Language barrier

[Guest canadaguy]

Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience --

 

I encountered a difficult situation last year at a Canadian medical school interview. Although I regularly interact with individuals for whom English is a second language, I could not understand the doctor on my interview panel. S/he asked only two questions during the entire interview (which I politely asked him/her to repeat) and it was unclear whether s/he understood me as well. I'm aware that many doctors/patients throughout my career will not be native English speakers, however I imagine this individual's English skills must interfere with his/her daily activities (e.g. buying groceries, etc.). Has anyone else encountered this situation?