Enrollment has begun for the next evening class of American English Intonation (AEI): Effective Intercultural Communication for the Healthcare Professional.

The program for international medical students, residents, fellows, postdocs and faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine and Clarian Health Hospitals is made possible by support from a Clarian Values Grant for Education.

The primary focus of AEI is accent modification though the instruction touches on other areas of effective communication. The instructor is a TESOL-certified IUPUI adjunct faculty. The classes are held once a week starting Thursday, Aug. 6. Classes will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays through Sept. 24 at Methodist Hospital Maternity, Candlelight Room A 3050 A.

The goal of this course is reduction – not elimination – of the international accent. To make each participant’s speech more comprehensible, the classes focus on the importance of pronunciation along with the patterns of stress and intonation in spoken English.

Pre- and post-course assessments are conducted to help each participant better understand his or her specific challenges. A textbook and CDs are integral to the course, but students spend a significant amount of class time practicing, asking questions, and interacting with each other.

For many professionals, this opportunity to explore a different style of speech in a relaxed, fun and noncompetitive atmosphere provides the confidence and determination to pursue more conversations – professional and personal – in American English. The class itself creates a supportive community of people with similar needs and goals.

Most importantly, the course acts as a springboard for each participant’s personal development. Students learn to implement ongoing strategies that suit their specific style of learning.

To ensure individual attention, class size is limited. Registration is $180 when paid by July 21; $220 after July 21. Textbooks and CDs are provided on site.

For more information and registration, contact:

Poonam Khurana, M.D. FAAP           
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Section of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine   
Ph: (317) 962-2275
Email: pkhurana@iupui.edu