The AFMS Medical French Weekend
The annual AFMS Medical French Weekend is held in January. Please find below an overview of this year's course. The dates for next year will be posted as soon as they become available.
Course organiser: Gareth Williams MA MD FRCP (Edin)
Professor of Medicine, University of Bristol (ex University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool)
Aims of the Course
There is potentially a wide range of opportunities for British doctors to practise medicine in mainland Europe – but only if they can communicate with their patients and colleagues. Indeed, as part of the ‘harmonization’ with Europe, proficiency in a European Language may even become a part of the expanded undergraduate medical curriculum in many UK medical schools.
This Course, now in its tenth year, will provide an invaluable foundation for those planning to work or undertake student electives in French-speaking countries. Our main aim is to provide an essential medical vocabulary and the confidence to use it.
Format of the Course
The teaching programme has been designed specifically by members of the Modern Languages Department at Liverpool University. Sessions will be in small groups which will be led by experienced French speakers and teachers, including doctors. Specific topics (detailed opposite) will emphasise the practical aspects of medicine, and all participants will have ample opportunity to present and discuss common and important clinical problems.
A course book containing key vocabulary and phrases will be sent to each participant in December.
How well do you have to speak French?
The course is specifically designed to accommodate all levels of linguistic expertise, from rudimentary to fluent. Most participants have studied French to at least "O"-Level/GCSE standard (generally within the last few decades). You are asked to complete a short and painless questionnaire to help us in grouping together people of similar French–speaking ability. The course has PGEA approval for 9 hours. It has also been approved by the Regional Postgraduate Dean, and may therefore be eligible for study leave and funding at the discretion of local Clinical Tutors.
Example timetable
Friday
16:00 – 19:00 Registration
19:00 – 19:30 Introduction and case presentation (plenary)
19:30 – 20:00 Conversation (groups)
Saturday
09:30 – 11:00 }
11:30 – 13:00 } Topics/conversation
14:00 – 15:00 } (groups)
15:30 – 17:00 }
19:30: Course Dinner
Sunday
Journée francophone!
10:00 – 11:00 Case presentation/conversation
11:30 – 13:00 (groups)
13:00 – 13:30 Feedback
13:30 – 15:00 Buffet (anglais interdit!)
15:00: Course ends
Topics to be covered include:
How to take a history and examine a patient in French
How to survive on ward rounds and in clinics
Talking to patients, relatives and colleagues
How to find your way around a French hospital (including bleeps, phones, labs, etc.)
Investigations: ECG, X-rays, blood tests, etc. (how to request, chase up, interpret and talk about them)
Practical procedures, operations and emergencies