New Canadian EnglishLessons / Lesson 1
Lesson 1
Talking to Your Doctor
Sam has a sore throat and a fever. He visits a walk-in clinic for the first time. Learn what to say at the front desk and how to explain your symptoms to the doctor.
Part 1: At the Front Desk
MayaSam walks into the clinic. Let's listen to his conversation with the receptionist.
ReceptionistGood morning. How can I help you?
SamGood morning. I'd like to see a doctor, please. I don't have an appointment.
ReceptionistThat's okay. This is a walk-in clinic. Do you have your health card?
SamYes, here it is. I just moved to Canada, so this is my first visit.
ReceptionistWelcome. Can you please confirm your date of birth and your address?
SamSure. My date of birth is March 5th, 2000. My address is 25 Maple Street, apartment 4.
ReceptionistThank you. And what's the reason for your visit today?
SamI've had a sore throat and a fever for three days.
ReceptionistI'm sorry to hear that. Please have a seat. The wait is about twenty minutes. We'll call your name.
SamOkay, thank you very much.
Key phrases: At the Front Desk
Press play to hear Maya explain each phrase.
"I'd like to see a doctor, please."
= a polite way to ask for a doctor
- "I'd like" = "I want" (more polite)
"I don't have an appointment."
= you did not book a time
- walk-in clinic = no appointment needed
"Here it is."
= said when you hand something over
- In Ontario, your health card is your OHIP card
- Bring it to every visit
"This is my first visit."
= you are a new patient
- The clinic will make a new file for you
"What's the reason for your visit?"
= Why are you here today?
- You will hear this question a lot
"I've had ___ for ___."
= how long you have felt sick
- I've had a headache for two days.
- I've had a cough for one week.
"Please have a seat."
= please sit down and wait
- "We'll call your name." = they will say your name when the doctor is ready
Part 2: With the Doctor
MayaNow Sam meets the doctor. Listen to how he explains his symptoms.
Doctor LeeHello Sam, nice to meet you. I'm Doctor Lee. What brings you in today?
SamNice to meet you too. I have a sore throat and a fever. It started three days ago.
Doctor LeeI see. Is the pain mild or severe?
SamIt's pretty bad. It hurts when I swallow.
Doctor LeeDo you have any other symptoms, like a cough or a headache?
SamI have a small headache, but no cough.
Doctor LeeOkay. Are you taking any medication right now?
SamNo, I'm not taking anything.
Doctor LeeDo you have any allergies?
SamYes, I'm allergic to penicillin.
Doctor LeeThank you, that's very important. Let me take a look at your throat.
Doctor LeeIt looks like an infection. I'll write you a prescription. You can pick it up at any pharmacy.
SamHow often should I take it?
Doctor LeeTwice a day, for seven days. If you don't feel better in three days, please come back.
SamOkay. Thank you, Doctor Lee.
Doctor LeeYou're welcome. Feel better soon, Sam.
Key phrases: With the Doctor
"What brings you in today?"
= Why did you come to the doctor?
- Doctors often say this instead of "What's wrong?"
"It started ___ ago."
= when the problem began
- It started yesterday.
- It started two weeks ago.
"Mild or severe?"
mild = a little · severe = very bad
- "It's pretty bad." also works
"It hurts when I ___."
= when you feel pain
- It hurts when I walk.
- It hurts when I breathe.
"Are you taking any medication?"
medication = medicine
- If not: "No, I'm not taking anything."
"I'm allergic to ___."
= something that makes you sick
- I'm allergic to peanuts.
- I'm allergic to cats.
"I'll write you a prescription."
= a doctor's note to get medicine
- Take it to a pharmacy (drugstore)
"How often should I take it?"
= asking about your medicine schedule
- once a day · twice a day · every 8 hours
No family doctor yet?
You can visit a walk-in clinic without an appointment. Bring your health card, and expect to wait. Say: "I'd like to see a doctor, please."
Your turn
You are Sam. Listen to the question, say your answer out loud, then check Sam's answer.
RECEPTIONIST
How can I help you?
I'd like to see a doctor, please.
RECEPTIONIST
Do you have your health card?
Yes, here it is.
DOCTOR LEE
What brings you in today?
I've had a sore throat for three days.
DOCTOR LEE
Do you have any allergies?
Yes, I'm allergic to penicillin.
DOCTOR LEE
I'll write you a prescription.
How often should I take it?
Free phrasebook
All 15 phrases from this lesson, ready to print or keep on your phone.