Partner Program Spotlight: English for Healthcare

Speak! Delivers Custom ESL Instruction for UVA Health and Patient Safety Companions

From mastering medical terminology to adhering to safety protocols, effective healthcare communication can pose challenges—even for native English speakers. Earlier this month, Speak! partnered with UVA’s Pipelines and Pathways Program and Human Resources to support four newly-hired international employees with tailored English language instruction, equipping them with the essential skills for success in their roles as Patient Safety Companions. This intensive two-week ESL program was designed to strengthen their communication abilities and cultural competence ahead of a required UVA Health certification course.

Our Hoos Caring English students learning (and laughing) with their teacher, Julie Rutherfordand

Our dedicated instructors developed a dynamic, healthcare-centered curriculum brought to life through interactive role-playing, multimedia lessons, and real-world scenarios. For six immersive hours each day, participants honed skills in communicating with patients about everyday needs, engaging with staff and families, monitoring patients, and managing challenging situations. The curriculum also covered key grammar fundamentals, writing skills, and healthcare-specific vocabulary, alongside focused practice on clear pronunciation and effective communication strategies critical for their new roles. Cultural competency was another core component, with participants learning appropriate greetings, expressions of gratitude, and non-verbal communication techniques crucial for building trust in American healthcare settings.

We are thrilled to share that all four participants successfully completed their Patient Safety Companion certification and are now prepared to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of UVA Health patients!

Our ESL Teacher, Julie, with four proud ESL course graduates and new UVA employees!