In today’s podcast, you’ll learn about questions and comments you might hear when you go to the doctor so that you can understand what he or she is saying to you.
Voice message from Javi from Madrid
C1 certificate
You are helping other people besides me
I am sitting beside Reza
How to describe symptoms to a doctor: https://inglespodcast.com/546
Some common questions a doctor may ask you
What seems to be the trouble?/What brings you in today?/What’s going on with you, then?/How can I help?
Where do you have the problem/pain/itch/rash/discomfort?
Can you tell me where it hurts?/Could you tell me where the pain is?
Can you describe the pain or discomfort you’re feeling?
Has this ever happened before?/Is this the first time it’s happened?
How long have you had the pain/this problem/these symptoms?
Are there any other symptoms?
On a scale of one to ten, how painful would you say it was?
Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions or past illnesses?
Have you been eating well/properly?
Are you currently taking any medication?
Do you have any allergies?
When did you last have your last blood tested?
Have you been sleeping well lately?
Is there anything else I should know?
Some colloquial expressions you may hear
Right, let’s have a quick look at you
Just pop your shirt off/pop off your shirt for me
Jump up/Pop up on the examination table and we’ll have a look
I think we can rule out……
Not too worry – I’m sure it’s nothing serious
We’ll soon sort you out/get this sorted
We’ll keep an eye on it and see how it goes
We’ll get your bloods done
We’ll be in touch when we’ve checked your blood test
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves – we’ll wait for the results to come back
A typical dialogue between doctor and patient
Doctor: Good morning, Mr. Sidebottom. What seems to be the problem today?
Patient: Morning, Doctor. Well, I’ve been feeling under the weather for a few days now. Got a bit of a cough and a sore throat.
Doctor: Hmm, let’s have a look then. Have you had any fever or chills?
Patient: Not really a fever, but I’ve been feeling quite achy and tired.
Doctor: Right. Have you been around anyone who’s been ill recently?
Patient: My youngest had a cold last week, but nothing too bad.
Doctor: Sounds like you might’ve picked up the same bug. Let me check your temperature and have a listen to your chest. Just pop your shirt off for me [Doctor uses a stethoscope] Take a deep breath in… and out.
Patient: [breathes deeply] Is it anything serious?
Doctor: No, nothing to worry about. It’s likely just a viral infection. Plenty of fluids, rest, and maybe some paracetamol for the aches.
Patient: So, no antibiotics then?
Doctor: Not this time, I’m afraid. They won’t help with a virus. We’ll keep an eye on it and see how it goes. If things don’t improve in a week or you feel worse, pop back in, alright?
Patient: Alright, thanks a lot, Doctor.
Doctor: No problem. Take care and get some rest.
Patient: Thanks. Will do.
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English.
Send us a voice message. https://www.speakpipe.com/inglespodcast
Send us an email with a comment or question to [email protected] or [email protected]
If you’re a Spanish speaker and you want to improve your English with free and paid resources, visit the mansioningles website at mansioningles.com and for paid products you can browse the online store at https://store.mansioningles.net/
Thank you to our Patreon supporters. Join our Patreon program and you get instant access to the transcriptions of this podcast and live Zoom chats so that you can practice speaking. https://www.patreon.com/inglespodcast
Welcome to our new Patreon supporters who have joined us this month:
David Santana Rubiales
Ezequiel
Fátima
Angeles
Genesis Cañizares
In next week’s episode: Written Legal English
If you enjoyed this podcast, please tell your friends.
The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’