English For Medicine

ENGLISH FOR MEDICINE
A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Doctor: When did you last come in for a physical exam?
Patient: I had my last physical two years ago.
Doctor: Have you had any other exams recently? Blood work, an EKG or an ultra-sound?
Patient: Well, I had a few X-rays at the dentist.
Doctor: How have you been feeling in general?
Patient: Pretty well. No complaints, really.
Doctor: Could you roll up your left sleeve?
I'd like to take your blood pressure.
Patient: Certainly.
Doctor: 120 over 80. That's fine. You don't seem to be overweight, that's good. Do you
exercise regularly?
Patient: No, not really. If I run up a flight of stairs, it takes me a while to get my breath back.
I need to get out more.
Doctor: That would be a good idea. How about your diet?
Patient: I think I eat a pretty balanced diet. You know, I'll have a hamburger from time to
time, but generally, I have well-balanced meals.
Doctor: That's good. Now, I'm going to listen to your heart.
Patient: Ooh, that's cold!
Doctor: Don't worry it's just my stethoscope. Now, breathe in and hold your breath. Please
pull up your shirt, and breathe deeply... Everything sounds good. Let's take a look at your
throat. Please open wide and say 'ah'.
Patient: 'ah'
Doctor: OK. Everything looks ship shape. I'm going to order some blood work and that's
about it. Take this slip to the front desk and they'll arrange an appointment for the tests.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. Have a nice day.
PAIN THAT COMES AND GOES

Doctor: How long have you been having this pain?
Patient: It started in June. So for more than five months now. My stomach hurts after some
meals, but not always.
Doctor: You should have come in earlier. Let's get to the bottom of this. Have you changed
your eating habits during this period?
Patient: No, not really. Well, that's not true. I'm eating the same foods, but less. You know,
the pain seems to come and go.
Doctor: How strong is the pain exactly? On a scale of one to ten, how would you describe the
intensity of the pain?
Patient: Well, I'd say the pain is about a two on a scale of one to ten. Like I say, it's not really
bad. It just keeps coming back...
Doctor: How long does the pain last when you get it?
Patient: It comes and goes. Sometimes, I hardly feel anything. Other times, it can last up to
half an hour or more.
Doctor: Is there a type of food that seems to cause stronger pain than other types?
Patient: Hmmm ... heavy foods like steak or lasagna usually brings it on.
I've been trying to avoid those.
Doctor: Does the pain travel to any other parts of your body - chest, shoulder or back? Or
does it remain around the stomach area.
Patient: No, it just hurts here.
Doctor: What about if I touch here? Does it hurt there?
Patient: Ouch! Yes, it hurts there. What do you think it is doctor?
Doctor: I'm not sure. I think we should take some x-rays to find out if you've broken
anything.
Patient: Will that be expensive?
Doctor: I don't think so. You're insurance should cover routine x-rays.
JOINT PAIN
Patient: Good morning. Doctor Smith?
Doctor: Yes, please come in.
Patient: Thank you. My name is Doug Anders.
Doctor: What have you come in for today Mr. Anders?
Patient: I've been having some pain in my joints, especially the knees.
Doctor: How long have you been having the pain?
Patient: I'd say it started three or four months ago. It's been getting worse recently.
Doctor: Are you having any other problems like weakness, fatigue or headaches?
Patient: Well I've certainly felt under the weather.
Doctor: Right. How much physical activity do you get? Do you play any sports?
Patient: Some. I like to play tennis about once a week. I take my dog on a walk every
morning.
Doctor: OK. Let's have a look. Can you point to the area where you are having pain?
Patient: It hurts right here.
Doctor: Please stand up and put weight on your knees. Does this hurt? How about this?
Patient: Ouch!
Doctor: It seems you have some inflammation in your knees. However, there's nothing
broken.
Patient: That's a relief!
Doctor: Just take some ibuprofen or aspirin and the swelling should go down.
You'll feel better after that.
Patient: Thank you!
TROUBLING SYMPTOMS
Doctor: Good afternoon. Have a seat. So, what have you come in for today?
Patient: Thank you. I'm feeling ill, I've got quite a bad cough, but I don't seem to have a
fever.
Doctor: I see. How long have you had these symptoms?
Patient: Oh, I've had the cough for two weeks, but feeling ill just these past few days.
Doctor: Are you having any other problems?
Patient: Well, I've got a headache. I've also had a little bit of diarrhea.
Doctor: Do you produce any phlegm when coughing?
Patient: Sometimes, but it's usually pretty dry.
Doctor: Do you smoke?
Patient: Yes, a few cigarettes a day. Certainly no more than a half a pack a day.
Doctor: How about allergies? Do you have any allergies?
Patient: Not that I'm aware of.
Doctor: Does your head feel stuffy?
Patient: Yes, for the past few days.
Doctor: OK. Now let's have a look. Could you please open your mouth and say 'ah'?
MAKING A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT

