[Improving the level of understanding of English of medical students is possible. Results of a systematic assessment policy]

Objectives: To describe the level of English of a population of medical students and the improvement after the implementation of systematic assessment that all students achieve a minimal level.

Population and methods: For the past 5 years, all medical students in our medical school have been taking the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The baseline population (students entering second year in 2004) had no specific obligation. After 2004, a score above 600 was mandatory for graduation. Teaching was oriented towards training for the TOEIC and the number of hours was more important for low-level students.

Results: The mean score has increased from 618 ± 146 in 2004, to 687 ± 94, 717 ± 97, 733 ± 96 and 731 ± 104 for the next four years. The proportion of students who do not achieve a score of 550 (B1 level of the European framework) has decreased from 30 to 0%.

Discussion: Improving the level of English of French medical students is possible, if this is made a priority. The objective, as set in engineering studies, that all medical students reach a B2 level would require national guidelines.