Page 36 - Binder - English for Doctors

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E. Pronunciation

Intonation falls at the end of statements. Practice saying the long sentences with falling

intonation at the end. Start at the end of the sentence and build the sentences up until you
have the complete sentences.

Read the following sentences aloud starting at the end and

building up to the full sentence. Listen to the tape first.

1. You’ve had intermittent palpitations over the last 18 months.

2. You’ve had the symptoms several times this week

3. But two days ago it lasted half an hour.

4. I would like to do a physical examination.

5. I’m checking your heart rate now.

F. Role-Play

Student A: play the part of the patient.
Student B: play the part of the doctor. Perform a focused and relevant examination. Explain
briefly what you intend to do to the patient and his present condition.
Situation

The patient complains of the acute onset of chest ache and not being able to catch her
breath. She describes the ache as a continuous dull ache that increases with breathing to a
sharp pain.

G. Culture tip

Doctors usually use polite forms --“Could you?” “Would you mind?” “I’d just like you
to…” --when giving instructions to patients during the physical examination. They avoid
direct imperatives --“Stand up.” “Bend over.”

When giving a series of instructions, the doctor usually uses polite forms for the first one or
two instructions, and can then switch to the imperative. When beginning a new series of
instructions the doctor switches back to the polite form:
Could you raise your right arm for me, please. Now, would you try to swing
around behind you. Now in front of you. All right, bring it back to the center. Now,