Medical English: How to Write a Case Study in English

Writing a medical case study in English can feel intimidating, especially for non-native speakers. However, case studies are one of the most effective ways to share clinical experiences, highlight unusual cases, and contribute to medical learning worldwide. Whether you are a medical student, nurse, or physician, knowing how to present a case study in clear, professional English is an essential skill.

This guide will walk you through the structure, writing style, and useful expressions to create an effective medical case study in English.

What Is a Medical Case Study?

A medical case study is a detailed report of the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. It often includes background information, clinical findings, and a discussion about what can be learned from the case. Unlike large research papers, case studies usually focus on one patient or a very small group.

Case studies are important because they:

• Share unusual or rare cases with the medical community.

• Provide practical insights into diagnosis and treatment.

• Encourage discussion and further research.

• Help students and practitioners learn medical English writing.

General Structure of a Case Study

Most medical journals follow a standard format. Here are the main sections:

1. Title

   • Should be clear, concise, and descriptive.

   • Example: “A Rare Case of Severe Dengue with Neurological Complications in a 12-Year-Old Patient”

2. Abstract

   • A short summary (150–250 words).

   • Include background, case presentation, and conclusion.

   • Write in the past tense.

3. Introduction

   • Explain why the case is important.

   • Provide short background information about the condition.

   • Example: “Dengue fever is common in tropical countries, but neurological complications are rare. We present a case of…”

4. Case Presentation

   • The core section of your report.

   • Include patient demographics (age, sex, occupation, relevant history).

   • Present symptoms, examination findings, test results, treatment, and follow-up.

   • Keep it factual and chronological.

5. Discussion

   • Compare your case with similar cases in the literature.

   • Highlight what makes this case unusual or important.

   • Explain the lessons learned.

6. Conclusion

   • Short summary of key points.

   • Emphasize clinical implications.

7. References

   • Use proper citation style (e.g., Vancouver, APA).

   • Include only relevant, reliable sources.

Writing Style and Language Tips

1. Keep It Clear and Professional

• Use simple, direct English.

• Avoid long, complicated sentences.

• Prefer active voice where possible: “We treated the patient with…” instead of “The patient was treated with…”

2. Use Past Tense for Case Details

• Case reports describe what already happened.

• Example: “The patient presented with fever and rash.”

3. Use Present Tense for General Statements

• Example: “Dengue is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.”

4. Be Objective

• Avoid personal opinions.

• Write factual observations: “The patient’s temperature was 39.2°C” instead of “The patient looked very sick.”

5. Medical Terminology

• Use standard terms (e.g., “hypertension” instead of “high blood pressure”).

• Define rare or complex terms when necessary.

Useful English Expressions for Each Section

Introduction

• “We report a rare case of…”

• “This case is of particular interest because…”

• “Although [condition] is common, its presentation with [symptom] is unusual.”

Case Presentation

• “A 45-year-old male presented to our clinic with…”

• “On examination, the patient was found to have…”

• “Laboratory investigations revealed…”

• “The patient was treated with…”

• “On follow-up, the patient showed improvement in…”

Discussion

• “This case highlights the importance of early recognition of…”

• “Previous reports have shown…”

• “In contrast to typical cases, our patient demonstrated…”

• “This suggests that clinicians should consider…”

Conclusion

• “This case emphasizes the need for awareness of…”

• “Further studies are needed to clarify…”

• “We recommend close monitoring in patients with…”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Too much irrelevant detail

   • Only include information directly related to the case.

2. Poor English grammar

   • Use clear subject–verb agreement.

   • Example: “The results show…” (not “The results shows…”).

3. Overuse of abbreviations

   • Use standard abbreviations (BP, HR, MRI).

   • Define rare abbreviations the first time.

4. Copying directly from textbooks

   • Write in your own words.

   • Paraphrase background information.

Example Case Study Outline

Title: A Case of Severe Asthma Attack in a 20-Year-Old Female with Delayed Hospital Presentation

Abstract:
We present the case of a 20-year-old female who was admitted to the emergency department with severe shortness of breath following delayed hospital presentation. She was treated with oxygen therapy, nebulized bronchodilators, and systemic corticosteroids. The patient improved within 48 hours and was discharged with preventive medication. This case highlights the importance of early medical attention in acute asthma exacerbations.

