Mind your language: the importance of english language skills in an International Medical Programme (IMP)

BACKGROUND: Language proficiency is crucial for doctors as they communicate with patients, peers and other healthcare professionals. Although proficiency in English is part of admission requirements, there is a gap in the knowledge of medical students’ perception of factors enhancing English language (EL) skills during training in international medical programmes (IMPs). The gap prevents educators and policy makers from helping students who struggle with communication skills during medical training. This study therefore explores the importance of English language skills from medical students’ perspectives. METHODS: Six focus group interviews with 24 medical students were conducted in an IMP. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s framework of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Results established three themes that constitute the importance of EL skills, namely the use of EL in medical training and practice, influence of university culture in EL mastery and individual EL proficiency as perceived by medical students. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study demonstrate how students perceived the importance of EL skills as a professional and social requirement during medical training and for future practice. It also informs that setting English language admission pre requisites needs to be complemented with opportunities to practice context specific communication skills. Thus, international medical programmes should embed diverse and inclusive strategies to support and develop medical students’ English language skills. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12909-022-03481-w.