Research and Discussion Note The Relationship between English Language Proficiency and Success as a Medical Resident

Abstract

Deficiencies in English have been considered a barrier to success for international medical residents (IMGs). This study examines the relationship between English language proficiency and three measures of success: patient satisfaction, faculty and colleague evaluations, and scores on an objective test of medical knowledge.Methods: IMGs in the IM residency program (n = 99) were invited to take two English proficiency tests (TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication and SPEAK: Speaking Proficiency in English Assessment Kit). Three clinic patient satisfaction surveys, evaluations from three faculty and colleagues who had recently been co-members of a ward team, and scores from a recent in-training exam were collected for each participant. Correlations between the scores on the English proficiency tests and the three measures of success were determined using a Spearman r.Results: 20 IMGs participated in the study. 17 were male, 3 female; 10 were 1st-year residents, six 2nd-year and four 3rd-year; 12 native languages were represented. Results showed a significant relationship between TOEIC and SPEAK (P = 0.01) and between patient satisfaction and proficiency in English (P = 0.004). More than 50% of faculty and colleague respondents identified language skills as the primary weakness of this group; strengths were medical knowledge, attitudes\\professional behavior and clinical judgment. No relationship was found between the in-training exam and the English tests.Conclusions: Despite demonstrated proficiency in English, patient satisfaction and faculty\\colleague evaluation of IMGs were shown to be related to English language skills. Therefore, assessment and training in English for Medical Purposes and English for Specific Purposes by professionals is recommended.