As a professional working in the medical industry or as a patient who needs medical advice, it’s crucial for you to work on medical English vocabulary.
It is important to have a good understanding of the English terms and phrases used in medical communication to ensure that the information is conveyed accurately and efficiently.
Here are 28 English expressions medical professionals use daily.
And if you want to go further, check out our Medical English Courses.
Medical English Vocabulary
1. Symptom – a sign of a medical condition
Example: “Researchers tested people with mild symptoms of the virus.”
2. Diagnosis – the process of identifying a medical condition
Example: “The doctor’s diagnosis reassured the patient.”
3. Treatment – the management of a medical condition
Example: “She went into hospital for treatment.”
4. Prescription – a written order for medication
Example: “Mark had an infection. The doctor gave him a prescription for antibiotics.”
5. Hospitalization – the act of being admitted to a hospital
Example: “Hospitalization is often required for this illness.”
6. Prognosis – the expected outcome of a medical condition
Example: “Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly.”
7. Remission – a period of time during which a medical condition improves or disappears
Example: “Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly.”
8. Acute – a medical condition that has a rapid onset and severe symptoms
Example: “Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly.”
9. Chronic – a medical condition that is long-term and persistent
Example: “Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly.”
10. Prevalence – the number of cases of a medical condition within a population
Example: “Since the operation, his prognosis has improved greatly.”
11. Anatomy – the study of the structure and organization of living things.
Example: “The anatomy of the human heart is complex.”
12. Physiology – the study of the functions and processes of living organisms and their parts.
Example: “The physiology of digestion is essential for maintaining good health.”
13. Pathology – the study of disease, including the causes, development, and effects of disease on the body.
Example: “The pathology report showed that the patient had cancer.”
14. Microbiology – the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Example: “The microbiology lab is studying a new strain of bacteria that causes infections.”
15. Immunology – the study of the immune system and its functions and disorders.
Example: “The immunology department is researching ways to improve the body’s defenses against infections.”
16. Neurology – the study of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.
Example: “The neurology clinic specializes in the treatment of conditions that affect the nervous system.”
17. Cardiologist – doctor specialized in the study of the heart and blood vessels.
Example: “The cardiologist is equipped with advanced equipment for diagnosing and treating heart conditions.”
18. Oncology – the study of cancer, including its causes, development, and treatment.
Example: “The oncology center is conducting research on new treatments for cancer patients.”
19. Emergency Medicine – the study of the diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries, including emergency medical services and critical care.
Example: “Emergency medicine doctors assess and treat patients, regardless of their illness or injury type.”
20. Immune system – a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria.
Example: “Our immune system is supported through a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, good nutrition, and exercise.”
21. Metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
Example: “Due to his sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices, John was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.”
22. Blood pressure – the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
Example: “Many people get diagnosed with high blood pressure during a routine check-up.”
23. Cesarean section – a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through an incision made in the mother’s abdomen.
Example: “Due to complications during labor, the doctor recommended a cesarean section for the safe delivery of the baby.”
24. Palliative care – care focused on managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses.
Example: “The hospice team provided palliative care to the terminally ill patient, offering emotional support and pain management.”
25. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – a non-invasive imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal body structures.
Example: “After injuring his knee during a soccer game, the doctor ordered an MRI to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of treatment.”
26. Failure to thrive – a term used to describe infants or children who are not gaining weight or growing as expected, often due to a medical or nutritional problem.
Example: “The pediatrician was concerned about the baby’s slow weight gain and ordered further tests to determine the cause of the infant’s failure to thrive.”
27. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Example: “The child’s teacher referred him to a psychiatrist after noticing symptoms of ADHD, including difficulty paying attention and hyperactive behavior in the classroom.”
28. Occupational medicine – a branch of medicine that focuses on the health and safety of people in the workplace.
Example: “The company hired an occupational medicine specialist to evaluate the safety of its work environment and develop a plan to prevent work-related injuries.”
Which medical English words did you already know? Which ones are new to you?
Practice these medical English words and expressions ad much more with our online English teachers at your convenience, even if you have a busy schedule.