Student Self-Study: vocabulary, listening, and reading articles for healthcare professionals learning to communicate in English. Each lesson has key vocabulary, audio, comprehension questions, discussion activities, and a printable worksheet.
Asthma
A disease of the lungs causing wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Students learn to explain symptoms, triggers, and treatment options to patients.
2 articles | audio | quizzes | discussion
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Arthritis
Covers osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Students practice explaining joint disease, inflammation, symptoms, and management strategies to patients.
4 articles | vocabulary | discussion
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Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition affecting insulin production. Students learn the vocabulary and language needed to explain Type 1 diabetes management to newly diagnosed patients.
Articles | vocabulary | discussion
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Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form of diabetes, closely linked to lifestyle factors. Students practice explaining blood sugar, diet, medication, and long-term management in patient-friendly English.
Articles | vocabulary | discussion
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The Nurse
Covers the duties, responsibilities, and specialties of nurses, including LPNs, RNs, and APNs. Students practice using key nursing vocabulary in English.
1 article | audio | vocabulary activities | discussion
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The Pharmacist
Covers the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists, including dispensing medications, counseling patients, and checking drug interactions.
1 article | audio | vocabulary activities | discussion
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Physical Therapy
Covers the physical therapy department, the four condition categories treated (musculoskeletal, cardio-pulmonary, integumentary, neurological), and where PTs work.
1 article | audio | discussion
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Radiology
Covers the radiology department, the three fields of radiology, and the four main imaging types: x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRI scans.
1 article | audio | discussion
View lesson →Each Disease State Director follows the same format and can be used for self-study or as a classroom lesson:
1. Vocabulary - review the key terms before reading or listening.
2. Listen - listen to the articles and try to answer the discussion questions.
3. Read - read the articles and answer the comprehension questions.
4. Discuss - use the discussion questions to talk about the topic with a partner.
5. Roleplay - practice explaining the disease to a patient in a nurse/patient dialog.
A Disease State Director is a four-part article series covering a disease state in depth. The four parts are:
Part 1 - The Disease (Medical View): a clinical overview of the disease written for healthcare professionals - causes, features, risk factors, and how the disease progresses.
Part 2 - Information for the Patient: a patient-friendly explanation of the disease - what it means for daily life, what to expect, and what the patient needs to know.
Part 3 - Medication and Treatment (Medical View): a clinical look at treatment options, how medications work, and how therapy is managed.
Part 4 - Medication and Treatment for the Patient: how to explain medication and therapy to the patient in clear, accessible language - dosing, side effects, and what to watch for.
After completing all four parts, the healthcare professional will be able to discuss the disease state with other medical professionals and clearly address the patient's needs in English.
