English for Medical Purposes - A Physical Examination

Sample Dialogue and Vocabulary

Doctor's Appointment — Portra Images / Getty Images

English as a Second Language

By

Kenneth Beare

Updated on January 13, 2020

Key Takeaways

This dialogue helps students practice a medical appointment conversation about a physical examination.
Key vocabulary includes terms like physical exam, blood work, x-rays, and balanced diet.
Patients discuss health habits with doctors, such as diet, exercise, and feeling after exertion.

This intermediate-level English dialogue can be used in class or as a reading comprehension practice. This sample conversation is for a physical examination at a doctor's appointment.

Sample Dialogue

Doctor: When did you last come in for a physical exam?
Patient: I had my last physical two years ago.
Doctor: Have you had any other exams recently? Blood work, an EKG or an ultra-sound?
Patient: Well, I had a few X-rays at the dentist.
Doctor: How have you been feeling in general?
Patient: Pretty well. No complaints, really.
Doctor: Could you roll up your left sleeve? I'd like to take your blood pressure.
Patient: Certainly.
Doctor: 120 over 80. That's fine. You don't seem to be overweight, that's good. Do you exercise regularly?
Patient: No, not really. If I run up a flight of stairs, it takes me a while to get my breath back. I need to get out more.
Doctor: That would be a good idea. How about your diet?
Patient: I think I eat a pretty balanced diet. You know, I'll have a hamburger from time to time, but generally, I have well-balanced meals.
Doctor: That's good. Now, I'm going to listen to your heart.
Patient: Ooh, that's cold!
Doctor: Don't worry it's just my stethoscope. Now, breathe in and hold your breath. Please pull up your shirt, and breathe deeply... Everything sounds good. Let's take a look at your throat. Please open wide and say 'ah'.

Patient: 'ah'
Doctor: OK. Everything looks ship shape. I'm going to order some blood work and that's about it. Take this slip to the front desk and they'll arrange an appointment for the tests.
Patient: Thank you, doctor. Have a nice day.

Key Vocabulary

physical examination (exam)
blood work
EKG
ultra-sound
x-rays
to roll up sleeves
overweight - underweight
to exercise regularly
balanced diet
well-balanced meals
stethoscope
to breath in
to hold one's breath
to pull on one's shirt
to breathe deeply
to open wide
to look ship shape
slip
front desk
to arrange an appointment

Format

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Your Citation

Beare, Kenneth. "English for Medical Purposes - A Physical Examination." ThoughtCo, Apr. 21, 2025, thoughtco.com/english-for-medical-a-physical-examination-1211327. Beare, Kenneth. (2025, April 21). English for Medical Purposes - A Physical Examination. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/english-for-medical-a-physical-examination-1211327 Beare, Kenneth. "English for Medical Purposes - A Physical Examination." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/english-for-medical-a-physical-examination-1211327 (accessed May 23, 2025).