Introduction:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease… (explain importance).

Case Presentation:

• Patient demographics: age, gender, medical history.

• Symptoms: wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath.

• Examination findings: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, auscultation.

• Tests: chest X-ray, blood gas.

• Treatment: oxygen therapy, nebulization.

• Outcome: improved after 48 hours.

Discussion:

• Compare with typical asthma cases.

• Emphasize delayed hospital visit as risk factor.

• Clinical lesson: early intervention prevents complications.

Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the critical role of prompt treatment in severe asthma attacks.

Practical Checklist Before Submitting

• Title is short, clear, and descriptive.

• Abstract summarizes the case in ≤250 words.

• Patient data is complete but confidential (no names, initials, or personal identifiers).

• Case presentation follows logical order.

• Discussion compares with medical literature.

• English grammar and spelling checked.

• References are formatted correctly.

Final Thoughts

Writing a medical case study in English is not only about medical accuracy but also about clear communication. By following a structured format, using professional medical English, and focusing on the clinical lessons, you can create a report that is valuable to the global medical community.

For non-native speakers, practice is key. Start with simple cases, read published reports in international journals, and gradually improve your medical writing skills. With consistent effort, you will become confident in presenting your cases to the world.

FAQ:How to Write a Case Study in English

What is a medical case study and when should I write one?

A medical case study is a structured report that describes an individual patient’s presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcomes, along with a brief literature discussion. You should write one when a case is unusual, illustrates a diagnostic challenge, shows an unexpected response to therapy, reveals an adverse event, or offers a clear teaching point for clinicians and students. Routine cases rarely merit a report unless they demonstrate a best practice with strong educational value.

How should I structure a case study in English?

The conventional sections are: Abstract, Introduction, Case Presentation, Discussion, Conclusion, and References. Some journals also request Keywords, Patient Perspective, and Learning Points. Keep the order logical and chronological: initial complaint, history, examination, investigations, differential diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and outcome. Use the past tense for the patient’s course and the present tense for general facts and literature statements.

What goes into the Abstract?

Write 150–250 words summarizing the background (why the case matters), the patient’s key findings, major interventions, and the take-home message. Avoid abbreviations unless standard (e.g., MRI). Do not include citations. A simple template: background (1–2 sentences), case summary (3–5 sentences), and conclusion or lessons (1–2 sentences).

How do I protect patient privacy and obtain consent?

Remove direct identifiers (name, initials, exact birthdate, address, record numbers, identifiable photos). Aggregate or approximate rare combinations that could re-identify the patient. Obtain informed consent for publication in writing whenever possible; note in the manuscript that consent was obtained. If consent cannot be obtained (e.g., patient deceased and unreachable), follow the journal’s policy and your institution’s ethics guidance, and document approvals or waivers when applicable.

Which tense and voice should I use?

Use the past tense for the patient narrative: “The patient presented with fever.” Use the present tense for general truths: “Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.” Prefer clear, active constructions (“We initiated intravenous antibiotics”) but passive voice is acceptable when the actor is obvious or unimportant (“Blood cultures were obtained”). Consistency matters more than strict rules.

How much detail is appropriate in the Case Presentation?

Include details that change diagnosis, management, or interpretation. Provide demographics (age range, sex), relevant history, medications, allergies, vital signs, examination findings, essential labs/imaging with units and reference ranges, interventions, and outcomes. Exclude exhaustive negatives unless they narrow the differential. Present data chronologically and tie each result to its clinical implication.

How do I write the Discussion effectively?

Start with a brief recap of the problem and why it is notable. Compare your case to published literature: similarities, differences, and plausible reasons. Discuss the diagnostic reasoning, pitfalls, and alternative explanations. Address limitations (e.g., incomplete data, single case). End with practical implications: what clinicians should consider or do differently after reading your report.

What English phrases are useful for clarity and professionalism?

• “We report a case of…”
• “On presentation, the patient exhibited…”
• “Investigations revealed…”
• “The differential diagnosis included…”
• “Given these findings, we initiated…”
• “This case highlights the importance of…”
• “Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for…”

How do I handle numbers, units, and abbreviations?

