The role of medical ESP in training a sustainable healthcare workforce

Nguyet Phan; Nhi Pham

doi:10.65956/procia.2026.120

Authors

Nguyet Phan University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2869-5250
Nhi Pham Corresponding author email: phamnhiphamnhi.1999@gmail.com Ho Chi Minh University of Banking https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4990-9598

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65956/procia.2026.120

Keywords:

English for specific purposes, medical English, healthcare workforce, sustainable development, intercultural communication

Abstract

In the era of globalisation and transnational healthcare, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in the medical domain may help strengthen professional language proficiency, intercultural communication, and global awareness among healthcare professionals in the analysed contexts. This scoping review identifies the role of Medical ESP in preparing a healthcare workforce capable of contributing to sustainable development, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education). Guided by the PCC (Population, Concept and Context) framework and a systematic search strategy in the ERIC database, the study synthesised academic literature on the design, implementation, and evaluation of ESP programmes in medical and global contexts. The findings indicate that contemporary Medical ESP curricula increasingly integrate global health, professional ethics, disciplinary communication, and interprofessional education, thereby fostering global competence among medical students and practitioners. At the same time, the role of ESP instructors has evolved from language facilitators to agents of education for sustainable development (ESD). However, notable gaps remain in the explicit incorporation of ESD principles into programme frameworks and in the development of appropriate assessment tools. This review offers preliminary insights that may inform the rethinking and redesign of Medical ESP curricula in line with the demands of a globalised healthcare workforce.

Author Biographies

Nguyet Phan, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Phan Thi Bich Nguyet is currently a master’s student at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. She graduated in Nursing from Van Lang University.
Nhi Pham, Ho Chi Minh University of Banking

Pham Tran Thao Nhi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City. The author is currently working in the field of education and has a strong interest in English teaching methodologies and pedagogical innovation.

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