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After treatment and remission

How to tell your story to a new doctor

A new doctor (a family doctor, a specialist in another city or country, or emergency staff) needs to grasp your long story quickly. A clear account saves time.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Three beams of light.
Figure 1.A story in three lines.

01Short answer

A simple structure: (1) diagnosis and date, for example “diagnosed with B-cell ALL in 2023”; (2) main treatment: protocol, transplant, serious complications; (3) current status: remission, latest MRD, current medicines; (4) today’s question: why you have come. Then hand over your written summary and folder. Always mention allergies and special blood requirements.

02Simple explanation

Diagnosis and date.

Main treatment.

Current status.

Today’s question.

Finish with a written summary.

03Scientific explanation

Structure: doctors take in information faster in a consistent order: diagnosis, treatment, current status, problem.

Safety: allergies, a need for irradiated blood and a weakened immune system can change a new doctor’s decisions.

In writing: a spoken story plus a written summary reduces errors.

04What happens in the body?

Three lines

The core of the story fits into three or four sentences.

Hand over documents

The summary and folder complete the spoken story.

A folder sliding across a desk.
Figure 2.Handing over documents.

Listen and ask

Answer the doctor’s questions and ask about anything unclear.

An ear shape with sound rings.
Figure 3.Listening — How to tell your story to a new doctor

In an emergency

The shortest version: diagnosis, treatment status, allergies, special requirements.

05Structuring your story

Four steps.

Three lines — A short summary.1Three linesA short summary.
Dates — Key dates.2DatesKey dates.
Concern — Today’s question.3ConcernToday’s question.
Documents — Hand over the folder.4DocumentsHand over the folder.
ClarityThe doctor understands quickly.
SafetyKey facts are mentioned.
ContinuityCare carries on without gaps.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Three linesThe core of the story fits into three or four sentences.
Hand over documentsThe summary and folder complete the spoken story.
Listen and askAnswer the doctor’s questions and ask about anything unclear.
In an emergencyThe shortest version: diagnosis, treatment status, allergies, special requirements.

07Key terms

Medical history
The story of the illness.
Immunosuppression
A weakened immune system.
Main complaint
The reason for today’s visit.
Summary
A short written description.
Allergy
A reaction to a medicine.

08Key points

  • Use the four-part structure.
  • Practise a two-minute version.
  • Mention allergies.
  • Hand over a written summary.
  • State today’s question clearly.

09Frequently asked questions

What if the doctor is in a hurry?

State today’s question first, then hand over the summary.

What if I get emotional?

That is normal; someone close or a written note can help.

Must I tell everything?

No, the key facts and today’s question are enough.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What if the doctor is in a hurry?

  2. What if I get emotional?

  3. Must I tell everything?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Personal Health Records
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Infertility
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Sexual Problems in Women
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Sexual Problems in Men
  10. Cancer Research UK. Fatigue and cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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