Abstract: One of the major theories carried out by Vygotsky is the zone of proximal development (ZPD). In order to promote the potential medical English learning development of postgraduate students, teachers should make full sense of individual's ZPD. On the basis of introducing the concept and advantages of ZPD, this article discusses the significance and application of the theory in postgraduate medical English teaching in the affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, so as to provide references in teaching and learning medical English.

Key words: Zone of proximal development, Medical English, Teaching method, Learning potential