Visiting a doctor is something we all do at some point—whether for a regular check-up, a sudden illness, or to discuss ongoing health concerns. For English learners, knowing how to hold a conversation with a doctor is not only important, it’s essential. These dialogues help build confidence when talking about symptoms, medicines, or asking health-related questions.
Practicing a dialogue between doctor and patient improves your English speaking, listening skills, and understanding of real-world medical vocabulary. Whether you’re role-playing in a classroom or preparing for travel abroad, mastering this type of conversation ensures you’re ready to communicate clearly in a clinic or hospital.
Vocabulary and Phrases for Doctor Patient Conversation
Before we dive into sample conversations, let’s review some of the most commonly used expressions in medical settings.
Phrases Commonly Used by the Doctor
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “What seems to be the problem?” | Asking about the patient’s main issue |
| “How long have you had these symptoms?” | Asking for a time frame |
| “I’ll prescribe some medication.” | Informing about a treatment |
| “You need to rest and drink plenty of fluids.” | Giving basic medical advice |
| “Come back if it doesn’t improve.” | Suggesting a follow-up if necessary |
Phrases Commonly Used by the Patient
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “I’ve been feeling unwell since yesterday.” | Describing when symptoms started |
| “I have a headache and a sore throat.” | Listing symptoms |
| “Is it serious?” | Asking about the condition’s severity |
| “Do I need any tests?” | Asking about further investigation |
| “Are there any side effects?” | Asking about medicine reactions |
Bonus Vocabulary
- Symptoms – Signs of illness (e.g., fever, cough)
- Diagnosis – The doctor’s opinion of what illness you have
- Prescription – A written order for medicine
- Allergy – A reaction to food, medicine, or other substances
- Check-up – A routine medical examination
- Dosage – The amount of medicine to be taken
- Consultation – A meeting with a doctor for advice or treatment
Dialogue Between Doctor and Patient – Sample Conversation
Dialogue 1: Patient with a Fever and Cough
Doctor: Good morning. What brings you in today?
Patient: I’ve been having a fever and a really bad cough since last night.
Doctor: I see. Have you taken any medication so far?
Patient: Just some paracetamol, but it didn’t help much.
Doctor: Let me check your temperature… it’s a bit high. Are you experiencing any other symptoms?
Patient: My throat hurts and I feel very tired.
Doctor: Sounds like a viral infection. I’ll prescribe something to bring down the fever and help with the throat pain.
Patient: Thank you. Will I need antibiotics?
Doctor: Not at this point. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take the medicine I’m prescribing.
Patient: Okay. Should I stay home from work?
Doctor: Yes, for at least two days. If your symptoms don’t improve, come back for a recheck.
Patient: Got it. Thanks, doctor.
Dialogue 2: Routine Check-up
Doctor: Hello, how can I help you today?
Patient: It’s just a regular check-up. I haven’t seen a doctor in over a year.
Doctor: Good idea. Let’s start with your blood pressure… hmm, slightly high. Do you exercise regularly?
Patient: Not really. I’ve been sitting at my desk a lot lately.
Doctor: That might be contributing. Any history of high blood pressure in your family?
Patient: Yes, both my parents take medication for it.
Doctor: In that case, it’s even more important to stay active. I’ll also order a blood test to check your cholesterol.
Patient: Okay. Anything else I should be doing?
Doctor: Try a low-salt diet, 30 minutes of exercise a day, and regular sleep.
Patient: I’ll try to make those changes. Thanks for the advice.
Doctor: No problem. I’ll see you again in a few weeks for follow-up.
Dialogue 3: Discussing Test Results
Patient: Hi doctor. I came to discuss the blood test results.
Doctor: Yes, I have them here. Your sugar levels are a bit high. Have you been experiencing fatigue or increased thirst?
Patient: Yes, actually. I feel tired all the time.
Doctor: These are early signs of pre-diabetes. We need to act quickly.
Patient: Oh… that’s serious, right?
Doctor: It can be, but with lifestyle changes, we can manage it well.
Patient: What kind of changes?
Doctor: Reduce sugar and processed food, walk daily, and monitor your levels.
Patient: Will I need medicine?
Doctor: Not yet. Let’s try diet and exercise first. We’ll test again in three months.
Patient: I understand. I’ll do my best.
Doctor: That’s the spirit. Let’s keep it under control.
Dialogue 4: Child with Stomach Ache
Doctor: Hello there! What’s bothering you today?
