Top Medical Terms in English
Medical English is essential for medical professionals aiming to work in English-speaking countries. The Occupational English Test (OET) is a crucial step in the journey towards achieving their career goals. This standardized English language test assesses the language skills of healthcare professionals. It helps ensure that they can communicate with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. To achieve it is important to have a good knowledge of Medical English. So, we have listed the top Medical Terms in English. A great starting point for those looking to improve their English.
Medical Terms in English
We have put together a list of medical terms in English which is essential for you to learn in order to pass your OET exam. This list of terminology is broken down into the different areas of medicine to help you understand and learn these words easier.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy: The study of the structure and organization of the human body. You should be familiar with terms related to organs, tissues, and body systems.
- Organs: Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain, stomach, etc.
- Tissues: Muscle, nerve, connective, epithelial, etc.
Physiology: The study of how the body functions. You should understand the mechanisms and processes that occur within the body.
- Respiration: Breathing, oxygenation, ventilation.
- Circulation: Blood flow, heart rate, blood pressure.
- Digestion: Metabolism, absorption, enzymes.
Medical Specialties
Depending on your field of expertise, you will need to be proficient in English medical vocabulary related to your specific medical specialty.
Cardiology: Terms related to the heart and cardiovascular system.
- Arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythm.
- Myocardial Infarction: Heart attack.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure.
Dermatology: Terms related to skin conditions.
- Eczema: A chronic skin condition.
- Psoriasis: A skin disorder that causes red, itchy patches.
Oncology: Terms related to cancer.
- Malignant: Cancerous.
- Benign: Non-cancerous.
Orthopedics: Terms related to musculoskeletal issues.
- Fracture: A broken bone.
- Arthritis: Joint inflammation.
Pediatrics: Terms related to child healthcare.
- Immunization: Vaccination.
- Growth and Development: Milestones, developmental stages.
Medical Procedures
You should also be familiar with health vocabulary related to common medical procedures and interventions.
Surgery: Terms related to surgical procedures.
- Incision: A cut made during surgery.
- Anesthesia: Medication to induce loss of sensation.
Medications: Terms related to pharmaceuticals.
- Prescription: A written order for medication.
- Dosage: The amount of medication to be taken.
Diagnostic Tests: Terms related to medical tests.
- X-ray: Imaging technique.
- Blood Test: Analysis of blood samples.
Patient Care
Effective communication with patients is essential, so you should know medical terms in English related to patient care and communication.
Symptoms: Terms related to patient complaints.
- Fever: Elevated body temperature.
- Pain: Physical discomfort.
Doctor-Patient Interaction: Terms related to patient interviews and consultations.
- History: Patient’s medical background.
- Diagnosis: Identifying a patient’s condition.
Miscellaneous Medical Terms in English
Medical Ethics: Understand ethical terms and principles related to healthcare.
- Informed Consent: Patient’s agreement to a treatment plan.
- Confidentiality: Keeping patient information private.
Emergency Medicine: Terms related to emergency situations.
- CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Life-saving technique.
- Triage: Assessing and prioritizing patients in an emergency.
Resources for Learning Medical Terms in English
To excel in your medical career in English-speaking countries, it’s essential to build a strong foundation in medical terminology. Consider these resources:
- Medical textbooks and journals in English.
- Online courses designed for healthcare professionals.
- OET Exam Preparation
- Flashcards and medical glossaries.
- Practice with English-speaking colleagues and patients.
Remember that mastering medical terms in English is essential for providing the best possible care to your patients. It is also helpful to collaborate with colleagues in a healthcare environment. With dedication and practice, you can confidently navigate the world of English medical terminology.
Medical English Training
Are you looking for Medical English training? Are you looking for you or your team members to pass your OET exam? Do you want a course designed to your specific learning goals? Cactus offers a range of English for Medical Professionals courses tailored to your needs. Cactus also offers general language classes online, across the UK and immersive courses across the world.
Are you looking to develop your language skills or of your team members? Are you looking to determine the number of hours needed to reach proficiency? Cactus Guide to International Success – Levels and Progress Made Simple gives you the information you need to ensure your language training objectives are met.
Cactus Language Training Services
If you are interested in discussing your global language training strategy with the UK leading provider in language training, then get in touch to learn more about your language learning options. From face-to-face, online, blended learning and in company tuition Cactus Language Training will help you find the delivery and schedule that meets your needs. Cactus offer any language wherever you are and whenever you choose. Download our Free Corporate Brochure.
For information on any of our language training services, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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