CONTEMPORARY MATTER: UPDATING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF ENGLISH FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES

There is a growing interest in learning and teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) at tertiary level in countries where English is not the primary language. Due to globalization, there has been a shift from learning and teaching English for General Purposes (EGP) to ESP in universities worldwide, and English for Medical Purposes (EMP), a notable subset of ESP, is no exception. This narrative review aims to contribute to understanding the evolving landscape of EMP development and teaching by highlighting aspects of EMP that warrant revisitation. Through a focused approach, the concept of EMP is investigated first and we argue that it is essential to clarify the applied terms, proposing 'English for Health Sciences Purposes' (EHSP) for multiple healthcare disciplines and reserving 'English for Medical Purposes' (EMP) specifically for medical students and physicians. In addressing the second research question, this paper emphasizes the importance of learning EMP by highlighting its distinct target audience and emphasizing that EMP is purpose-driven, content-based, and tailored to medical contexts, offering learners a competitive edge. The review also underscores the need for new types of needs analyses. In answering the third research question, it has been found that EMP teachers often lack formal medical training but are required to teach specialized content. Despite recent EU initiatives offering professional development for Languages for Specific Purposes teachers, EMP instructors must continually self-educate. Their role requires adaptability, flexibility, and modern teaching skills, as they act more as facilitators and collaborators than traditional language instructors. Hopefully, the findings of upcoming empirical studies will help develop student-centered approaches to EMP and may lead to a supportive environment for the effective teaching of this specialized field.