ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2007; 24 (4): 219-222

Professional article

LANGUAGE AND MEDICINE: THE MEDICAL INTERVIEW

Zorica Antic

Faculty of Medicine University of Nis, Nis
 

    SUMMARY

    The paper presents the arguments that speak in favor of using a typical medical interview in the process of teaching English for Medical Purposes. First of all, such a method is closely in line with the much acclaimed method of content- based learning that bears special relevance for teaching and learning English for Specific Purposes in general. Furthermore, it allows for active involvement of students in a number of ways, they find themselves in the area of expertise they are familiar with, and, simultaneously, are in a position to practice both their medical knowledge and their English skills. It is highly student-centered and student-oriented method, as it gives them full initiative to direct the teaching/learning process. What is more, they gain insight into social and communicative skills that are of utmost importance for their practice, but which they hardly ever study or practice in other subjects during their studies. 
  

    Key words: medical interview, communication, content, terminology