Strategy 1: Focus on the most important words and phrases

As a medical professional, you have an area of expertise, whether as a pediatrician, a nurse, or a pharmacist.

It might be tempting to try and learn all the medical terms you could need but start by focusing on the high-frequency words for your medical field first. Since you will be reading medical articles related to your field, focus on the words and phrases related to your field. Once you have mastered these, you can expand to a wider range of medical English vocabulary.

Read articles and journals, make a list of the most common words and phrases you see, and start there.

Strategy 2: Use active learning techniques

Don't try to memorize long lists of medical English vocabulary.

Reading and re-reading notes are not very effective for long-term retention. Use active learning methods like flashcards, teaching to someone else, or role-play techniques to remember your target vocabulary. Using the language you want to remember in active learning will help you to remember the target language long-term.

Engaging with the material in a more meaningful way will allow you to remember the vocabulary more effectively.

Strategy 3: Work with a Medical English tutor

Working with a coach or tutor one-on-one is the most efficient way to learn.

A specialized Medical English tutor can help you identify key vocabulary, as well as learn, and use the target vocabulary. The tutor can help you by creating flashcards, speaking and writing exercises, and giving you feedback on your progress. Working with a tutor can help you use the new vocabulary in speaking scenarios or role-plays and is therefore a very natural and effective way to learn.

Although it has an associated cost, working with a tutor will help you memorize Medical English vocabulary more effectively and efficiently than trying to learn alone.