David Marulanda, M1
Drexel University College of Medicine
“Hi, what brings you in?” asked the doctor rapidly, the voice all business
With the practiced look of “empathy” learned in medical school courses
With names such as “Foundations of Patient Care.”
“No entiendo,” came the response, exasperated, pained.
Time stopped in the young doctor’s mind as data was processed.
One semester of Medical Spanish in medical school was on the resumé.
Somewhere behind the expressionless eyes in the back of the mind,
The Doctor knew, and fought to repress, the fact that there was no real Spanish in there.
The first year resident was unable to order food in Spanish, but the task here was life or death.
One semester of Medical Spanish, and a course or two in college.
The residency director had been impressed.
Twenty-something more patients to see.
Infallibility is a virtue round these parts.
“Sí, bien,” replied the doctor, feigning understanding,
As the decision to continue the pre-made plan came through
Without regard for any new information the patient could provide.
“Tenemos hacer exámenes. Mucho gusto,” all business, all butchered, as feet were turned
Out the door to see the next patient.
Please speak English, thought the resident.
“Qué me pasa ahora?” thought Rodrigo Ochoa Velez
Unable to get the help he needed because
One semester of Medical Spanish, a course or two in college, and two years of not paying attention in high school Spanish were enough to convince residencies the applicant was fluent.
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