When people first start to suffer illnesses and ailments, they usually go to visit a doctor. In most countries the medical professional they see will be a doctor who practises general medicine. These doctors should have graduated medical school and gained an M.D. They are qualified with an amount of knowledge about many common illnesses and ailments that people suffer from. In the west these doctors usually have their own medical practice and the people in the surrounding area are registered with the doctor. He/she is their general practitioner (G.P.) and the person’s medical records are usually kept at the doctor’s offices (surgery). In other countries, people visit clinics to see a doctor. Doctors at clinics often rotate, so the chances of seeing the same doctor on repeat visits are reduced.
When a sick person visits the doctor’s surgery or clinic he/she will need to describe their symptoms and ask/answer questions concerning their ailment.
Sample dialog:
Receptionist/Nurse: Good morning, madam. How can I help you?
Patient: I’d like to see a/the doctor, please.
Receptionist/Nurse: Have you visited the surgery before?
Patient: Yes, a few times. (No, I haven’t.)
Receptionist/Nurse: Can I have your name, please?
Patient: It’s Marques; Mrs. Patricia Marques.
Receptionist/Nurse: Just one moment, please.
…
Receptionist/Nurse: Could I ask why you want to see the doctor? *
Patient: I’m just feeling unwell and a little light-headed and dizzy.
Receptionist/Nurse: Please take a seat. The doctor will see you soon.
Patient: Thank you.
…
Receptionist/Nurse: The doctor will see you now. It’s that door over there.
…
Doctor: Good morning. It’s Mrs. Marques, isn’t it?
Patient: That’s right, doctor.
Doctor: I’m Doctor Timarand. What can I do for you today? **
Patient: I’m feeling rather unwell; light-headed and dizzy spells.
Doctor: I see. Let me take your temperature.
…
Doctor: Have you had these symptoms long?
Patient: About a week now.
Doctor: Well, your temperature’s normal. How is your appetite?
Patient: I’m eating normally.
Doctor: Do you drink lots of fluids?
Patient: Coffee, tea and water several times a day.
Doctor: I think I should check your blood pressure, and perhaps take a blood sample.
Patient: OK, doctor.
Doctor: Are you over-worked?
Patient: Not really. I’m a housewife, so it’s just the normal household duties.
Doctor: How about your sleep patterns?
Patient: I sleep well and usually for six or seven hours a night.
Doctor: Well, your blood pressure is a little low today. Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements?
Patient: No.
Doctor: I’m going to prescribe you some. Try to take regular periods of rest for the next week.
Patient: Alright doctor
Doctor: I’d like you to make an appointment for next Thursday when I’ll have the results of the blood test.
| Common polite greetings/questions | Asking about the patient’s symptoms |
Good morning, madam. |
Let me take your temperature. |
Some video links of people visiting the doctor can be found in Resource 3