Enrich your academic journey
Welcome Students!
As a bilingual student, speaking French is an asset that can greatly enrich your career in health and social services. What’s more, every French word can transform your interactions with your patients, help improve the health care system and open new professional doors for you. Santé en français and its partners are here to give you the tools and help you integrate French into your practice and maximize your language skills.
No matter where you are in your post-secondary journey, here are tools and resources to help you integrate the French language into your practice and succeed every step of the way, from your studies to a bilingual career.
Incorporating Active Offer
Active offer of French-language services means ensuring that French-speaking patients know that French-language services are available, and that these services are of equal quality to those offered in English. Saying “Bonjour” is a good first step. It is much appreciated.
Even if your French isn’t perfect, every effort counts. A simple “Bonjour!” can make a big difference in establishing a relationship of trust with your patient, and improving understanding and care.
Santé en français has created two tools to help Manitoba health and social services students and professionals find the words and gain the confidence to express yourself in French with French-speaking patients.
Try them out now!
LexiGo Santé – Bilingual Lexicon
Quick access to medical terms in English and French.
Learn More
LexiGo Santé – Useful Sentences
A printable booklet with phrases commonly used in various medical contexts (assessments, daily care, medical care, paramedic assessment, mental health, etc.).
Learn More
The Différence en français initiative
In conjunction with Shared Health and Santé en français, this initiative provides tools, training and resources tailored to your professional needs in a bilingual health care environment.
Bilingualism: An asset to enhance your practice
Your bilingualism is a valuable asset. As a future professional in the health and social services fields, using and promoting your French skills can set you apart when looking for a residency or internship, and open up many opportunities in your future career.
To gain confidence, it’s important to practice speaking French regularly and take advantage of the resources available to improve your French. Attending refresher courses, getting involved in the French-speaking community, and using tools like LexiGo Santé are all strategies that will help you strengthen your language skills and feel more at ease in your encounters and daily practice.
Interviews & Professional Development
Be Proud of your Bilingualism
In your resume and cover letters, highlight your experience in a French-speaking environment. Explain how speaking French can enrich your professional experience and improve patient care.
Prepare Bilingual Answers
Practice common questions in French and English to demonstrate your language skills.
Take Advanced French Courses
Santé en français and Shared Health / Soins communs provide the opportunity to take language training courses with the Université de Saint-Boniface or online apps. Contact us to find out about your options.
Confidence-Building Strategies
Immerse Yourself in the Francophonie
Join cultural and sporting events held by Francophone organisations in your community to practice French in a relaxed and fun setting. See the Société de la francophonie manitobaine calendar.
Use Language Apps
Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone to practice French at your own pace.
Enjoy Entertainment in French
Watch French films and series on popular online platforms. Listen to French music and podcasts to improve your fluency and vocabulary.
Speaking French with your patients allows you to offer them more.
More understanding, more effective care, and more opportunities.
By responding to the needs of French-speaking patients, you contribute to their well-being and to a more inclusive health care system, while enhancing your practice and your professional career.
IMMEDIATE BENEFITS
For French-Speaking Patients
Improved patient cooperation
and well-being
- Promotes a positive relationship with patients by fostering understanding and respect.
- Reduces anxiety by using accessible language that reassures patients.
- Using clear, accessible language builds trust and adherence to treatment.
For the Health Care System
- Better communication optimizes care coordination.
- Reduces duplication of services, with fewer repeat tests and an optimized care pathway.
- Improves organization and flow of health care system procedures.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
For French-Speaking Patients
Positive impact on diagnosis and treatment
- Improves diagnoses by providing better understanding of symptoms and medical history.
- Clear and accurate communication reduces medical errors.
- Contributes to equitable care tailored to the needs of French-speaking patients.
For the Health Care System
- Opens access to positions in designated bilingual facilities.
- Allows you to distinguish yourself in your practice and gives you access to unique and rewarding professional opportunities.
- Reduces language barriers within multidisciplinary teams across the province.
Contact us to learn more
Santé en français and its partners are here to support you. Our teams are available to answer your questions, expand your network or access resources (such as training or apps to learn French). We are here to assist you.