A Journey in Spanish: Learning a Second Language Through Patient Encounters Here and Abroad

Abstract

Within our hospitals, we have the privilege each day to meet individuals from all walks of life who seek care. Our patients, as does make up the United States, are a mix of varying cultural identities, different socioeconomic status, and speak different languages. The most frequently spoken non-English language within the United States is Spanish, and although we are tasked with caring for the health of these patients in our clinics, within medicine there is a shortage of Spanish speaking physicians. Language discordance between doctor and patient is associated with poorer quality care and thus poorer health outcomes. The aim of this scholarly work was to develop fluency in Spanish and to then reflect on my experiences through that journey through reflective writing, written entirely in my newly learned second language. During my fourth year at Harvard Medical School, I embarked on this process through an intensive medical Spanish course and rounded out the journey through working clinically abroad for eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking country. I met a number of patients that both inspired me to carry out this goal but who also contributed to my learning along the way, and it is these patients I reflected on in my creative arts piece. Although I recognize that each individuals’ journey in medicine must be their own, and that my path to learning a second language is not universal a roadmap, I hope my story may inspire others to strive to learn a second language for their patients. The opportunity has helped me grow into not only a Spanish-speaking future provider, but one who will only be better for their patients as a result.