Medical professionals who want to learn or improve their ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients in the language of Cervantes have the opportunity, starting Jan. 21.

It comes via a one-semester Southwest Colorado Community College course aimed at increasing the vocabulary and fluency of medical professionals who treat members of the Spanish-speaking community.

The class, which will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday from Jan. 21 through May 13 at Mercy Regional Medical Center, is open to anyone.

Receptionists or clerks in medical offices, emergency responders, physical therapists, law-enforcement officers and school nurses could find the course helpful, said Melinda Green, director of academic services at the college.

Rita Horst, the patient advocate at Mercy Regional Medical Center, said medical professionals there took it upon themselves to approach the community college about such a course.

Renae Eshelman, the receptionist at Mercy Integrated Physical Therapy, was one of the leaders.

“I’ve been working on this since spring 2014,” she said. “I’d like become comfortable enough in Spanish to communicate with our patients.”

As it is, Eshelman said, she has to call for an interpreter.

“I have to get patients established in the system,” she said. “I make appointments, learn the location of an injury and handle insurance matters.”

Five coworkers at her outpatient center have signed up for the class, Eshelman said. She is going to recommend that the receptionists at the Horse Gulch and downtown Durango offices take the course.

“It’s going to be so helpful not having to wait for an interpreter,” Eshelman said.

Horst said the class goes beyond basic issues.

“The class is not about health care alone,” Horst said. “It will introduce participants to broader cultural issues.”

Benestina Martinez, a longtime Spanish teacher at the community college, will be the instructor.

daler@durangoherald.com