Abstract:

MX1004 (Introduction to Irish Language for Medical Students) was introduced as a SSM (Special Study Module) to UCC's School of Medicine in 2010. The original module was targeted at students from abroad receiving their medical training in Cork. There was a quick response from Irish students who wished to enhance their knowledge of their native language, giving rise to MX1007 and MX2009, which are modules for first and second year medical students who are already proficient in the Irish Language. Students receive two hours tuition a week in one semester in addition to a weekend residential course in the Irish speaking region of West Kerry known as An Ghaeltacht.

This paper examines the views of the students on the inclusion of Arts and Humanities subjects as part of their medical training. Specifically it asks the students what motivated them to take Irish language modules and in what way did it enhance their overall experience and learning experience. Due to the various experiences of local and overseas students a slightly different approach was taken to both groups.

Since its inception, MX1004 has attracted a large cohort of overseas students in their second year of UCC's five year undergraduate programme. In the early years almost all students were from Malaysia but in recent years it has attracted students from Singapore and other eastern regions. MX1007/2009 equally attract large cohorts of Irish students who have already achieved at least B1 level of Irish.

This paper will report on a study I am conducting focusing on various cohorts of students: this year's cohorts who have just finished the modules; the final year students; and a group of graduates who have returned to Malaysia and have now spent several years working in the medical profession. The study seeks to answer three questions. To what extent do they feel that studying the Arts has been essential to their learning experience as medical students? To what extent do they feel that studying the Irish language as part of their medical training enhanced their experience of living, studying, and working in Ireland? How much of the Irish have they retained and have they had opportunities to use it since in their professional lives?

The research methodology consists of two questionnaires which were distributed electronically to students and former students in addition to a focus group conducted with this year's cohort while they are on their residential weekend in Kerry.

Early results reveal a consistently positive attitude amongst all cohorts of students to the inclusion of Arts/Humanities in their medical training. In addition to this the overseas students reported that the inclusion of Irish enhanced their ability to integrate into Irish society and, in particular, that it served enabled better communication when they first encountered patients in Cork University Hospital in their third year.

Keywords:

Arts in medicine, irish language.