Lost in translation: The impact of foreign language reliance in medicine on public health

Abstract

Quality medical care and optimal public health are the cornerstone objectives of the field of medicine and medical education. However, language barriers and the role of language in medicine, medical education, and healthcare have a significant impact. While developed countries prioritize their native language in medicine, developing countries often rely on foreign languages. Typically, discussions about this issue in developing countries revolve around pedagogical contexts. This commentary aims to explore an alternative aspect of this language discourse by examining how relying on foreign language in medicine may impact public health. This impact could encompass various aspects, including the influence on the doctor-patient relationship and the quality of healthcare provided, pedagogical considerations in doctors' learning and training, and the potential linguistic isolation of medicine from the general public. By addressing these ramifications, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role language plays in shaping public health outcomes.