Abstract:
Abstract: English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has become an indispensable part of medical and pharmaceutical education worldwide, enabling students and professionals to access global medical knowledge, participate in international research, and communicate effectively in diverse healthcare settings. At Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy (TUMP), ESP is a core component of the curriculum for first year students, designed to equip them with the language skills necessary for their academic and professional careers. However, despite its importance, many students face significant challenges in mastering ESP due to its specialized vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, and the integration of medical knowledge with language learning. This study investigates the difficulties encountered by first year students at TUMP in learning English for medical purposes, focusing on their attitudes, learning strategies, and the effectiveness of current teaching methods. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, involving 100 first year students from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy during the academic year 2023-2024. The findings reveal that students struggle with technical terminology, lack motivation due to the perceived difficulty of the subject, and face limited opportunities for practical application. Based on these results, the study proposes several recommendations, including the integration of multimedia tools, interactive activities, and context-based learning, to enhance students’ engagement and proficiency in ESP.
Keyword(s): English for Specific Purposes (ESP), medical English, first year students, challenges, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy