The Linguist

Chartered Institute of Linguists SPRING 2026 The Linguist 13 FEATURES to patients (e.g. breaking bad news, assertiveness, dealing with reluctant patients), as well as cultural differences regarding alcohol consumption, abortion, capacity… To give an example, our case notes for a recent class referred to a patient who drank 2- 5 units of alcohol a week. In his letter task, one of our doctors wrote that the patient was "an alcoholic". Needless to say, this provided the ideal opportunity to discuss units of alcohol and how to phrase questions appropriately when asking how much a person drinks. What are some other cultural differences that require training? Patient-centred care is the model in the NHS rather than the doctor-led, paternalistic model that may be prevalent in members' home countries. Consequently, we need to teach things such as the language of making suggestions, avoiding 'I' in consultations. In terms of EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion), our learners must be made aware of issues such as protected characteristics in the UK and how to avoid discriminatory or judgemental language (e.g. saying that people with learning disabilities aren't 'normal'). We also help them learn the difference between assertive, aggressive and passive communication to avoid misunderstandings in the workplace. Does REACHE provide additional assistance to members? Through our Support and Development Team, we offer advice and support for members on housing issues, gaining employment, accessing volunteering roles, and basically anything else that they might need help with. We aim to empower and signpost them to appropriate outside support where necessary, rather than creating dependence. We can also contact the Home Office and job centres on their behalf if required, and we liaise with the GMC regarding exam attempts, qualifications and registration once all exams have been passed. What are the main challenges you face in your work? The biggest challenge is all the other things going on in people's lives while they are trying to study, which understandably distract them from learning. Examples include waiting for a Home Office decision about their status, not knowing if their family in a war zone is safe and homelessness. It can prove challenging to persuade people to carry on their journey to requalification in what are often extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Many have dependent children and are sacrificing so much to commit to the programme. If they lose sight of why they are doing it, it is our job to provide gentle encouragement and motivation. A further challenge is that our classrooms are incredibly diverse with a range of backgrounds, ages, levels of medical and life experience, length of time living in the UK, etc. We need to bring everyone together to focus on the shared goal of passing OET. This entails much effort on our part to foster teamwork, discussion and respectful listening, as well as to encourage members to appreciate each other's perspectives and be flexible in their thinking. www.reache.org.uk A CHANCE TO SAVE LIVES Dr Meron Tesfay, who came to the UK as a refugee from Eritrea, now works in the NHS after gaining the required qualifications through REACHE. "I look forward to becoming a surgeon and using my skills to support the most vulnerable people in the UK," he said Many alumni stress that REACHE has not just provided key training but been a 'family' to them in an unfamiliar land, helping them regain their professional identity and rekindle their desire to excel. One Eritrean doctor who was required to formally attend college to improve his English was then diagnosed with dyslexia. After joining REACHE, he passed his OET and PLAB exams, and is now training to become a GP. His compatriot, Dr Meron Tesfay, summed up the views of many REACHE members in explaining, "If I can make even a small difference, then it will all be worth it." After graduating last year, Dr Maryam Shamal Ghalib from Afghanistan made no secret of her lofty ambition to "specialise in breast reconstruction surgery for cancer patients and one day, inshallah, become an inspiring health minister". It is perhaps appropriate to leave the last word here to recent graduate Dr Nasser Ba Lbaid from Yemen, for his views on the remarkable journey through which refugee healthcare professionals can rebuild their traumatic lives: "The path to revalidation in the UK is far more than a professional milestone. For many of us, it represents a second chance – to serve again, to heal and to find purpose in a new land. This journey isn't easy. But with REACHE beside us, it has become meaningful, structured, and above all, human." Success stories

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