Conversation with the Doctor

A.

Seeing the Doctor

Doctor :           Hello, what’s the matter?

John     :           Good morning. I have a terrible ache in my lower back.

Doctor :           How long has your back been bothering you?

John     :           I’ve been having pain for about two weeks.

Doctor :           Do you have any history of back problems?

John     :           No, this is the first time.

Doctor :           Are you taking any medicine at the moment?

John     :           No, just an aspirin from time to time to kill the pain.

Doctor :           OK. Let’s have a look at your back. Please take off your shirt ….

B.

Asking for a doctor

• I want a doctor
• I want to see a doctor
• I want medical advice
• I want to speak to a doctor
• I’m not moving till I see a doctor
• I’m not doing anything until I’ve spoken to a doctor
• I want a medical examination
• I’d like you to examine/look at me
• I’d like medical advice on (this)

C.

Doctors’ questions

• What’s wrong?
• What’s the matter?
• What seems to be the problem?
• What seems to be the matter?
• Where does it hurt?
• Can you feel (anything here)?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Can you (touch your toes)?
• Are you allergic to (anything)?
• Are you taking any medicine/drugs?
• Have you been treated for (this) before?
• Have you seen a doctor about this before?
• Have you been eating/sleeping properly?
• When did you last visit your doctor?
• Do you take much exercise?
• How much do you drink/smoke a day/a week?
• Have you been working hard?
• Do you suffer from (indigestion/nervousness)?
• Do you get any (headaches/dizziness)?

D.

In the consulting room

• Take your coat/shirt off
• Sit down
• Take your clothes off
• Lie down on that (couch)
• Go behind that (screen)
• Roll up your left/right sleeve
• Breathe deeply
• Breathe in/out
• Open your mouth / Put your tongue out
• Let me see your tongue /leg/eyes
• Bend your (left arm)
• Put your /(hands on your hips)
• I’m going to (listen to your chest)
• I’m going to (touch your shoulder)
• I’m just going to (test your reflexes)
• I want to (take your blood pressure)
• Tell me if this hurts
• This won’t hurt / This may hurt a bit

E.

Talking about treatment

• Stay in bed for a few days
• Take it easy / rest
• Don’t work too hard
• Come back and see me (next Tuesday)
• Come back if it doesn’t get better
• You’ve been working too hard
• You must (stop smoking)
• Keep taking (the medicine)

F.

Talking about medicines

• You can get this at the chemist’s/pharmacy
• Take this to the chemist/pharmacy
• The chemist will give you (a cream)
• This will help your (headaches)
• Take this/these (four) times a day
• Take (5) milliliters in water
• Take a (teaspoonful) after every meal
• Don’t (drive after taking this)
• You mustn’t (consume alcohol in conjunction with these pills)
• You must (finish the whole bottle)
• Don’t (take any aspirin)
• Put it on/Rub it on (your knee)

G.

Referring you to another doctor

• I want you to see a specialist
• I think you should have an X-ray
• I want you to go to the clinic/hospital
• I’m making an appointment for you
• Take this letter to (Doctor Smith)
• I’m giving you a letter for the hospital
• We’re going to keep you here for observation
• We want to do some tests / take an X-ray
• You’ve got a (virus infection)
• There’s nothing broken; It’s nothing serious
• You’ll have to stay here (for a few days)