Each year since the program's inception, HLI taught courses in Medical English at the request of the Lao Ministry of Health.
English has become the international language of medicine in Southeast Asia. Each year, HLI's Medical English faculty travels to Lao PDR to deliver language training to medical students, health professionals and hospital staff.
In 2010 Health Leadership International published Lao's first Medical English textbook English for Health Professionals (EHP) with illustrations photographed at Savannakhet Provincial Hospital. The 90-page book and accompanying audio CD include lessons on receiving patients, explaining procedures, describing symptoms, and administering treatments. With the textbook as a foundation for oral practice, EHP teachers employ small group activities and games to make learning English engaging and fun. HLI hopes these classes will inspire students to continue to study Medical English after the Seattle team leaves.
To support this goal, Health Leadership’s EHP educators have created an expanded, self-study curriculum that includes the English for Health Professionals text, interactive English/Lao videos and additional resources to serve both Lao teachers and medical professionals.
Hesperian Health Guide Books: Laotian Translations:
HLI translated and provided both printed and/or online updated Laotian translations of these health guides. These can be located on the Lao Hub at hesperianfoundation.org.
Where There Are No Doctors – Laotian Translation
Where Women Have No Doctors – Laotian Translation