Doctor's Assistant: Good morning, Doctor Jensen's office. How may I help you?
Patient: Hello, I'd like to make an appointment to see Doctor Jensen, please.
Doctor's Assistant: Have you been in to see Doctor Jensen before?
Patient: Yes, I have. I had a physical last year.
Doctor's Assistant: Fine, what is your name?
Patient: Maria Sanchez.
Doctor's Assistant: Thank you Ms Sanchez, let me pull up your file... Okay, I've located your
information. What's the reason for your making an appointment?
Patient: I haven't been feeling very well lately.
Doctor's Assistant: Do you need urgent care?
Patient: No, not necessarily, but I'd like to see the doctor soon.
Doctor's Assistant: Of course, how about next Monday? There's a slot available at 10 in the
morning.
Patient: I'm afraid I'm working at 10. Is there anything available after three?
Doctor's Assistant: Let me see. Not on Monday, but we have a three o'clock opening next
Wednesday. Would you like to come in then?
Patient: Yes, next Wednesday at three would be great.
Doctor's Assistant: Alright, I'll pencil you in for three o'clock next Wednesday.
Patient: Thank you for your help.
Doctor's Assistant: You're welcome. We'll see you next week. Goodbye.
Patient: Goodbye.
HELPING A PATIENT
Patient: Nurse, I think I might have a fever. It's so cold in here!
Nurse: Here, let me check your forehead.
Patient: What do you think?
Nurse: Your temperature seems raised. Let me get a thermometer to check.
Patient: How do I raise my bed? I can't find the controls.
Nurse: Here you are. Is that better?
Patient: Could I have another pillow?
Nurse: Certainly, Here you are. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Patient: No, thank you.
Nurse: OK, I'll be right back with the thermometer.
Patient: Oh, just a moment. Can you bring me another bottle of water, too?
Nurse: Certainly, I'll be back in a moment.
Nurse: (coming in the room) I'm back. Here's your bottle of water. Please put the
thermometer under your tongue.
Patient: Thank you. (puts the thermometer under the tongue)
Nurse: Yes, you have slight temperature. I think I'll take your blood pressure as well.
Patient: Is there anything to worry about?
Nurse: No, no. Everything's fine. It's normal to have a bit of fever after an operation like
yours!
Patient: Yes, I'm so glad everything went well.
Nurse: You're in good hands here! Please hold out your arm...
GIVING A PRESCRIPTION
Patient: … what about the problems I've been having sleeping?
Doctor: I'm going to give you a prescription for some medicine to help you get a better
night's sleep.
Patient: Thank you doctor.
Doctor: Here, you can get this prescription at any pharmacy.
Patient: How often should I take the medicine?
Doctor: Just take one pill about 30 minutes before you go to bed.
Patient: How long should I take them?
Doctor: The prescription is for thirty days. If you're not sleeping well after thirty days, I'd like
you to come back in.
Patient: Is there anything else I can do to help me sleep at night?
Doctor: Don't worry so much about things at work. I know, I know... easier said than done.
Patient: Should I stay home from work?
Doctor: No, I don't think that's necessary. Just remember to stay calm.

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ENGLISH FOR MEDICINE

PAIN THAT COMES AND GOES

MAKING A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT

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