Medical history taking in teaching English for medical purposes: A key communication skill for future healthcare professionals

Effective doctor-patient communication is central to medical practice, and medical history forms a large part of it. Medical history taking as the most frequently performed task by physicians is, therefore, referred to as the most effective and adaptable tool in clinical practice. Adequate communication and interpersonal skills include active listening, demonstrating empathy, providing appropriate counseling, delivering clear therapeutic instructions, and building firm, trust based relationships. Strengthening doctor-patient communication can enhance patient participation, improve adherence to treatment plans, boost satisfaction, and optimize healthcare utilization. In the English for Medical Purposes (EMP) course, medical history taking represents an integrative part of the curriculum and syllabus at the Faculty of Medicine University of Niš. The course aims to introduce students to Medical English as an aid to patient-doctor communication, help them acquire medical vocabulary, master questioning techniques and linguistic patterns, thus preparing them for effective communication. This paper explores the significance of medical history taking in EMP instruction, and highlights linguistic aspects that will assist students in improving their communication skills.