"Doctor, can you understand me?" Imagine treating a patient who seems visibly anxious and having trouble explaining their symptoms because of a language barrier? Now, imagine their face lighting up when you unexpectedly reply in their language. These are some of my favorite moments that helped me realize the importance of speaking multiple languages in healthcare. As a multilingual provider, I know that speaking a patient's language is not just an advantage—it is a necessity for building trust and improving outcomes.

I was born in Tajikistan, a small Central Asian country; I grew up speaking Tajik (Farsi) and Russian. After immigrating to the United States, my family only spoke Russian and Tajik at home, ensuring I was proficient in both languages - something I'm immensely grateful for.

The ability to speak multiple languages allows me to better connect with patients. It's widely known that a detailed medical history is critical in providing accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans. However, this can become challenging because of language barriers. If the patient can't effectively communicate, it can negatively affect patient outcomes and overwhelm the patient even further. When patients can fully explain their symptoms in their native tongue, it builds trust and makes them feel more comfortable and heard. Speaking to a doctor in your native language should be a necessity, not a privilege.

When I worked as an EMT, we received a call from a patient with high blood pressure. When we arrived at the scene, an older woman in visible distress was unable to explain her symptoms. She tried putting together some words that didn't really make sense until I stopped her, understanding that she speaks Tajik, and asked her, "Can you tell me what happened?" in the patient's first language. She did not expect me to speak the same language, but I could tell she felt relieved and appreciative that I did. I took her vitals and history as we transferred her to the hospital. Her blood pressure was dangerously high, and she described symptoms like dizziness and chest discomfort, which helped me relay critical information to the ER staff. I don't know what happened to her after that point, but I believe I made even a slight positive impact and helped with her treatment.

Although I am only a student doctor, I will encounter various similar situations when I am treating patients of my own. Relieving patients' physical and emotional pain through language brings me immense joy. I will continue to integrate my language skills into patient care and strive to make every patient feel valued and heard. While not every physician can learn multiple languages, fostering cultural and linguistic competence in healthcare teams can significantly enhance patient care. Breaking language barriers will substantially increase patient satisfaction and elevate the quality of care we provide as future physicians.

These moments of connection remind me why I entered medicine: to make every patient feel valued, heard, and cared for—no matter the language they speak.

Nigora Jurabaeva is a student currently enrolled in her second year at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and is currently the SGA President-Elect.