Medical Idioms

After mastering clinical knowledge, familiarizing yourself with everyday spoken English is important in preparing for each 15 minute patient encounter for the Step 2 CS.
Practicing patient exams with a native English speaking American is imperative, as along with developing an ear for the language, the teacher can give you feedback regarding your interaction with the patient and steer you in the right direction.  Tips regarding body language, physical proximity, and appropriate responses should be provided by the teacher.  For example, if a patient is angry or upset when you enter the room, it may be best to avoid physical contact (shaking the patient's hand) for the time being.  At the end of the interview if you have succeeded in calming the patient down you may then consider parting ways with a hand shake.
Also, if the patient tells you he has a "throbbing headache" will you understand what he means?

 What if the patient tells you he's been feeling "down in the dumps?"

There is a great idiom site I like to use with students with a list of medical idioms.
Along with practicing patient interviews using Kaplan medical, my video clip exercises and idiom reviews are sure to help anyone pass the Step 2 CS.