OET Speaking Medicine, Breaking Sad News
OET Speaking - Medicine, Breaking Sad News
Warm-up Questions
Interlocuter: Could you please introduce yourself?
Candidate: I'm Dr Martin, with a decade of experience in the medical field and I specialize in Accident and Emergency Medicine. My expertise lies in handling critical cases and providing swift and effective patient care in urgent situations. On top of that, I've led numerous medical teams and initiatives aimed at improving emergency response, problems and patient outcomes. Above all, I'm a daily learner.
Inter: What's your medical experience like?
Candi: I've been a doctor since 2010, initially spending 4 years in the ICU, where I managed critically ill patients and hone my skills in advanced medical procedures. For the past 8 years, I've worked in the A&E Department, handling a wide range of medical emergencies. This role has sharpened my abilities to make quick decisions and provide compassionate care under pressure.
Inter: What are the current trends in your profession?
Candi: In my profession as a doctor, multiple trends are prominent these days. Tele-medicine has seen a surge in allowing remote consultations. Personalised medicine is gaining grounds, tailoring treatments to individual patient, preventive care and wellness promotions are increasingly prioritized. In technology, AI and wearables are re-shaping diagnostics and management approaches. Keeping up with these trends is essential for providing optimal patient care.
Inter: What are the different roles of a doctor?
Candi: As doctors, we have several hats, beyond treating illness. We diagnose, treat and educate patients on their health, advocate for their well-being, contribute to medical research and promote preventive care. Our role is multi-faceted, including not just healing, but also empowering, advocating and advancing the health of individuals and communities alike.
Inter: What advice do you have for upcoming doctors?
Candi: Drawing from my experience as a doctor, I've several pieces of advice for upcoming doctors. To embark on, I encourage them to cultivate a genuine love for their profession. A passion for their work empowers doctors to fulfil their responsibilities efficiently without complaints. Above all, dedication to their profession and adherence to medical ethics are essential in all circumstances.
Roleplay Card.
DOCTOR: Your patient is a 49-year-old accountant, married with two children. He/she presented three weeks ago with a one-month history of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and 2 kg weight loss. You ordered a colonoscopy and today the patient is returning for the results. Unfortunately, the patient has a tumor in the descending colon and the biopsy results confirms cancer.
TASK
* Tell the patient the biopsy results (2cm tumor confined to bowel wall ) and recommended urgent referral to a surgeon.
* Explain that management of the illness after surgery include chemo/radiotherapy depending on the spread of the tumor (but only with the patient's consent)
* Explain that a colostomy is unlikely as the tumor is confined to the descending colon.
* Encourage the patient to be optimistic about surgery (eg. success rates are usually high, biopsy indicates that the tumor is limited to the bowel wall)
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Inter: You have 3 minutes for preparation. During the preparation time, you are free to ask me any questions.
Candi: How can I address the patient, since it is a known case
Inter: You may call me Alice, please.
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Well, your 3 minutes are over and you have to play your professional role and I, the patient or the relative.
Doctor: Good evening, Alice. How are you feeling today?
Alice: I'm quite anxious, doctor. I've been worried about the results.
Doc: I understand you completely, Alice. It's quite normal to feel anxious while waiting for the results.
Before we go over them, I want you to know that I'm here to support you. [* Task, Bullet point 1. Tell the patient the biopsy results (2cm tumor confined to bowel wall ) and recommended urgent referral to a surgeon.]
The colonoscopy revealed a 2 cm tumor in the descending colon and the biopsy confirms it's cancerous. I know, it's very hard to hear, but there are some positives that we can focus on.
The tumor is confined to the bowl wall and hasn't spread to the other parts of the body. This is crucial and it means that we caught it early. Given this, the best course of action is to urgently refer you to a surgeon.
The next step is to discuss the surgical options to remove the tumor. The surgery is likely to be very effective, especially, since the cancer is localized. Please remember , you are not alone in this. We are here to support you at every step of the way and we will ensure you receive the best possible cure. We will get through this together.
Pt: What ? Cancer!!! I can't believe this. Doctor, how am I going to manage this?
Doc: I understand, Alice, this news can be incredibly overwhelming. It's quite natural to feel shocked and be uncertain about what comes next. While the surgery is often the primary treatment for this type of cancer, it's important to be aware that there are several additional steps in managing the illness. [Task - Bullet point- 2. Explain that management of the illness after surgery include chemo/radiotherapy depending on the spread of the tumor (but only with the patient's consent)]. After the surgery, depending on various factors, including the extent of tumor and your overall health, we may discuss the possibility of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Pt: Alright, doctor. But my concern is that my aunt died 5 years ago from bowel cancer. I saw her suffer so much during chemotherapy. That's why I don't want to go through that.
Doc: I'm sorry to hear about your aunt, Alice. But the treatment plan may vary and is individualized. While chemo and radiotherapy are two potential treatments, they are not the only options. In fact, they are used based on the extent of the disease and your preferences. We can discuss all your options thoroughly before making any decisions. I want to emphasis that any decision regarding further treatment will be made collaboratively with your consent and the full understanding of the benefits and risks. Your well-being and comfort throughout these processes are our top priorities. Moreover, we will support you in exploring all available options and make informed choices that align with your preferences and goals.
Pt: Thank you doctor. I'm also concerned about the surgery. Do you think, I will need a colostomy? I don't think I could cope with AO and bag completely.
Doc: Well, I understand you, Alice. The thought of undergoing surgery can be quite daunting, especially when considering the potential changes to your body. [Task, Bullet point 3 * Explain that a colostomy is unlikely as the tumor is confined to the descending colon.]
In your case, given that the tumor is confined to the descending colon, the likelihood of needing a colostomy is absolutely quite low. In most cases, like yours, where the tumor is localized in the specific area, surgeons can often perform the necessary procedures without the need for a permanent change. Of course every situation is unique and we will need to discuss your specific surgical plan in more detail with the surgeon. However, I want to reassure you that minimizing any impact on your quality of life is always a priority. We will ensure your comfort and well-being throughout this process.
Pt: That's a bit relief, doctor. But, will the surgery cure the cancer?
Doc: It's understandable to have concerns about the effectiveness of the surgery, Alice. [Task - 4 * Encourage the patient to be optimistic about surgery (eg. success rates are usually high, biopsy indicates that the tumor is limited to the bowel wall)]
Facing cancer can be incredibly overwhelming and wondering about the outcome of the treatment is natural. I want to offer you some re-assurances. The primary goal of the surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor completely. In cases like yours, where the tumor is limited to the bowel wall and hasn't spread further, the success rates are generally quite high. Moreover, since we caught the cancer at an early stage, thanks to your proactive approach to seeking medical attention is a positive indicator. The biopsy results suggests that the cancer is localized, which improves the chances of successful outcome from surgery. While no treatment can guarantee a cure, it's important to approach with optimism. We will continue to monitor your progress closely and provide you with full support.
Pt: Ok doctor, I'll see the surgeon. Thank you for explaining everything.
Doc: You are welcome, Alice. We are here to support you. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact me.
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