When is the best time to learn spanish?

[s.arcas]

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I recently shadowed two ophthalmologists who both knew and spoke spanish extremely well. I never really paid attention to how important an asset such as speaking spanish could be for a doctor. When I volunteered with Kaiser Permanente, I saw that so many doctor relied on the translators employed by KP to do the job or them. But, after watching these doctors interact and speak with their hispanic patients, I immediately realized that I needed to learn spanish if I want to offer the best healthcare possible. So, finally, my question is: When is the best time to learn spanish? I currently am a graduate of a university and I am spending all of my time studying for the MCAT. Have there been any stories of medical students learning it in their spare time during medical school? Thanks for all the responses!

 

[RedPhys]

You learn what you need during M3 and M4, when you start actually interacting with (Spanish-speaking) patient populations

 

[hoihaie]

Start learning now, bit by bit. then go live in a spanish speaking country

 

[TheRhymenocerous]

The best time was when you were 5. The next best time is whenever you can find the time to dedicate to it. You could look into evening classes or community college classes once you're done with the MCAT.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

¡En este momento!

 

[ChemEngMD]

ahorita pana

 

[ClevelandFan93]

If you're looking to learn Spanish in your spare time, try using Duolingo (duolingo.com). I've used it for French and Spanish and found it fun, useful, and easy to do while managing a heavy schedule.

 

[cyclopes93]

If you have a gap year or two, that would be an ideal time. Possibly if you were placed in advanced, I would recommend to dive into the advanced version and just study passionately under a structured course. Otherwise, I would recommend using 'Rosetta stone'. Nursing homes will probably have some elderly who enjoy speaking spanish, it will be a good skill to have in medical school.

 

[The Buff OP]

Como hace aproximadamente una semana.

 

[deleted642188]

Any semester that you're not too busy. I personally am choosing senior year because it's not too bad for me

 

[johnnytest]

I would recommend Duolingo also. Very fun and easy way to learn basic spanish. Plus it's free 😀

 

[Mad Jack]

As soon as possible. Having a working understanding of conversational Spanish is a massive boost, far beyond the meager medical Spanish most people learn in med school. It makes a huge difference in how your patients perceive you and how much they trust you.

 

[quant_risk]

Hi OP, the best time to start is as early as you can. Learning a language is a continous process. Unlike riding a bike, you will forget if you don't practice on a reasonable frequency. There are many way to learn, but the most efficient varies from people to people. I heard many praises for Rosetta Stone, but I personally prefer a structured college course.
You are absolutely right. Having language skill is a huge advantage, especially for healthcare provider.
Best of luck

 

[BillrothI]

Hi OP, the best time to start is as early as you can. Learning a language is a continous process. Unlike riding a bike, you will forget if you don't practice on a reasonable frequency. There are many way to learn, but the most efficient varies from people to people. I heard many praises for Rosetta Stone, but I personally prefer a structured college course.
You are absolutely right. Having language skill is a huge advantage, especially for healthcare provider.
Best of luck

Yes - that is the major problem with learning a language before medical school. Even if you work hard to improve your skills during your gap year, it is likely that you will forget virtually everything by the time you begin clinical rotations. You will need to set aside a bit of time every week over the next few years if you want to maintain your language proficiency during your clerkships.

-Bill

 

[NeuResurgens]

As everyone else has said, as soon as you can. I'm using Rosetta stone right now and it's good. If you learn the grammar and basics and gain some conversational abilities before medical school, it should be a big boost.