The Bilingual Medical Spanish Distinction Track (BMS) is a longitudinal program designed to enhance the medical Spanish communication skills of medical students entering with intermediate to advanced proficiency level. Instructional activities throughout the four-years of medical school emphasize the development of:
- Oral/Aural Proficiency in Medical Spanish,
- Cultural Competence, and
- Core Medical Competencies.
The main goal of the program is to graduate cohorts of physicians who are competent to work as bilingual Spanish-English healthcare providers. Students enrolled in this track will be better prepared to serve the healthcare needs of Limited English Proficiency, Spanish-speaking patients, and perhaps have an advantage in applying to residency programs located in communities with a growing Spanish-speaking population.
Prerequisite
First-year medical students interested in joining the BMS will need to complete a computerized Spanish proficiency exam (COPI) in the fall semester (Year 01), and reach an ACTFL1 – Intermediate-High or above level of proficiency to be accepted in the program. The BMS is not currently available for 2nd - 4th year medical students or students from other health professions.
When should I apply?
The Bilingual Medical Spanish Distinction Track will be available to first-year medical students beginning in the fall semester.
Click here for more information, or contact:
Alejandra Zapien at 520-621-5592 or azapien8@arizona.edu