Dialogue Between Doctor and Patient – A Simple Tutorial with Examples
Effective communication between a doctor and a patient is crucial in the medical field. Whether you’re learning English as a second language or preparing for a healthcare roleplay, understanding the structure of a medical dialogue can help you express symptoms, ask relevant questions, and respond appropriately.
🧩 Key Components of a Doctor-Patient Dialogue
- Greeting and Introduction
- Description of Symptoms
- Doctor’s Questions
- Diagnosis or Tests Suggested
- Advice and Prescription
- Closing and Follow-up Advice
🗣️ Sample Dialogue 1: Common Cold
Patient: Good morning, doctor.
Doctor: Good morning. What brings you here today?
Patient: I’ve had a sore throat, runny nose, and mild fever for the last three days.
Doctor: Do you have a cough or any difficulty breathing?
Patient: A little dry cough, but no breathing issues.
Doctor: Sounds like a viral cold. Drink plenty of fluids and rest. I’ll prescribe a paracetamol and throat lozenges.
Patient: Thank you, doctor.
Doctor: You’re welcome. Come back if your symptoms worsen.
🗣️ Sample Dialogue 2: Stomach Pain
Doctor: Hello, what seems to be the problem?
Patient: I’ve been having sharp stomach pain since last night.
Doctor: Have you eaten anything unusual recently?
Patient: I had street food yesterday evening.
Doctor: You might have indigestion or food poisoning. I’ll give you something to settle your stomach. Drink ORS and avoid spicy food.
Patient: Thank you, doctor.
Doctor: Take rest and come back if the pain doesn’t improve in 24 hours.
🗣️ Sample Dialogue 3: Diabetes Follow-up
Doctor: Good afternoon, Mr. Karim. How have your sugar levels been?
Patient: Good afternoon. They’ve been a little high in the mornings.
Doctor: Are you taking your medication as prescribed?
Patient: Yes, but I’ve been skipping walks due to rain.
Doctor: Physical activity is important. Also, avoid rice at night. Let’s adjust your dose slightly.
Patient: Alright, I’ll be more careful.
Doctor: Come for a review in two weeks.
📘 Vocabulary You May Encounter
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | Pain in the throat |
| Indigestion | Discomfort in the stomach |
| Prescription | Medicine advised by the doctor |
| Follow-up | Next visit to check progress |
| Symptoms | Signs of illness |
✅ Tips for Writing or Practicing Dialogues
- Use natural, polite expressions.
- Stick to everyday vocabulary.
- Structure it logically: greeting → issue → questions → diagnosis → advice → closing.
- Practice roleplaying in pairs if learning in a classroom.
📌 Conclusion
Doctor-patient dialogues not only help improve communication skills but also prepare learners for real-life scenarios. These structured examples can be adapted for various health issues and serve as a foundation for language or healthcare training.
