History – 102 Introduction Scripts

English does not have the same formality as some other European languages; however, here are some pointers.

How to refer to yourself

Say your name is Dr Bob Smith, you would refer to yourself like this:

  • Children: Dr Bob
  • Adults of your age and below:
    • Bob (informal) or Dr Smith (formal)
  • Adults older than you:
    • Dr Smith (formal)

How to address a patient

Say their name is Ms Betty Crocker, you would refer to them like this

  • Children: Betty
  • Adults of your age and below:
    • Betty (informal) or Ms Crocker (formal)
  • Adults older than you:
    • Ms Crocker (formal)
  • ATSI (of any age)
    • Betty (informal)

The honorific problem

In English, an honorific is almost always used before the last name. The common honorifics are:

  • Men: Mr (Mister)
  • Women: Ms (Miss), Mrs (Missus)
  • Professionals: Dr (Doctor), Prof (Professor)

In English:

  • First names do not need an honorific.
    • An exception is “Dr Bob” for children, where the title is playful and explains who you are.
  • Last names always require an honorific
    • In criminal cases the accused is often referred to as “last name”
      • This use of last name only, without an honorific, is specifically disrespectful
      • Thus, asking for “Crocker” rather than “Mrs Croker” is wrong

When in doubt ask?

If you’re unsure about how to address the patient, simply ask them how they would like you to address them.

In the first instance using the formal “Mrs Crocker” is a safe option. Then you can ask:

Would you like me to call you Mrs Crocker or Betty?

If the patient suggests you call them by their first name you should reciprocate and offer them the use of your first name. This is good for rapport building.

Generic introductions

  • New patients:
    • Hello <patient name>, I’m <doctor name>, how can I help?
  • When running late:
    • Hello <patient name>, I’m <doctor name>; thanks for your patience; how can I help?
      • This works much better than apologising for being late as you assign the patient the virtue of patience and they find it hard to argue with your positive assessment of them.
  • Returning patients:
    • Hello <patient name>, how can I help?
    • Hello <patient name>, how are you going?
  • ATSI:
    • As for any other patient BUT there are some extra parts to include in the introduction
    • See the ATSI CCE Script page for details.