April 12, 2002

As patient diversity increases, many employees at the hospital want to learn — and sometimes need to learn — a second language for their jobs. The MGH offers an on-site program called Spanish for Health Care to address this need. The course is offered through MGH Human Resources and Partners Corporate Training to help enhance employees' knowledge of the Spanish language and Latino culture. Class participants learn common Spanish phrases to help employees feel more comfortable with Spanish-speaking patients. Three levels of Spanish are offered, including an introductory class for those with no prior experience in Spanish. All the instructors are native Spanish speakers, such as Victor Diaz, shown at right with his New Beginners group. For more information, call (617) 726-2230.