医療英語の基礎知識：病院の種類から専門職まで網羅

Receptionist: Good morning. How can I help you today?
Patient: Good morning. I’d like to see a doctor because I’ve had chest pain since yesterday.
Receptionist: I see. We’ll refer you to Internal Medicine first, and if necessary, you may also visit Cardiology.
Patient: Okay, thank you. Do I need to fill out any forms?
Receptionist: Yes, please fill out this form and return it to the Health Information Manager at the counter.

Doctor: Hello, I’m Dr. Williams from the Pulmonology department. What brings you in today?
Patient: I’ve been coughing a lot and I feel short of breath.
Doctor: I understand. Based on your symptoms, I’d like to order a chest X-ray, so you will go to Radiology first.
Patient: Is it painful?
Doctor: No, not at all. The Radiologic Technologist will explain everything and take care of the scan.

Medical Interpreter: Good afternoon. I’m your Medical Interpreter for today. Is it okay if I help you understand the examination process?
Patient: Yes, please. I don’t speak much English.
Radiologic Technologist: Please ask the patient to remove any metal items before the MRI.
Interpreter: The technologist says you need to remove all metal before the scan.

Case Worker: Hello, I’m a Medical Social Worker here at the hospital. I’ll help you with your discharge planning.
Patient: Thank you. I’m worried about going home alone after surgery.
Case Worker: No problem. We can also contact a Home Health Nurse or refer you to a Rehabilitation center.
Patient: That would be helpful.

Prosthetist and Orthotist: Hi, I’m the Prosthetist and Orthotist assigned to help with your new leg brace. How does it feel?
Patient: It’s a bit tight.
P&O: I can make some adjustments for better comfort. Please let me know if it hurts when you stand.

Pediatrician: Hello! I’m the Pediatrician seeing your child today. What seems to be the problem?
Parent: My son has a fever and rash. I’m worried it might be an allergy.
Pediatrician: He may need to see Allergy and Immunology if the symptoms persist.

Nurse: Dr. Chen from Anesthesiology will visit you shortly to explain the anesthesia process.
Patient: I’ve never had anesthesia before. Is it safe?
Nurse: Yes, the Anesthesiologist will check your health history and monitor you during surgery.

Doctor: Could you ask the Clinical Laboratory Technologist to prioritize the blood test for Room 302?
Nurse: Sure. I’ll let them know now.
Doctor: We need it urgently for the treatment plan in the Oncology department.

Orthoptist: Good morning! Today, we’ll do some exercises to help your eyes work better together.
Child: Will it hurt?
Orthoptist: Not at all—you’ll just be playing with special cards and lights.

Doctor: We’re introducing Palliative Care to focus on your mother’s comfort.
Family Member: What does that involve exactly?
Doctor: The Palliative Care team manages pain, emotional support, and dignity in the final stages of life.

A Detailed Guide to Medical Facilities

This guide provides an in-depth look into various types of medical facilities using key terminology and roles relevant to healthcare environments. Each highlighted term is written in bold for clarity.

1. Types of Medical Facilities

• Hospital
  A hospital is a comprehensive healthcare institution where patients receive round-the-clock medical care, including emergency treatment, surgical procedures, and inpatient services.
  Example:
  “He was taken to the hospital after the accident.”
• Clinic
  A clinic is a smaller facility focused primarily on outpatient care, preventive services, and minor treatments.
  Example:
  “She visits the clinic for her regular check-up.”
• Nursing Home
  A nursing home (sometimes called a long-term care facility) provides medical care and daily living support for elderly or chronically ill individuals.
  Example:
  “My grandmother lives in a nursing home.”
• Urgent Care Center
  An urgent care center is designed for immediate, non-life-threatening medical needs when a regular physician is unavailable.
  Example:
  “He went to the urgent care center after cutting his hand.”

