English for Medical Purposes: Identifying Learning Needs of Second-Year Medical Students at the University of Bejaia, Algeria

The aim of this paper is to identify specific English learning needs for second-year students of medicine at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. This aims to support the design of a course in English for Medical Purposes tailored to meet medical students' real needs. To this end, a mixed-methods approach was employed and data were collected via an online survey questionnaire. A sample of 148 medical students participated out of a population of 208 second-year students. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicate that the majority of students recognize the importance of English for their medical studies and future careers. Speaking skills and vocabulary development were noticeably identified as key areas needing improvement. Students expressed a preference for hybrid learning mode using online platforms and interactive apps. The study concludes that there is a need for a tailored English for Medical Purposes (EMP) course that fulfils the specific needs and preferences of medical students, focusing on practical and communication skills