Mother: My daughter has had stomach pain since this morning.
Doctor: I’m sorry to hear that. Where exactly does it hurt, sweetie?
Child: Right here… near my belly button.
Doctor: Did you eat anything unusual yesterday?
Mother: She had a birthday party. Maybe too much cake?
Doctor: That could be it. Any vomiting or fever?
Mother: She vomited once but no fever.
Doctor: Sounds like mild indigestion. I’ll prescribe a gentle syrup. Keep her hydrated and give soft food only.
Mother: How long will it take to recover?
Doctor: Usually a day or two. But if the pain gets worse, come back immediately.
Mother: Thank you so much, doctor.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Get well soon, little one!
Dialogue 5: Asking About a Skin Rash
Doctor: Hi there. What brings you in today?
Patient: I’ve developed this red, itchy rash on my arms and back.
Doctor: Let me take a look… Have you changed soaps, detergents, or eaten anything new?
Patient: I started using a new body lotion last week.
Doctor: That could be the cause. It looks like an allergic reaction.
Patient: Is it serious?
Doctor: Not at all. I’ll give you a cream to reduce the itching. Stop using the lotion immediately.
Patient: Will it go away on its own?
Doctor: Yes, in a few days. Just don’t scratch it.
Patient: Got it. Do I need to come back for a follow-up?
Doctor: Only if it spreads or gets worse.
Patient: Thanks, doctor. That helps a lot.
Doctor: Anytime. Take care!
Dialogue Writing Tips
Writing effective doctor-patient dialogues is one of the best ways to improve your spoken English fluency, especially when it comes to real-life, sensitive topics like health. These tips will help you sound more natural, clear, and confident.
Start with a Clear Setting
Before you begin writing, ask yourself:
- Who is speaking? (A nervous patient? A busy doctor?)
- Where are they? (A hospital room? A clinic?)
- Why are they talking? (Routine check-up? Sudden illness?)
This helps you choose the right vocabulary and tone.
Example:
A patient visits a clinic complaining of chest discomfort.
Use Natural, Everyday Language
Avoid textbook or robotic phrases. Keep it simple, clear, and real.
| Instead of… | Try saying… |
|---|---|
| “I wish to acquire medication.” | “Can I get something for this?” |
| “My gastrointestinal region aches.” | “I have a stomach ache.” |
| “Your condition is concerning.” | “It might be serious.” |
Pro Tip: Think of how a real doctor and patient would speak—calm, clear, polite, and direct.
Keep the Tone Respectful and Reassuring
Doctor-patient conversations often involve emotions. Use a supportive, empathetic tone.
Examples:
- “I understand you’re in pain. Let’s figure out what’s going on.”
- “Don’t worry. It’s common and treatable.”
Give the Dialogue a Clear Flow
Structure your dialogue like a short scene:
- Beginning: Greeting + stating the concern
- Middle: Describing symptoms, asking questions, giving suggestions
- End: Diagnosis, prescription, follow-up, and farewell
Example Flow:
- “Good morning. What brings you in today?”
- “I’ve had a headache for three days.”
- “Take these tablets and rest. Come back if it doesn’t improve.”
Use Medical and Health-Related Vocabulary
Include words related to symptoms, medicines, treatments, and body parts. This makes the conversation realistic and helpful.
Examples:
- Fever, nausea, headache, rash
- Prescription, allergy, blood test, check-up
Add Emotion and Personality
A good doctor-patient dialogue should show human feelings: concern, relief, worry, hope.
Example:
❌ “The test is positive.”
✅ “I know this may be hard to hear, but your test came back positive. We’ll get through this together.”
Adding empathy makes the conversation more meaningful and engaging.
Practice Exercises
A. Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Fill in the blanks using words from the word bank.
Word Bank: symptoms, prescription, headache, dosage, allergy, fluids, check-up, fever, sore, diagnose
- I have a bad _______ that won’t go away.
- The doctor gave me a _______ for antibiotics.
- You should drink more _______ to recover faster.
- Do you have any known _______ to medicine?
- Let me take your temperature—you might have a _______.
- She came in for a routine medical _______.
- Please tell me all your _______ clearly.
- I need to know the correct _______ for this pill.
- My throat is _______ and it hurts when I swallow.
- The doctor will _______ you after seeing the test results.
