CLINICAL CASE REPORTS AS A SOURCE OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY IN TEACHING MEDICAL ENGLISH

Abstract

The increasing internationalization of medical education requires future healthcare professionals to develop a high level of English-language competence, particularly in the use of professional medical terminology. In this context, authentic medical texts represent an essential resource for integrating language learning with professional training. Among the various types of professional medical texts, clinical case reports occupy a special place because they combine scientific description, diagnostic reasoning, and specialized terminology within a structured narrative format. This article explores the didactic potential of clinical case reports as a source of professional medical terminology for teaching Medical English in medical universities. The study analyzes the linguistic features of case reports, including terminology related to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment procedures, and clinical outcomes. Particular attention is given to the role of authentic medical discourse in developing students’ lexical competence and professional communication skills. The research emphasizes that working with clinical case reports allows students to acquire specialized vocabulary in meaningful professional contexts while simultaneously improving their reading, analytical, and communicative abilities. The article proposes methodological approaches for integrating case reports into Medical English instruction, including terminology analysis, structured reading tasks, and case-based discussions.