Medical Spanish for Heritage Learners
The Medical Spanish for Heritage Learners program (initiated in 2007 with assistance from a FIPSE grant) is an academic minor consisting of four intermediate and advanced level Spanish classes that develop advanced medical terminology in Spanish, medical interpreting and translation skills, and basic understanding of the public health disciplines. The program has a unique curriculum that is fully articulated with South Texas College and has created community-based learning opportunities for students in community health centers throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Institution:
University of Texas - Pan American
Academic Level:
Baccalaureate
Issue Area:
Academic Program
Issue Area:
Transfer
Year:
2011
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Finalist
Key Personnel:
Martinez, Glenn
Address:
University of Texas Pan American
Address 2:
Department of Modern Languages and Literature
Address 3:
1201 W. University Drive
City:
Edinburg
State:
TX
Zip:
78539 Goal/Mission:
The mission of the Medical Spanish for Heritage Learners program is to affirm the cultural knowledge and Spanish language proficiency of Latino undergraduate students in the health sciences and to build on these competencies in order to ensure a critical mass of bilingual and bicultural leaders for tomorrow's health care workforce. To accomplish this, the program has established the nation's first academic minor in Medical Spanish that combines a rigorous program of advanced language and cultural study with multiple service opportunities in the local community and at the national level.
Outcome:
Since the initial course offerings in 2008, 42 students have completed the program. In the 2010-2011 academic year, 302 students enrolled in Medical Spanish courses. Grade point averages in life science courses increased by nearly 10% (.32 grade points) after students began taking courses in Medical Spanish. Because courses have been articulated with South Texas College, high-performing high school juniors and seniors have also been able to take the courses. Of the 42 students who have completed the minor in Medical Spanish, 24 initiated coursework while still in high school. Of these 24, 18 matriculated in a four year university upon graduation and 16 declared a major in the health sciences. Of the 15 Medical Spanish minors who will complete the baccalaureate degree by May 2011, 8 have been accepted to the Medical School of their choice, 3 have gone to graduate school in behavioral and biomedical sciences, and 4 are employed as registered nurses.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Medical_Spanish_for_Heritage_Learners.pdf | 511.88 KB |
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