyday household vocabulary so as to be able to communicate in a medical setting with Russian speaking patients.

Spanish speakers are ubiquitous in much of the US, but try finding interpreters in those other 39 languages that are frequently spoken in areas that attract large numbers of new immigrants.

There are Russian speaking people (over 700,000 in the NY tri-state area) in the US incluing those from Russia as well as the former Soviet Union and Soviet satellites. Many people do speak English as a foreign language but when it comes time to talk to one's physician, as with a spiritual advisor, many prefer to speak in their native tongue. Furthermore, there well may be situations where Russian would come in handy in medical mission trips, etc.

Go for it, OP.

 

[gettheleadout]

No wonder so many of you do so poorly in the verbal section...

 

[laxtiger499]

Thanks, LizzyM.
Actually, English reading skills aside, I grew up only one year in Armenia, grew up in the States, and speak Russian at home, but only conversationally and with a slang-rich vocabulary! (Never learned Armenian from mom and dad, except for a borev! and gamas-gamas! haha)

 

[laxtiger499]

If you want to learn an entire language for the chances of being able to speak with a 1-in-500 Russian patient who probably already knows competent English, then by all means go for it.

Btw, Mithril, you are right. I'll just improve my spanish like all the other people out there and give the adcoms another spanish pre-med applicant on their list... 😛

 

[deleted393595]

So, I was wondering, with all the encouragement out there to learn or at least be familiar with some medical Spanish, what do you all think about learning medical Russian? I have a background in Russian language, so this will not be some shot in the dark trying to memorize random words in another language with no base. How can one address this in the interview, also?

Thanks for the tips!
вам большое спасибо! 🙂

Could be useful if you're kidnapped by the KGB.

 

[laxtiger499]

yeah, you're right.

 

[PTWOB02]

So, I was wondering, with all the encouragement out there to learn or at least be familiar with some medical Spanish, what do you all think about learning medical Russian?

I speak fluent Russian but I never had to use my language skills while volunteering or shadowing in the hospital. I even made sure my volunteer coordinator was aware of my Russian fluency. Unless you live in the major city with a large Russian immigrant community, I think learning medical Russian is a complete waste of time. Like others said, learn medical Spanish instead.

 

[postbacpremed87]

I epic win...but I also like savings the money. 👍

 

[laxtiger499]

ладно все...заткнись. put that in google translator postbacpremed87! 😛

 

[postbacpremed87]

Net

ладно все...заткнись. put that in google translator postbacpremed87! 😛

 

[Stumpyman]

Hey i know Russian as well, I also lived in Moscow for a few months and took courses, so I learned quite a few terms. There's obviously no downside to having it, and it's interesting to talk about at interviews. There aren'y way too many russians where I live though, but I know the ones that do live here would love to have a totally russian speaking doctor 🙂

 

[laxtiger499]

k

 

[ponyo]

I don't know about Russian, but my parent's internist is Chinese and talks to about 3/4 of his patients in Chinese. He's a decent doctor, but I think the success of his practice is largely attributed to the fact that he carved out a very comfortable niche for himself by serving a specific population.