5 questions for a health professional about writing in English

Yulia is a doctor from Ukraine and needs to do an English exam so she can apply for medical registration in an English-speaking country.

1. How do you feel about writing in English?
   I’m not keen on writing in English. It’s a struggle. Speaking is easier for me. But I have to write these letters for the exam.

2. What’s the hardest thing about writing in English?
   Writing in the English way is different. The medical vocabulary is fine but being polite and not too direct is harder.

3. How do you overcome this?
   I practise the different types of letters my writing coach gives me and use her feedback to write the next one better.

4. What are your writing goals?
   I need to pass this exam and I think later I will have to write referrals and reports.

5. What’s your advice for others who need to write in English?
   It’s better now that I’m working with my writing coach. She tells me where I make mistakes and explains why. That helps me a lot. I think it’s a good idea to find someone who can explain your mistakes.

See what other health professionals say about writing in English here, here and here.

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© Christina Wielgolawski