Speaker
Description
Empathy is increasingly recognized as a key component of effective doctor–patient communication because it contributes to patient satisfaction, trust, and treatment adherence. However, for medical students learning English as a foreign language, expressing empathy appropriately in clinical interactions may present additional linguistic and communicative challenges. This study investigated the difficulties encountered by Vietnamese medical students when delivering empathy in English during doctor–patient interactions and explored factors influencing these challenges. A mixed-method approach was employed involving questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 62 medical students at a medical university in Vietnam. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings revealed moderate levels of difficulty among participants, with major challenges including limited empathetic expressions, communication anxiety, lack of authentic communication opportunities, and uncertainty regarding culturally appropriate responses. English proficiency was found to significantly influence students’ perceptions of communication challenges. The findings suggest that English for Medical Purposes courses should place greater emphasis on empathy-focused communication through role-play activities, simulation-based learning, and technology-supported interaction practices to better prepare students for future healthcare communication contexts.
Keywords: empathy; English for Medical Purposes (EMP); doctor–patient communication; medical students; communication challenges
Biography
Tran Bao Ngoc is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Transport and Communications, Vietnam. She is enrolled in the bilingual Business Administration and Logistics program, where she has been equipped with specialized knowledge in business management, supply chain management, and logistics operations within an international environment.
As an undergraduate student, she has a strong interest in logistics management, supply chain optimization, international trade, and business development in the context of globalization. Through her academic studies, she has gained knowledge of transportation systems, logistics operations, and business administration, while also enhancing her English proficiency and professional skills in a bilingual learning environment.
Education
- Fourth-Year Student
- Bilingual Program in Business Administration and Logistics
- University of Transport and Communications, Vietnam
Academic and Research Interests
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Business Administration
- International Trade and Transportation
- Sustainable Logistics Development
- Digital Transformation in Logistics
- English for Business Communication
She also hopes to build a professional network and gain practical experience to support her academic goals and future career development.
| Affiliate type | University |
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