Bell backs planned training initiative to support overseas doctors

16 September 2011

Plans announced today by the General Medical Council (GMC) to introduce a basic induction programme to support overseas doctors and medical staff practicing healthcare in the UK, are strongly supported by Bell, a leading provider of high-quality English language training.

In light of the GMC's report highlighting that "many overseas doctors have problems adjusting to a different cultural, ethical and professional environment in the UK (BBC News)', recommendations have been made for the provision of training in areas including communication skills to enable doctors to handle sensitive situations more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Bell believes an induction programme will help overseas doctors to familiarise themselves with cultural differences and subject-specific language required within the medical profession, as Tony Anderson, Director of Marketing and Sales at Bell explains: "We welcome students from all different professions, including those in the field of medicine, and understand that they require not only support with developing their language and communication skills, but also with adjusting to life in the UK, especially in terms of British culture."

With statistics showing that one in every three doctors registered in the UK have qualified overseas, there is a need to ensure that doctors are prepared in all areas of professional life, a step that will also help to further protect patients, according to doctors' representatives.

Although doctors are currently required to obtain an overall score of 7.0 in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), further preparation in subject-specific vocabulary and cultural understanding is required:

"Courses provided by Bell, which are especially designed to fulfil both the general and specialised, sector-specific language requirements of individuals and groups in the medical profession, for example, will help facilitate a higher level of communication and prevent misunderstandings - particularly useful for medical staff working on the front line with patients," Tony Anderson adds.

Bell International College, situated next to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge - one of the world's leading teaching hospitals - believes the training initiative to be a positive step in the medical and education sector and lends its support.

Ends

Media and press enquiries:

Caroline Davidson
Bell Educational Trust
Hillscross, Red Cross Lane
Cambridge, CB2 0QU
England

Telephone: +44 (0)1223 275567
Fax: +44 (0)1223 275592
E-mail: caroline.davidson@bell-worldwide.com

Notes to Editors

About Bell

Bell is a leading educational charity and one of the largest British-owned providers of English language education services. Each year, Bell helps over 100,000 students, from more than 120 countries through one of its 27 worldwide teaching centres and e-channels, primarily to learn English and other languages. The organisation also provides teacher training, educational management, consultancy and project services to international organisations, universities and governments.

About Bell International College Cambridge

Bell International College, an elegant manor house next to Addenbrooke's Hospital, is one of the most prestigious English language schools in Cambridge and is currently undergoing a multi-million pound make-over. The school offers a range of courses for students 16+ from General English, Exam Preparation including IELTS and Academic and University Preparation courses to teacher training programmes and bespoke group courses.

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Bell backs planned training initiative to support overseas doctors