Education as panacea: paradigm shift in assessing the English for medical purposes needs and learning preferences of allied health science students

Abstract

English has been integrated into the medical curriculum for higher education in India to meet the growing academic and professional demands of the medical field. As a result, English for Medical Purposes (EMP) has become essential, particularly for students from non-English backgrounds pursuing medical education. This study aimed to investigate the specific English language needs of first-year Allied Health Science students. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary data collection tool to assess the students’ needs, the perceived importance of English, preferred learning styles, and the primary reasons for learning the language. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was carried out using SPSS software. A total of 12 students participated in the study, with an equal representation of male and female respondents (50% each). The findings revealed that the students considered speaking and listening to be the most crucial English language skills for their academic and professional development. Additionally, the majority of students acknowledged the overall importance of English in the medical field and expressed a preference for online, self-paced learning environments. This reflects a shift toward digital and flexible learning modes among modern medical learners. The results also indicated that most students are motivated to learn English not only for academic purposes but also to enhance their future career prospects in the global healthcare context. These findings provide valuable insights into the language needs of medical students and offer practical implications for designing targeted English language programs that support their academic success and professional readiness.