Practicing EM in Texas and Spanish

[ERDude]

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[GeneralVeers]

Hello,

2nd year (soon to be 3rd) year resident at a midwest program here, interested in moving to Texas for attending-hood next summer.

Question for anybody who does/has practiced in Texas (particularly in the ares of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and/or Austin):

How important is it to speak workable spanish to get by in busy EDs in the above mentioned cities? Or is it (hopefully) relatively unimportant?

Any and all insight would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I finished my residency in South Texas (about 60% Hispanic population) and while speaking Spanish helps, it's important to understand that the attitude Texas has to language is far different than many other states. Texas generally encourages people to learn English, and it's frowned upon if you live there and can't at least speak enough English to get by. In general maybe 10% or less of my patients spoke no English, compared with Los Angeles where it approached 30%. We had many Hispanic RNs who's families had been there for generations and spoke no Spanish at all.

 

[ERDude]

Appreciate the input. Based on that it sounds like I shouldn't let my lack of high-level spanish deter a career move to Texas.

My main concern is that if I were to have a high proportion of spanish only patients (particularly during nights and/or single coverage when translators might not be available) I would A) slow my productivity down significantly and B) expose myself to way more risk with potentially subpar histories.

 

[GeneralVeers]

Appreciate the input. Based on that it sounds like I shouldn't let my lack of high-level spanish deter a career move to Texas.

My main concern is that if I were to have a high proportion of spanish only patients (particularly during nights and/or single coverage when translators might not be available) I would A) slow my productivity down significantly and B) expose myself to way more risk with potentially subpar histories.

I would find it hard to believe that any hospital in Texas would lack a Spanish-speaking person on a shift. There should always be an RN, unit secretary, or tech who does. Barring that, your last resort should be the language phone, which every hospital should possess.

 

[xaelia]

High-school Spanish was enough for me in Los Angeles, and I expect it to be enough for the job waiting for me in Houston.

It won't get you very far in court, but it's enough to start the work-up while awaiting RN/translator/phone etc.

 

[txterp98]

I trained at UTSW in Dallas and have been in Austin for the past 5 years. I didn't have any training in Spanish prior to coming to Texas. Over the past 8 years, I haven't had a problem at all. I echo what Veers told you. You'll be fine coming out here. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[ERDude]

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[WilcoWorld]

My take on the language question is that a basic knowledge will get you through most ED encounters (knee injury, URI symptoms, pediatric fever) but when you need a detailed history (weak & dizzy, neuro complaints) you either need fluency or an interpreter. As Veers pointed out, every hospital should have access to an interpreter via phone.