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Healthcare Professionals

doctor with patient doctor washing hands before surgery


More than a quarter of practicing physicians in the United States are overseas medical graduates, and they can face unique cultural and communication challenges. At the same time, doctors who are native English speakers must communicate effectively with a growing international patient population. That’s why ICIC has designed programs specifically to help doctors and medical researchers enhance their English and communication skills and achieve their professional goals.  

ICIC is an internationally-recognized language, intercultural research and training center that specializes in English for Specific Purposes—designing English language and intercultural training for specific professional needs. ICIC provides accent modification and pronunciation training, language and intercultural assessment and training as well as courses in research writing and presentation skills for medical residents at many hospitals, including those in the IU Health networks, as well as other Indiana regional hospitals. Course materials for medical professionals focus on medical terminology and common patient scenarios. See below for more information, and please contact ICIC for your training needs.  Download one-page flyer

               Intercultural Communication


               International Students and Academics


Referrals

Medical supervisors and resident program managers are often the first to recognize communication issues among their staff. Prompt referral to ICIC for assessment and further language assistance can help alleviate communication issues with patients, peers and supervisory personnel. When further training recommendations are made, support of supervisors and program managers is often crucial to improvement. ICIC is committed to making all stakeholders part of the language and intercultural training process.

Assessments

Language experts from ICIC have developed a comprehensive, proprietary assessment process that evaluates the language and communication skills of medical professionals. It measures knowledge of specific cultural norms in hospitals and medical practices in the Midwestern United States, as well as listening and writing skills. ICIC then identifies potential areas of improvement and develop specific training steps.   

One-on-one training

ICIC offers one-on-one language tutoring to fit the unique work schedules of medical care providers. Training plans are targeted to quickly and discreetly address any communication concerns. 

Group Training

ICIC can also develop group classes for medical professionals and medical researchers. These classes provide opportunities to practice English speaking and patient communication skills with other medical professionals who have similar goals. Participants report that ICIC helps them improve their English skills and increase their confidence in both professional and personal settings. 

Local hospital partners

ICIC currently provides language assessments and intercultural training as well as courses in research writing and presentation skills for medical residents and researchers at many Indianapolis hospitals, including those in the IU Health hospital network, and at other regional hospitals. Medical professionals have come from many different departments, including pediatrics, psychiatry, hematology, ophthalmology, neonatal-perinatal medicine and cancer research. 

ICIC has provided training for the following IU School of Medicine Departments:
  • Family Practice
  • Postdoctoral Affairs
  • Internal Medicine
  • Oncology/Radiation
  • Obstetrics/Gynecology
  • Pediatrics/Neonatology
  • Urology
  • Anatomy/ Cell Biology
  • Microbiology/Immunology
  • Hematology/Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical/Molecular Genetics
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pharmacology/Toxicology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Endocrinology
        Other Schools:
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Dentistry
CME Accreditation

Many of ICIC’s classes for medical professionals are eligible for Continuing Medical Education credits. Please contact ICIC for more information.