Medical Spanish Cultural Awareness Microcredential

Of the 24 million people living in Texas, over 7 million are Spanish speakers, yet only 4-6% of health professionals speak Spanish fluently. In an article by U.S. News, Carolina Abuelo asserts there is strong data “that the best medical care is given by culturally and linguistically congruent providers” and when a language barrier exists, some diseases spiral out of control. (Abuelo, 2020, para. 6). Inarguably the need for Spanish speakers who are culturally sensitive is great and training for individuals in healthcare settings is lacking.

This microcredential prepares individuals to communicate effectively in a clinical setting by using their language skill set and educating them on cultural nuances that impact health outcomes.

The course is divided into three parts: an online medical terminology course, a cultural awareness course, a 20-hour shadowing experience in a clinic, or a medical mission trip where Spanish is the spoken language.

• Medical Spanish Vocabulary - Each module will include Medical Spanish terms, quizzes to assess knowledge, and assignments to reinforce the proper use of these terms. Approximately 6 hrs.
• Cultural Awareness Course – This will be taught via Canvas, including projects, quizzes, and a patient encounter. Approximately 12 hrs.
• Clinic Hours – 20 hours in a clinic to practice the language skills acquired with cultural awareness.

Course Learning Objectives

1. Learners will demonstrate a culturally relevant exchange using simple greetings.
2. Connect concepts related to numbers, dates, and times in a bilingual conversation to a clinical application.
3. Connect concepts related to anatomy in a clinical conversation.
4. Discuss how cultural beliefs and family structure impact health in the Latino culture.
5. Identify how natural remedies impact health.
6. Evaluate a case study and apply the principles of cultural competency and empathy in working through a bilingual clinical experience.

Course Director

Lorena Madrid Marin, M.Ed.                                                                   Lorena Marin is the Admissions Assistant Director and JAMP Medical School Coordinator, bringing extensive experience in higher education. She is deeply passionate about guiding students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Known for her visionary thinking, Lorena has implemented innovative solutions that have significantly impacted the educational landscape. Her commitment to a growth mindset has led to the successful execution of numerous pioneering initiatives, many of which have become integral to her approach. By continuously embracing innovation, she strives to enhance the student experience and contribute to their success.