Answer Key:
- headache
- prescription
- fluids
- allergies
- fever
- check-up
- symptoms
- dosage
- sore
- diagnose
B. Sentence Rewriting
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence to make it sound more natural and polite for a doctor-patient conversation.
- “Give me some pills for this.”
- “My condition is very bad, I think I will die.”
- “I got this problem from eating food.”
- “Fix me quickly, I’m in a hurry.”
- “I took random medicine from my friend.”
- “You don’t look like a real doctor.”
- “This medicine doesn’t work at all.”
- “Why are you asking so many questions?”
- “Don’t tell me what to do.”
- “Just give me a sick note.”
Sample Rewritten Answers:
- Could you please recommend some medicine for this?
- I feel really unwell—should I be concerned?
- I think I got this after eating something bad.
- I’m in a bit of a rush—can we keep it quick, please?
- I took some medicine from a friend—was that okay?
- Are you a general physician here?
- This medicine hasn’t helped me much—what should I do next?
- Is it okay if I ask why you’re asking those questions?
- I’d prefer a different approach—can we discuss options?
- If needed, could you provide a note for my employer?
C. Multiple Choice Questions
Instructions: Choose the most natural response.
- Doctor: “How are you feeling today?”
a) Not interested
b) A little better, thank you
c) Sit down now - Patient: “I’ve had a sore throat for three days.”
a) You must leave now
b) Eat more spicy food
c) Let me take a look - Doctor: “You may need a blood test.”
a) I don’t have blood
b) That sounds good
c) Only if it rains - Patient: “Are there any side effects?”
a) Maybe tomorrow
b) That depends on your body
c) Don’t ask that - Doctor: “Take this medicine twice a day.”
a) Got it. Morning and night, right?
b) No, I’ll eat it all at once
c) What is a day? - Patient: “Do I need to come back?”
a) Why are you here?
b) That is impossible
c) Yes, for a follow-up next week - Doctor: “What are your symptoms?”
a) I came by bicycle
b) I’ve had a fever and chills
c) It’s in my backpack - Patient: “I’m feeling dizzy.”
a) Sit down and rest a bit
b) That’s your problem
c) I don’t believe you - Doctor: “I’ll write a prescription for this.”
a) Will I need to pay?
b) What does that mean?
c) Thank you, doctor - Patient: “Can I eat normal food?”
a) Eat nothing
b) Yes, but avoid anything too spicy for now
c) Do as you wish
Answer Key:
- b
- c
- b
- b
- a
- c
- b
- a
- c
- b
D. Dialogue Building
Instructions: Write 1–2 natural lines to complete each mini-dialogue.
- Doctor: “Can you describe your symptoms?”
Patient: ______________________________ - Patient: “Is this illness serious?”
Doctor: ______________________________ - Doctor: “Have you been taking your medicine regularly?”
Patient: ______________________________ - Patient: “The rash hasn’t gone away.”
Doctor: ______________________________ - Doctor: “I’ll need to check your blood pressure.”
Patient: ______________________________ - Patient: “Can I return to work tomorrow?”
Doctor: ______________________________ - Doctor: “You might be dehydrated.”
Patient: ______________________________ - Patient: “This pain keeps coming back.”
Doctor: ______________________________ - Doctor: “We’ll run a few tests to be sure.”
Patient: ______________________________ - Patient: “Thanks for your help, doctor.”
Doctor: ______________________________
Sample Answers:
- I’ve had a high fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
- No, it’s mild. You’ll be fine with rest and medication.
- I missed a couple of doses—I’m sorry.
- Let’s try a stronger cream and monitor it.
- Okay, go ahead.
- Better to rest one more day before returning.
- I’ll drink more water and electrolytes.
- Should I get an X-ray or any tests done?
- That sounds good. What kind of tests?
- You’re welcome. Take care and rest well.
Conclusion
Mastering a dialogue between doctor and patient is an essential step for every English learner. These real-life conversations help build confidence in spoken English, teach important medical vocabulary, and improve your ability to express concerns clearly and respectfully. Whether you’re visiting a clinic for a check-up or explaining symptoms abroad, knowing the right words and tone can make all the difference.
By practicing these sample dialogues, reviewing useful phrases, and doing interactive exercises, you’ve taken a big step in improving your English conversation skills. Keep role-playing, writing your own scripts, and speaking out loud to build fluency, pronunciation, and natural tone. Health-related dialogues are just one of many ways to strengthen your communication—so stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to speak up in English!