2. Key Departments within Medical Facilities

• Emergency Department (ED)
  The Emergency Department handles acute illnesses and severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention.
  Example:
  “The patient was admitted to the emergency department.”
• Internal Medicine
  Internal Medicine covers a broad range of adult diseases, managing chronic and complex conditions.
  Example:
  “She went to the internal medicine department for a check-up.”
• Cardiology
  The cardiology department focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular diseases.
  Example:
  “He works in the cardiology department.”
• Radiology
  Radiology specializes in diagnostic imaging (such as X-rays, CT, and MRI scans) to support accurate medical assessments.
  Example:
  “The doctor ordered a CT scan in radiology.”
• Pediatrics
  Pediatrics addresses the health needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
  Example:
  “She is a pediatrics nurse.”
• Oncology
  The oncology department is devoted to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
  Example:
  “He was referred to oncology for further treatment.”
• Anesthesiology
  Anesthesiology manages patient comfort and vital functions before, during, and after surgical procedures.
  Example:
  “Anesthesiology ensures the patient does not feel pain during the operation.”
• Rehabilitation
  Rehabilitation helps patients regain abilities lost due to injury, surgery, or illness.
  Example:
  “Patients regain mobility through rehabilitation.”
• Pathology
  Pathology is responsible for analyzing tissues and fluids to provide definitive medical diagnoses.
  Example:
  “The diagnosis was confirmed in the pathology lab.”

3. Essential Healthcare Roles in Medical Facilities

• Doctor / Physician
  A doctor or physician leads diagnosis, prescribes treatment, and coordinates care across departments.
  Example:
  “The doctor examined the patient’s chest.”
• Nurse
  A nurse delivers direct care, monitors patient status, and supports both doctors and patients.
  Example:
  “Nurses monitor patients’ vital signs.”
• Medical Assistant
  Medical assistants support both administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling or basic procedures.
  Example:
  “The medical assistant helped schedule appointments.”
• Surgeon
  A surgeon is a physician specialized in performing operations.
  Example:
  “The surgeon performed a successful operation.”
• Radiologic Technologist
  This professional conducts medical imaging examinations in radiology.
  Example:
  “The radiologic technologist took an X-ray of the patient’s leg.”
• Clinical Laboratory Technologist
  A clinical laboratory technologist performs laboratory tests that support diagnosis and treatment.
  Example:
  “A technologist analyzed blood samples in the laboratory.”

4. Support Specialties and Allied Health Workers

• Medical Interpreter
  A medical interpreter helps non-native speakers communicate with healthcare providers.
  Example:
  “The medical interpreter translated the doctor’s explanation for the patient.”
• Prosthetist and Orthotist
  The prosthetist and orthotist designs and fits devices such as artificial limbs and orthopedic braces.
  Example:
  “The prosthetist and orthotist made a custom leg brace for the patient.”
• Orthoptist
  An orthoptist helps diagnose and train patients with eye movement disorders.
  Example:
  “The orthoptist provided exercises for the child’s lazy eye.”
• Health Information Manager
  The health information manager maintains and secures patient records throughout the facility.
  Example:
  “The health information manager ensures that medical records are accurate and secure.”

5. Navigating a Medical Facility: Sample Process

1. Reception
   Upon arrival, patients are greeted by a receptionist or may interact with a health information manager for intake.
2. Consultation
   Patients are directed to the appropriate department, such as internal medicine, based on symptoms.
3. Examination
   A doctor or specialist (e.g., in pediatrics or cardiology) conducts an assessment.
   If necessary, the patient may be referred to radiology or another department for specific tests.
4. Treatment & Support
   Care may involve collaboration among nurses, technologists, and specialized staff, with support from medical interpreters as needed.
5. Discharge & Follow-Up
   Discharge planning is often overseen by a medical social worker, with referrals to rehabilitation, home health nurses, or other services as required.

6. Table: Common Medical Facility Departments and Roles

This guide offers a foundation for understanding medical facilities, departments, and professional roles, useful for both patients and staff in international healthcare settings.