U.S. doctors must speak English

America is a melting pot of people, ideas and culture. The nation has long celebrated and… America is a melting pot of people, ideas and culture. The nation has long celebrated and encouraged that rich diversity, but there is still debate when it comes to the topic of language. The United States doesn’t have an official national language, but English is certainly accepted unofficially. Foreign doctors working in the United States has recently become an issue, and the fact remains that, official or not, English is a necessity for those who take care of us.From 1997 to 2001, the number of medical school graduates from foreign countries seeking residencies in the United States has plummeted by more than 50 percent, from 36,231 to 16,828. This drop comes in the wake of an English exam, added in 1998, that requires applicants to converse in English with an actor playing a patient. The applicants must communicate with the patient, identify the problem and present a viable solution, all while showing a comprehensive knowledge of the language.

Authors of a recent study that presented these results believe the test has discouraged foreign medical school graduates from working the in the United States because they do not want their English evaluated. The study also points out the test costs $1,200 and the principal evaluation site is located in Philadelphia. This destination may require some extensive traveling for applicants.

The study, which was performed by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, also predicts that the loss of foreign graduates “could have a significant impact on the overall graduate medical education population and the resulting U.S. medical work force.” About 25 percent of each group is represented by foreign medical graduates.

Though there are certain issues — including cost — that make this test problematic, it is important the idea behind it is not dismissed. America needs excellent doctors, but it also needs doctors that can communicate effectively with the people. Good English cannot be compromised in order to receive better numbers.

The American Medical Association should put more time into developing a cheaper and more accessible evaluation. The premise of the test is very simple, and it shouldn’t be difficult to put into practice. In addition, maybe more basic English classes could be provided for medical graduates who show potential in medicine but struggle with the language. Whatever action is taken, the goal must still be to accept the best students without compromising the quality of communication with the patient.