OET experience

A format which will fit most scenarios is as follows:

• Introduction: Including purpose of writing and chief complaint in brief
• Body Paragraph 1: Patient past medical history in summary
• Body Paragraph 2: Trends in history & medication
• Body Paragraph 3: Chief complaint and current situation in detail
• Conclusion: Concluding request specific to the task

Structure

1. Address

   1. Doctor’s name
   2. Specialty
   3. Name of hospital and address
   4. Today’s date
   5. Dear (Doctor’s last name)
   6. Re: (patient’s full name), D.O.B./Age (if DOB not given)

2. Introduction

   1. Normally two sentences.
   2. Mainly maintain the purpose of referral.

3. Body Part 1

   1. Personal history/marital status/smoker/alcoholic/profession
   2. Medical history
   3. Medication history
   4. Family history
   5. Allergy history

4. Body Part 2/Initial Relevant Visit

   1. Complaints & symptoms
   2. Examination finding
   3. Treatment:
      • Prescription
      • Advice
      • Investigation
      • Review schedule

5. Body Part 3/Subsequent Visit

   1. Condition (improvement/deterioration)/new symptom
   2. Examination finding
   3. Investigation results
   4. Further changes to medication/additional advice/recommendation

6. Body Part 4 (Final/Today’s Visit)

   1. Final condition
   2. Final investigation findings
   3. Final assessment
   4. Final treatment and plan

7. Conclusion

   1. In view/light of the above, I believe X is/has been suffering from Y disease.
   2. Your further assessment—include any specific request.
   3. Should there be any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

8. Closing

   • Yours sincerely,
   • Doctor