Medical English: Preparing for and Communicating Effectively With Your Doctor
A language barrier is one of the biggest obstacles to using health services in a new country. Communicating poorly with a doctor can lead to misunderstandings, delayed diagnosis, or taking medicine the wrong way. Fortunately, Australia offers many support options — you are not alone with this problem.
Your right to an interpreter in health care
In Australia, you have the right to interpreter support when using health services. This service is free and funded by the Australian Government through TIS National (Translating and Interpreting Service).
Phone number: 13 14 50 — the cost of a local call from a landline; charges from a mobile depend on your carrier. Check current hours of operation at tisnational.gov.au.
How to use it while you are at the clinic:
- Call 13 14 50 and say you need a Vietnamese interpreter
- Give the name and phone number of the clinic
- TIS will connect an interpreter into a three-way conversation between you, the interpreter, and the doctor
Some clinics will arrange an interpreter themselves if you let them know before you book — ask when you call: “Do you have Vietnamese-speaking staff or interpreter services available?”
Preparing before the appointment
If you are not sure your English is enough to describe a health problem, prepare in writing beforehand:
Write it out in English:
- The main symptom (for example: “I have been having chest pain for 3 days”)
- The location (where it hurts), the severity (on a scale of 1–10), the frequency (how often), and the timing (when it started)
- A list of medicines you are taking (medicine name + dose)
- Any chronic conditions you have
- Any drug allergies
If you cannot translate it yourself, use Google Translate or ask someone you know to translate it in advance. The doctor will be able to read it even if your pronunciation is not perfect.
Using Google Translate at the clinic: The Google Translate app has a “Conversation” mode that translates back and forth by voice — handy when you need to explain something quickly without an interpreter. It is not perfect, but it is good enough for many everyday situations. Download it and try it before your appointment.
Common medical words
Some basic English words that are useful at an appointment:
| Vietnamese | English |
|---|---|
| Dau nhoi | Sharp pain |
| Dau am i | Dull / aching pain |
| Dau rat | Burning pain |
| Buon non | Nausea |
| Chong mat | Dizziness |
| Kho tho | Shortness of breath |
| Sot | Fever |
| Ho | Cough |
| Tieu chay | Diarrhoea |
| Tao bon | Constipation |
| Phat ban | Rash |
| Sung | Swelling |
| Di ung | Allergy |
| Dang mang thai | Pregnant |
| Cho con bu | Breastfeeding |
When you don’t understand what the doctor says
Don’t pretend to understand when you don’t — this can lead to taking medicine the wrong way or missing important information.
Direct, polite phrases:
- “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand. Could you say that more slowly?”
- “Could you write that down for me?”
- “Could you use simpler words?”
- “I need an interpreter.”
Doctors in Australia are trained to work with patients who face a language barrier — saying directly that you need something explained again will not be judged negatively.
Don’t ask a relative without medical competence to interpret
Many people ask their children or friends to interpret at the clinic. This can lead to:
- Children being placed in an emotionally overwhelming situation with too much responsibility
- Mistranslation because the person does not understand medical terminology
- Sensitive information (mental health, gynaecological issues) not being conveyed fully because of embarrassment
TIS National provides professional interpreting for free — this is a safer and more appropriate choice.
Finding a doctor who speaks your language
In large cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide, there are many GP clinics with doctors who speak languages other than English — including Vietnamese. How to find one:
- Ask within your local community (Facebook groups, community associations)
- Search on HotDoc or HealthEngine using a keyword such as “Vietnamese speaking GP” — substitute your own language
- Ask a local community or cultural association
Having a doctor who shares your language is not always the only option — but it is a good choice for complex or sensitive issues that need detailed communication.