Spanish

[francais7979]

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I finished my pre-req's but was thinking about taking spanish in the summer because as I was shadowing I noticed some patients could not speak english and I figure learning some spanish would help me in this profession.

Do you think this will be frowned upon by admissions and that they would have preferred me to take a science couse instead?

 

[boone95]

I finished my pre-req's but was thinking about taking spanish in the summer because as I was shadowing I noticed some patients could not speak english and I figure learning some spanish would help me in this profession.

Do you think this will be frowned upon by admissions and that they would have preferred me to take a science couse instead?

It's definitely important to have some upper level science classes, but Spanish is becoming more and more important too. If you've had some upper level science, go get some Spanish. It's a great way to show 'roundedness' and more importantly, it's interesting to you.

 

[LateBl00meR]

I finished my pre-req's but was thinking about taking spanish in the summer because as I was shadowing I noticed some patients could not speak english and I figure learning some spanish would help me in this profession.

Do you think this will be frowned upon by admissions and that they would have preferred me to take a science couse instead?

I think it would be a great idea to learn a foreign language, particularly Spanish since around 400 million people speak it worldwide. Admissions committee's like the diversity (i would think). I'm not sure how much you can pick up though in just a single semester though. If you don't need the science gpa boost this summer then I say go for it.

 

[Tuckermans]

I speak Spanish and it came up at pretty much every interview I had. Everyone seemed to view it as a very strong point in my application. Absolutely do it, it can only help you. Every little bit helps!🙂

 

[Semicolon]

Some medical schools offer elective courses in foreign languages, such as "Medical Spanish". Something to consider.

 

[shockadvised]

I too speak spanish and agree that its hugely important for you to be able to communicate with those of your patients who do, as I've witnessed doctors who use translators being not as effective in their treatment simply due to misunderstanding. However, I think it may also depend on where you are planning to practice in the country. Its huge pretty much everywhere, but if you know you want to practice in small town Kansas, for example, it may not be as worthwhile for you versus upper level science. On the other hand Spanish is almost a majority language in pretty much every major city in the United States, so its something to think about.

 

[Chocolate Bear]

I too speak spanish and agree that its hugely important for you to be able to communicate with those of your patients who do, as I've witnessed doctors who use translators being not as effective in their treatment simply due to misunderstanding. However, I think it may also depend on where you are planning to practice in the country. Its huge pretty much everywhere, but if you know you want to practice in small town Kansas, for example, it may not be as worthwhile for you versus upper level science. On the other hand Spanish is almost a majority language in pretty much every major city in the United States, so its something to think about.

Don't forget that Spanish speakers live in small, rural towns, too, though. The thing about that is there will be less likelihood that someone *else* speaks Spanish, so if you know how, you'll be the superstar. As opposed to a bigger city, where there are more Spanish speaking patients, but there are also more healthcare workers who are likely to be able to translate, as well.

 

[EastWestN2grt]

I finished my pre-req's but was thinking about taking spanish in the summer because as I was shadowing I noticed some patients could not speak english and I figure learning some spanish would help me in this profession.

Do you think this will be frowned upon by admissions and that they would have preferred me to take a science couse instead?

Dont just take it in the summer, take it in every semester till you graduate--go get some language immersion in a Spanish speaking country, practice and practice and practice. Fluency in the language is IMMENSELY important especially if you wish to work with a Spanish speaking population one day. Spanish proficiency is looked upon very favorably by not only medical school admissions, but by your future employers as well, not to mention your patients who will appreciate a bilingual doc.