Doctors - the specialist language examination

Special language examination for doctors

On 1 January 2014, the Nordrhein Medical Association (ÄKNo) took over the specialist language examination for foreign doctors for the district governments of Düsseldorf and Cologne. The 60-minute examination of 20 minutes each is divided into three sections – consultation between doctor and patient, medical documentation, consultation between doctor and doctor – and relates exclusively to the specialist language and not to basic medical knowledge, i.e. an incorrect diagnosis or a missed treatment option are not included in the evaluation, only the linguistic handling of each situation.

Medical language and communication

In the doctor-patient interview, the test person conducts an anamnesis interview with an actor who plays the role of the patient. After the examinee has gained an impression of the patient, he gives an explanation of his suspected diagnosis and makes suggestions to the patient for further diagnosis and therapy. The patient is explained the treatments that are considered appropriate and reacts to any further questions. In the second section, the test person should transfer the anamnesis to a anamnesis sheet before presenting the patient to two doctors (e.g. a chief physician and a senior physician) in a physician-doctor interview. It is important not to communicate in non-professional language, but in medical language.

The medical language test

The intensive medical language course prepares students specifically for the medical language examination before the Medical Association. The B2 language certificate is a required prerequisite for admission to the specialised language examination. The examination itself is based on language level C1. Enrolment in the seminar can be 100% supported by a public education voucher. We will be happy to answer any further questions you may have regarding this event and in a personal conversation.

Acceptance of further training programs for the advanced training certificate

Terminology

Goal of the training

The courses on medical terminology and communication offered by L.A.N.E.S are aimed at physicians who wish to work as doctors in Germany and who have to pass an test of their specialist language skills.
Among other things, the following contents are part of the advanced training:
Anamnesis recording, patient introduction, patient information and the writing of medical reports.
Die Anamneseerhebung, die Patientenvorstellung, die Patientenaufklärung und das Verfassen von Arztbriefen. Außerdem gibt es ein intensives Sprachtraining zur medizinischen Fachsprache.

Contents of the advanced training

An intensive language training for medical terminology.

Module I: 8 weeks

In Module I, the theoretical basics of medical communication are trained (5 lessons per day).

Module II: 4 weeks

Module II strengthens and expands the technical language skills that have already been acquired. The communicative competence is also practised by the use of acting patients.

Prerequisites for taking part Communication and Interaction Module I and II:

– completed medical studies
– Proof of language skills on the B2 level
– Passing a language placement test

Prerequisites for participation Communication and interaction Module II only

– Language proficiency certificate for level C1
– Passing a placement test

Exam – Patient communication test

Goal

The purpose of the examination is to determine your specialized knowledge of oral and written communication. The examination is based on language level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Contents of the examination

Part 1: Doctor-doctor communication:
– the participant must prepare written documentation of the interview
Duration: 20 minutes

Part 2: Doctor-doctor communication/patient introduction

– the participant has a simulated conversation with the chief physician
the contents and complaints are then correctly summarised

Part 3: Doctor-patient communication
The participant informs the patient in detail about the clinical picture and explains the treatment methods.

Acceptance in the approval procedure

Please check beforehand whether your competent licensing authority accepts the patient communication test as verification.

test sample