Constructing a Conceptual Framework for the Medical School Admission System : The Growing Influence of English Proficiency Testing in the Era of Portfolio-Based Selection
CONSTRUCTING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSION SYSTEM: THE GROWING INFLUENCE OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TESTING IN THE ERA OF PORTFOLIO-BASED SELECTION
Keywords:
English proficiency, Portfolio-based admission, Medical education, Educational equityAbstract
English has become the global lingua franca in science and medicine, particularly for accessing new knowledge, facilitating communication among healthcare professionals, and disseminating research findings. Consequently, English proficiency is a fundamental skill required for medical students to effectively learn, analyze, and communicate. In the context of Thailand, where English is not the primary language, the development of English skills among medical school applicants faces social and structural inequalities. Although the Portfolio-Based Admission system allows candidates to demonstrate diverse competencies beyond single examinations, standardized English tests such as TOEFL and IELTS have become key indicators that advantage economically privileged applicants, leading to inequities in access. The integration of English in medical curricula should focus on enhancing analytical and communicative skills within clinical contexts while addressing educational disparities to promote equity. This study aims to analyze the role of English proficiency testing within Thailand’s portfolio admission system and propose a balanced selection framework that aligns professional standards with social fairness, thereby fostering a high-quality, transparent, and equitable medical admissions process in the era of globalization.
References
References
Chalauisaeng, B. (2016). An analysis of problems and behaviours in identifying complicated sentences in order to enhance medical residents’ reading comprehension of English journal articles. Journal of Language, Religion and Culture, 4(2), 192-217.
Corporation, E., & Ngo, N. (2025, April 30). TOEFL ค่าสอบ 2025: เปรียบเทียบค่าสอบ TOEFL iBT, ITP, IELTS ล่าสุด. Retrieved from ELSA Speak Official.: https://th.elsaspeak.com/toefl-exam-fee/
Iramaneerat, C., & Rangsisombatsiri, C. (2010). Satisfaction survey of graduates from the Doctor of Medicine program of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Siriraj Medical Bulletin, 3(2), 86-99.
Krudpathum, V., & Wilaem, W. (2016). Self assessment of pre clinical undergraduate medical students according to the bachelor’s degree learning outcomes framework and essential competencies of desirable medical graduates. Thammasat Medical Journal, 16(3), 467-479.
Nithiphaichit, R., Kittiboonyakun, P., Kerdchantuk, P., Suttiruksa, S., & Phumart, P. (2023). Development of Teaching Approaches for the Course on English Skill in Pharmacy by Using Concept Mapping. Thai Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 15(1), 153-166.
Nonsuphap, S. (2017). The effects of multiple mini interview incorporate with motivational technique on satisfaction and disclaim rate of nursing students applicants, Suranaree University of Technology, 2012 academic year. Regional Health Promotion Center 9 Journal, 11(26), 134-157.
Pancharoen, C. (2023). Concepts of communication concerning medical services. Chula Medical Journal, 56(5), 527-531.
Phaktoop, M., & Apiraknapanon, P. (2024). Promoting proactive communication between nurses and patients to reduce the impacts on patients, nurses and the organizations. Journal of Nursing and Education, 17(3), 1-11.
Pittpunt, B. (2023). Perspectives on diversity of English and its current use as a lingua franca in Thailand. Southeast Bangkok Journal (Humanities and Social Sciences), 9(1), 140-152.
Ruechakool, K., & Sawangboon, T. (2024). The evaluation of intensive English program of Chaiwan District school group under Udon Thani Primary Educational Service Area District Office 3. Suedurea Research Journal, 16(2), 225-240.
Satayasai, W. (2013). What is medical education? Thammasat Medical Journal, 13(1), 8-9.
Soonthorn, S. T., Wichaikull, S. K., & Ritruechai, S. (2019). Knowledge, attitude and essential skills in English of healthcare personnel in 13 regional health services under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health. Thailand. Journal of the Police Nurses and Health Science, 453-463.
Srijan, A., & Chuenchaichon, Y. (2019). An analysis of needs in learning English for medical purposes of medical students in Naresuan University. Lampang Rajabhat University Journa, 8(2), 152-165.
Sriring, K., & Saengchai, N. (2019). Factors affecting primary student and parents’ decision making for choosing English tutorial institutes in Ban Phai District, Khon Kaen Province. Payap University Journal, 28(2), 117-128.
Srisontisuk, S., Buasri, M., Wanong, P., & Sengonkeo, P. (2020). Factors affecting the decision on bachelor degree study at Khon Kaen University of the students through the Thai University Central Admission System (TCAS System), in the academic year 2019. School of Administrative Studies Academic Journal, 3(3), 33-47.
Sukpanichnant, S. (2008). ความเป็นมาของศัพท์แพทย์ภาษาไทย. Siriraj Medical Bulletin, 1(2), 91-104.
Thaphech, T., & Surasith, N. (2023). Factors affecting English proficiency testing according to CEFR criteria of personnel and students of Northeastern University, Khon Kaen Province. NEU Academic and Research Journal, 13(1), 143-153.
Woragittanont, I., & Suraratdecha, S. (2016). A needs analysis of studying English for medical students in a university with the aim of ASEAN Economic Community. Journal of Language, Religion and Culture, 5(1), 138-169.
