Last Updated: October 1, 2026
Going to the doctor can be stressful. Here are some ways to make it easier:
- Bring your ID and health card (or insurance card).
- Bring the medicines that you are taking, in their packages.
- Think about when you have the problem.
- Think about food that you have eaten over the past few days.
- Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand” or “I need to write it down.”
- Ask when you should come back.
One reason you may see a doctor is that you just don’t feel well. Of course, your problem may be different. But here is a conversation you can practice before you see a doctor. It’s a good idea to say the words out loud. That will make it easier. In this practice, you are the patient.
Doctor: Good morning. What can I do for you?
Patient: Doctor, I don’t feel very well. I have a sore throat. It’s been with me for two days. My nose is all stuffed up and I cough at night. And I don’t want to go to work like this.
Doctor: OK, any other symptoms that you can tell me?
Patient: Well, I think I feel warm, or at least I did yesterday.
Doctor: Did you take your temperature?
Patient: No. I don’t have a thermometer.
Doctor: Any other symptoms?
Patient: No, I don’t think so.
Doctor: Any nausea, vomiting, diarrhea?
Patient: No. None of those things.
Doctor: What about headaches?
Patient: No, I don’t have any headaches.
Doctor: Your ears are OK?
Patient: Yes.
Doctor: Good. Are you on any medications?
Patient: I just take something that I got from the drugstore.
Doctor: Do you have the package with you?
Patient: No I don’t. It’s called Tylenol Cold and Sinus or something like that.
Doctor: Well next time you come to a doctor, please bring all of your medicines with you.
Patient: OK.
Doctor: Do you have any allergies to medications?
Patient: No.
Doctor: Are you a smoker?
Patient: I used to smoke cigarettes, but I quit three years ago.
Doctor: I’m glad to hear that.
Patient: So what do I do, doctor?
Doctor: Sit on the table and I’ll examine you.
(The doctor checks the patient’s blood pressure.)
Doctor: I’m just checking your blood pressure, and that looks normal. Also, I’ll take a look at your ear and your throat.
(The doctor checks the patient’s temperature, ears, and throat.)
Doctor: It looks like your temperature is normal. And I don’t see any problems in your ears or your throat. I’ll just do a throat swab though, to be sure. Open your mouth.
(The doctor swabs the patient’s throat.)
Doctor: The rapid throat swab takes five minutes. I’ll be right back.
(The doctor leaves and returns five minutes later.)
Doctor: The swab is negative. It looks like it’s probably viral. So, all I can suggest is to get some rest and take Manuka honey.
Patient: Shouldn’t I be taking an antibiotic or something?
Doctor: See this poster on the wall? It says it doesn’t matter how many antibiotics you take, antibiotics do not help with viruses.
Patient: I see.
Doctor: I recommend that you start using Manuka honey.
Patient: Honey? Like in tea?
Doctor: Not regular honey. Get a jar of Manuka honey from the grocery store and take one teaspoon a day.
Patient: Really? OK.
Doctor: That should help. Have a good day.
Patient: Thanks, bye.