Alexandra: Assistant Professor of Medical Education Leading with Spanish

Meet Alexandra—the Medical Spanish Program Director at California University of Science and Medicine's School of Medicine and National Association of Medical Spanish (NAMS) Board Director.

In healthcare, speaking a patient’s native language can make a huge difference in their comfort, trust, and overall outcomes. Language isn’t just a tool—it’s a way to truly connect with and understand people.

Languages: Spanish and English

Grew Up In: Murcia, Spain

College & Degrees Held: University of Murcia, Spain: Bachelor's degrees in Education and Linguistics; West Virginia University: Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics; University of California, Santa Barbara: PhD in Iberian Linguistics; Claremont Graduate University: Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health

How have your language and cultural skills supported and/or enhanced your professional opportunities?

Being bilingual and culturally aware has opened countless professional opportunities for me, particularly in the medical field. Fluently navigating both Spanish and English has allowed me to connect with diverse populations and effectively bridge language gaps in healthcare. Additionally, my cultural awareness has been instrumental in developing programs and conducting research aimed at addressing health disparities, especially those impacting Spanish-speaking communities.    

What advice would you share with current language learners or those considering studying a language?

Even small steps, like attempting to speak or learn a few words in someone’s language, can go a long way. As human beings, we naturally crave connection, and people deeply appreciate when others make an effort to engage with their culture or language.

Engaging with native speakers, immersing yourself in the culture, and applying the language in real-life contexts are some of the best ways to grow. Language is so much more than a tool for communication; it’s a bridge to understanding people and their world on a deeper level.

It’s often said that English is the language of global business, and because of that, language skills aren’t necessary to succeed. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

I disagree. While English might be the dominant language in global business, knowing other languages is crucial for building trust, creating meaningful connections, and understanding cultural differences. In healthcare, for example, speaking a patient’s native language can make a huge difference in their comfort, trust, and overall outcomes. Language isn’t just a tool—it’s a way to truly connect with and understand people.

Do you have an interesting, moving, or humorous anecdote featuring your language skills to share?

This story is more cultural than linguistic. In Spain, we typically greet someone new with two kisses on the cheeks. When I first arrived in the U.S. for a study abroad program, my roommate introduced herself, and my first instinct was to greet her with two kisses. As I leaned in, she quickly pulled back, and I realized things were going to be very different here!

Check out our Connect with Spanish page—or explore another language of your choosing—for information about university programs, scholarship opportunities, testimonials, and more! Then tell us how you put your language skills to work @LangConnectsFdn on social media.

You can also explore NAMS' work advancing multilingual healthcare here.

Know a multilingual professional who's using language skills in their work or career? Refer them to us for consideration in an upcoming Professional Profile.