AT THE DOCTOR’S

OFFICE!
In today’s lesson, we’ll focus on speaking and conversation skills related to
visiting the doctor’s office. Communicating about your health can be challenging,
especially in a new language. This lesson will help you feel more confident during
medical appointments by teaching you useful phrases and vocabulary for
describing symptoms, asking questions, and understanding a doctor’s advice. We’ll
practice through role-plays, where you can act out conversations between a
patient and a doctor, and work on clear pronunciation and fluency. By the end of
the lesson, you’ll be better prepared to handle real-life conversations at the
doctor’s office.
QUICK CHECK IN
1. How often do you visit the doctor?
2. What are some common reasons people go to the doctor?
3. Have you ever had to explain your symptoms in English? How did it go?
4. What questions do you think are important to ask the doctor?
5. How do you feel when you visit the doctor? Nervous? Comfortable? Why?
VOCABULARY WORD EXPANSION
General Terms:
 Appointment – A scheduled meeting with the doctor.
 Receptionist – Person who greets patients and manages appointments.
 Patient – A person receiving medical care.
 Doctor – A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses.
 Nurse – A healthcare professional who assists doctors and cares for patients.
  Check-up – A general examination to assess health.
 Consultation – A meeting to discuss health concerns.
 Clinic – A healthcare facility for outpatient care.
 Hospital – A larger healthcare institution for serious medical care.
 Waiting Room – Area where patients wait for their appointment.
 Examination Room – Room where patients are examined.
 Medical History – A record of past illnesses, surgeries, and treatments.
 Chart – A file that contains a patient’s medical records.
 Symptoms – Signs or indications of a disease.
 Diagnosis – The identification of a disease or condition.
 Prescription – A doctor's order for medication.
 Referral – Sending a patient to a specialist.
 Specialist – A doctor with advanced training in a specific area.
 Primary Care Physician (PCP) – A doctor who provides general medical care.
 Follow-up – A future appointment to check progress.
Body Parts:
 Heart – Organ that pumps blood.
 Lungs – Organs used for breathing.
 Liver – Organ that processes nutrients and toxins.
 Kidney – Organ that filters blood to make urine.
 Brain – Organ that controls bodily functions.
 Stomach – Organ that digests food.
 Skin – Outer covering of the body.
 Bone – Hard structure forming the skeleton.
 Muscle – Tissue that produces movement.
 Joint – Area where two bones meet.
Symptoms:
 Fever – High body temperature.
 Cough – Sudden expulsion of air from the lungs.
 Sore throat – Pain in the throat.
 Nausea – Feeling like you might vomit.
 Vomiting – Forcibly emptying the stomach through the mouth.
 Diarrhea – Frequent, watery bowel movements.
 Fatigue – Extreme tiredness.
 Dizziness – Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
 Pain – Physical suffering.
 Swelling – Enlargement of a body part, often due to injury.
 Bruise – A dark mark from bleeding under the skin.
 Cut – A wound made by something sharp.
  Rash – Red, irritated skin.
 Itching – An irritating sensation causing scratching.
 Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing.
Procedures/Tests:
 Blood Test – Analysis of a blood sample.
 X-ray – Imaging to see inside the body.
 MRI – Detailed imaging using magnetic fields.
 CT Scan – Computerized imaging for cross-sectional views.
 Ultrasound – Imaging using sound waves.
 Vaccination – Injection to protect against disease.
 Physical Exam – A general check of the body’s health.
 Biopsy – Taking a small tissue sample for testing.
 Allergy Test – Test to identify allergic reactions.
 Urinalysis – Testing urine for signs of disease.
Equipment:
 Thermometer – Tool to measure body temperature.
 Stethoscope – Tool for listening to the heart and lungs.
 Blood Pressure Cuff – Tool to measure blood pressure.
 Syringe – A device for injecting fluids.
 Bandage – Material used to cover wounds.
 Scalpel – Small surgical knife.
 Otoscope – Tool to look inside the ears.
 Tongue Depressor – Flat stick to hold down the tongue for throat exams.
 Gloves – Protective coverings for hands.
 Face Mask – Covering to protect against germs.
Medications:
 Antibiotic – Medicine to fight bacterial infections.
 Painkiller – Medicine to reduce pain.
 Antidepressant – Medicine to treat depression.
 Antihistamine – Medicine to treat allergies.
 Vaccine – A substance that provides immunity.
 Over-the-counter (OTC) – Medicines sold without a prescription.
 Suppository – Medicine inserted into the rectum.
 Ointment – Cream for treating skin.
 Tablet – A solid dose of medicine.
 Injection – Medicine delivered through a needle.

