MATCH & P-ESL – Distinct Speech

Please meet Dr. Yuan Y., MD. She is a native Mandarin speaker who learned English as a Second Language in early adulthood. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed Distinct Speech’s Pronunciation of ESL program. She is now a U.S. Board Certified General Surgeon and a Member of the American Medical Association.

Yuan Y., MD

Grew up in China; later learned English as a Second Language Graduate of Distinct Speech P-ESL, now a Board-Certified General Surgeon and Member of the American Medical Association

Distinct Speech has been able to help me improve my enunciation, my cadence, as
well as my way of expressing myself. So that I am able to communicate all of my
ideas in a manner that is easily understood by others. I would not be able to be where I
am without her help. So, thank you. – Dr. Yuan Y., MD

The MATCH Interview is a critical component for a medical graduate to capture placement in their desired residency program. To accomplish this, Distinct Speech provides skilled and systematic interview training along with mock interviews. One strategy we use is the STAR-L method.

S = Situation: Describe the situation in detail.
T = Task: What was the task or obstacle you faced?
A = Action: What action did you take?
R = Result: What was the end result of the action that you took?
L = Learn: What did you learn from this situation?

During the interview it is paramount to present yourself as a highly knowledgeable professional who is confident yet humble, compassionate, and kind. Convey your desire to learn and how you will be an asset to their residency team. Knowing what to do before and after the interview is also key to your success. Distinct Speech is honored to help medical graduates during the Residency Pathway Process.

U.S. Medical Schools and Residency Programs emphasize the importance of having easily understood, clear communication skills. Physicians, medical students, and many other professionals enroll in our Pronunciation of English as a Second Language (P-ESL) training.

The ECFMG and USMLE seek candidates who have strong SEP (Spoken English Proficiency). Along with P-ESL, Distinct Speech provides mock interview training for the critical Medical Residency MATCH interview.

International Medical School Graduates (IMGs) are often required to take the OET (Occupational English Test) and/or the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which evaluates English spoken proficiency of non-native speakers. Other professions and some college entrance processes require ESL persons to take the PET (Pearson Test of English), which is another test that focuses on English speaking abilities.

Distinct Speech provides proven, structured, and systematic P-ESL instruction. We offer on-line one-on-one training at your convenience. Instruction is conducted by a licensed and certified Speech Pathologist with specialized training in P ESL. Small group sessions are intermittently made available as well. Anyone who wants to be more easily understood by their native English-speaking patients, coworkers, and clients enroll with Distinct Speech. Plus, we have a Video Gym and Resources for step-by- step practice. Check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel, @distinctspeech where we have instructional videos as well.

Historically, P-ESL has been termed accent reduction or accent modification. Accents are a natural and beautiful part of spoken language. An accent is a speech difference, not a disorder. Many English as a Second Language (ESL) speakers enroll with Distinct Speech to fine-tune their accent to be better understood by their patients, clients, and coworkers. Some of our clients call it “Americanizing” their speech. We call it becoming a clearer, more confident and effective communicator.

I am pleased to offer my strongest possible support for Distinct Speech Solutions, LLC and for the exceptional work of Suzanne J. McGaha. As a physician educator who has worked with many talented International Medical Graduates and trainees over the years, I have seen firsthand how profoundly communication skills influence confidence, patient trust, educational opportunities, and career advancement. Suzanne J. McGaha’s work in this arena is truly outstanding.

Distinct Speech provides far more than traditional accent modification. Suzanne and her team deliver thoughtful, individualized coaching that helps highly accomplished professionals communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity while preserving the richness of their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Her expertise in professional communication, Match interview preparation, and pronunciation coaching fills an incredibly important need in modern medicine. -Michelle B. Tarbox, MD

Dr. Michelle B. Tarbox, MD is the Chair of the Department of Dermatology and Program Director of the Dermatology Residency at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). She is pleased to endorse Distinct Speech.

Distinctspeech.com works with foreign and regional accents. People enroll in accent modification and P-ESL services with Distinct Speech because they’re experiencing:

frequent need to repeat oneself to help people understand
others can’t understand the medical instructions they are saying
linguistic breakdowns
difficulty with English grammar
difficulty with American English

Increase your confidence and professional success with Distinct Speech.

Distinct Speech… Your Solution to Clear Speech and a Successful MATCH Interview

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