For many people, a doctor’s visit isn’t just about a check up and many times it’s because they’re either not feeling well or an accident could have happened. Accidents happen, even if we try our best to prevent them. So we thought it would be a good idea to help English learners with some phrases and terminology about medical care.

Types of doctors:

General Practitioner (GP) – A GP is a normal doctor trained in a wide field of medicine and is usually the first point of contact, before recommending a specialist.

Surgeon – Specialises in performing surgery

Paediatrician – Specialised children’s doctor

Neurologist – Specialises in nerves, spine and brain

Dermatologist – Specialises in the treatment of skin, hair and nails

Podiatrist – Specialist in treating feet and lower limbs

Obstetrician / Gynaecologist – Specialist in female reproductive organs

Oncologist – Specialising in the treatment of cancers

Cardiologist – Specialise in the treatment of heart related issues

Psychiatrist – Specialises in mental wellbeing and mental illnesses

Radiologist – Specialise in x-rays and ultrasounds

Dentist – Specialise in oral health, like teeth and gums

(There are many more, but the above list is a few common ones)

Booking an appointment:

Is there an appointment available on …… day?

I would like to see the doctor about……

What is the cost of a consultation?

What documents should I bring with me?

I do/don’t have international medical insurance cover.

Doctor’s usually require you to arrive 15 minutes earlier than the appointment time, especially with new patients as it takes time to fill in forms with all your details.

During the consultation:

I am here because……

My medical history is ……

I am allergic to……

My concerns are……

Please explain …… to me in more detail.

After the consultation:

I am not sure if this is covered by international medical insurance cover, do you know?

What is the procedure for claiming from the medical insurer?

Where is the closest pharmacy?

The doctor recommended a follow up appointment, can I please make another booking on ……day?

At the pharmacy:

Dispensary – The place where the pharmacists dispense medicine.

Self-medication – The counter where no script from the doctor is needed. Normally low level pain medication and anti-inflammatory medicines are dispensed.

Anti-inflammatory – A low level medication used in helping inflammation.

Prescription – A prescribed medication, usually in the form of a script issued by a doctor.

Over-the-counter medicine – Is dispensed at the self-medication counter, and no script is needed.

Generic medication – Is a medication similar to that of which the doctor prescribed but not exactly the same, sometimes cheaper than the original.

I would like to collect my prescribed medicines, here is my script.

I haven’t seen a doctor, and am feeling …… is there any over-the-counter medication that you can recommend?

The medicine that you have given me, is it original as per the script or a generic medication?

I’m allergic to ……. Is this medicine ok for me to take?

We all hope to avoid accidents or falling ill, especially when travelling. During your English lessons, make sure to practise some of these phrases and get to know a bit more if you are planning a trip abroad because one cannot over prepare for an emergency.