Medical Conditions:
  Infection – Invasion of the body by harmful organisms.
 Fracture – A broken bone.
 Sprain – Stretching or tearing of ligaments.
 Asthma – Breathing disorder causing airway narrowing.
 Diabetes – Disease affecting blood sugar regulation.
 Hypertension – High blood pressure.
 Anemia – Low red blood cell count.
 Allergy – Immune reaction to harmless substances.
 Cancer – Uncontrolled cell growth.
 Influenza (Flu) – Viral infection causing fever, aches.
 Pneumonia – Lung infection.
 Arthritis – Inflammation of the joints.
 Migraine – Severe headache, often with nausea.
Other Useful Terms:
 Anesthesia – Loss of sensation, often during surgery.
 Recovery – Process of getting better after illness.
 Side Effects – Unwanted effects of medicine.
 Contagious – Able to spread from person to person.
 Immunization – Process of becoming protected against disease.
 Chronic – Long-lasting or recurring (as in illness).
 Acute – Sudden and severe (as in symptoms).
 Outpatient – A patient who does not stay overnight at the hospital.
 Inpatient – A patient admitted to the hospital for treatment.
 Emergency – A serious situation needing immediate care.
 Insurance – Financial protection for medical costs.
 Co-payment (Co-pay) – A fixed amount paid by a patient for medical
services.
Useful expressions that can be used at the doctor's office, both for patients and
doctors:
For the Patient:
 I’m not feeling well.
 I’ve been having [symptom] for [time period].
 I have a pain in my [body part].
 It hurts when I [action].
 I feel dizzy/tired/nauseous.
 I have a fever/cough/runny nose.
 I think I’ve caught a cold/the flu.
 I’m allergic to [medication/food].
 Can you prescribe something for the pain?
  Do I need any tests?
 How long will it take to get better?
 Are there any side effects of this medication?
 Do I need to follow any special instructions?
 Is it contagious?
 Should I take this with or without food?
 When should I come back for a follow-up?
For the Doctor:
 What brings you in today?
 How are you feeling?
 Where does it hurt?
 When did the symptoms start?
 How long have you had this problem?
 Have you had any other symptoms?
 Do you have any allergies?
 Let me take your temperature/blood pressure.
 I’m going to listen to your heart/lungs.
 Take a deep breath in, and out.
 You need to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
 I’m going to prescribe you [medication].
 Take this medicine twice a day, after meals.
 You might need a blood test/x-ray.
 I’ll refer you to a specialist.
 Come back if your symptoms don’t improve.
 Make sure to follow up in a week.
50 Sample Responses at the Doctor’s Office:
 "Good morning, I have an appointment today."
 "Hello, I'm here for my check-up."
 "My name is [Name]. I have a 10 o'clock appointment."
 "I'm not feeling well."
 "I'm here because I need a physical exam."
 "This is my first visit."
 "I have been feeling very tired lately."
 "I would like to get a general check-up."
 "I think I might be getting sick."
 "I've been coughing a lot."
 "I've had a fever for two days."
 "I'm here for my annual physical."
 "I feel dizzy sometimes."
  "I just want to make sure everything is okay."
 "I need a prescription refill, please."
 "I have some chest pain."
 "I’ve been having headaches."
 "I feel pain in my stomach."
 "My back hurts."
 "I can't sleep very well."
 "I need a vaccination today."
 "I’m due for my flu shot."
 "Can you check my blood pressure?"
 "Can you check my blood sugar levels?"
 "I feel short of breath when I walk."
 "I have allergies and they are getting worse."
 "My throat feels very sore."
 "I think I have an infection."
 "I just need a medical certificate for work."
 "I need a doctor's note for school."
 "I had surgery before; should I worry about anything now?"
 "Can you check my ears and nose?"
 "I'm here to discuss my test results."
 "I need to renew my prescription."
 "Can you recommend something for my skin rash?"
 "I want to make sure my heart is healthy."
 "Do I need any blood tests today?"
 "I feel pain when I move my arm."
 "Sometimes I feel numbness in my hands."
 "Can you check if I have high cholesterol?"
 "How can I stay healthy?"
 "What vaccines do I need?"
 "I’m worried about my weight."
 "Can you recommend vitamins for me?"
 "I have a family history of diabetes."
 "Should I get a cancer screening?"
 "I'm planning to travel. Do I need special vaccines?"
 "Can you give me advice on eating healthy?"
 "Can you help me quit smoking?"
 "Thank you, doctor, for your help today."
DIALOGUE: In the Doctor's Office:
Doctor: Good morning. What brings you in today?
Patient: Good morning, doctor. I’ve been having a headache for the past few days,
and today it’s worse.
Doctor: I see. Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
Patient: It’s constant, but it gets worse when I move or bend down.
Doctor: Any other symptoms? Fever, nausea, or dizziness?
Patient: I’ve been feeling a bit dizzy, but no fever.
Doctor: Alright. Let me take your temperature and check your blood pressure.
(Doctor checks vitals) Your temperature is normal, but your blood pressure is a
little high. Let’s also take a look at your throat and ears.
Patient: Sure.
Doctor: Everything looks normal, so it might be a tension headache. Have you
been under stress lately, or not sleeping well?
Patient: Yes, I’ve been working long hours and haven’t been sleeping much.
Doctor: That could be the cause. I recommend getting more rest and drinking
plenty of water. I’ll also prescribe some pain relievers.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. How long should I take the medication?
Doctor: Take it for three days, but if the pain continues or gets worse, come back
to see me.
Patient: I will. Thanks for your help.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Take care and feel better soon!

TAKE YOUR TEST!

INSTRUCTION: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer from
the options provided. Circle or mark the letter (a, b, c, or d) that corresponds to
your answer.
 1. Why did the patient visit the doctor?
A. To get a flu shot
B. Because of a headache
C. For a regular check-up
D. Due to a stomachache
2. What other symptom did the patient mention besides the headache?
A. Nausea
B. Fever
C. Dizziness
D. Sore throat
3. What did the doctor check after taking the patient’s temperature?
A. The patient’s pulse
B. The patient’s throat and ears
C. The patient’s reflexes
D. The patient’s eyesight
4. What did the doctor suggest could be causing the patient’s headache?
A. Allergies
B. A cold
C. Lack of sleep and stress
D. An ear infection
5. What advice did the doctor give the patient?
A. Get more rest and drink plenty of water
B. Take vitamins every day
C. Exercise more frequently
D. Eat healthier foods

ANSWER KEY
a) B
b) C
c) B
d) C
e) A