Use SI units where possible and include reference ranges (e.g., “CRP 120 mg/L; reference < 5 mg/L”). Define non-standard abbreviations at first use and keep them minimal. Spell out numbers at the start of a sentence and for small whole numbers under ten when not reporting measurements. Always provide doses with route, frequency, and duration (e.g., “ceftriaxone 2 g IV once daily for 7 days”).

What are common language errors and how can I avoid them?

Frequent issues include subject–verb disagreement, run-on sentences, inconsistent tense, and direct translation artifacts. Keep sentences concise (15–25 words). Prefer plain verbs over noun phrases (“assessed” not “performed an assessment”). Check prepositions with collocations common in medical English (“presented with,” “consistent with,” “responded to”). Run a final grammar and spell check and, if possible, ask a colleague to review for clarity.

How can I show diagnostic reasoning without sounding speculative?

State your reasoning transparently and ground it in data: “Because the patient had subacute onset, weight loss, and elevated ESR, we prioritized inflammatory etiologies.” Use cautious language for uncertainty: “We considered,” “This finding may suggest,” “It is plausible that.” When evidence is limited, acknowledge it and cite available reports. Avoid definitive claims that a single case cannot support.

What makes a strong title and keywords?

A strong title is specific, informative, and concise, often including the condition, key feature, and patient descriptor. Example: “Septic Pulmonary Embolism Presenting as Pleuritic Chest Pain in a Young Postpartum Woman.” Choose 3–6 keywords using terms readers actually search (disease, symptom, intervention, complication). Avoid jargon or local abbreviations that reduce discoverability.

How should I cite literature in a case report?

Use recent, reputable sources (guidelines, systematic reviews, high-quality case series). Most journals prefer Vancouver style; follow the author instructions exactly. Cite sparingly in the Introduction (context) and more in the Discussion (comparison, mechanism, practice implications). Every factual claim that is not common knowledge should have a citation.

What ethical and authorship issues should I consider?

Authorship should reflect substantial contributions (conception, drafting or critical revision, final approval, accountability). Acknowledge contributors who do not meet authorship criteria (e.g., imaging technicians). Disclose conflicts of interest and funding. Avoid “salami slicing” (multiple minimal papers from one case). Ensure images are de-identified or masked appropriately and used with consent.

How can non-native English writers improve readability?

Use a standard template and phrase bank to reduce cognitive load. Prefer short paragraphs with topic sentences. Replace vague adjectives (“significant,” “dramatic”) with precise data. Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Compare your draft with published case reports in your target journal. Tools can help with grammar, but human clinical review ensures accuracy and nuance.

Do journals have special sections for case reports?

Many journals do, often labeled “Case Reports,” “Case Studies,” or “Clinical Images.” Check the journal’s scope, word limits (commonly 1,000–1,500 words), figures/tables limits, and consent requirements. Some outlets accept brief “Case Vignettes” (500–800 words) or “Image in Medicine” with minimal text. Adhering to format increases your chance of acceptance.

What are “Learning Points” and should I include them?

Learning Points are 2–5 concise bullet statements that summarize practical lessons for clinicians (e.g., red flags, diagnostic pearls, management tips). They make the educational value explicit and help readers retain key messages. Even if the journal does not require them, including Learning Points at the end of the Discussion or Conclusion improves clarity.

Can I include patient quotes or a patient perspective?

Yes, if de-identified and consented. A brief patient perspective (2–4 sentences) can enrich the report by highlighting quality-of-life issues, decision preferences, or symptom experiences. Keep the tone respectful and avoid details that could enable identification. Place it after the Discussion if the journal allows.

How do I present images and tables effectively?

Choose figures that change understanding (key radiographs, pathology slides, timelines). Provide succinct legends explaining what to look for, arrows if necessary, and acquisition parameters when relevant. For tables, prefer compact summaries (e.g., serial lab results, differential diagnosis comparison). Ensure figures are anonymized and meet resolution requirements.

What final checklist should I use before submission?

• Consent documented; identifiers removed.
• Abstract concise and accurate.
• Case narrative chronological, with essential data and units.
• Discussion compares literature, explains reasoning, states limitations.
• Clear Learning Points and actionable Conclusion.
• References current and correctly formatted.
• Fluent, consistent English; abbreviations defined once.
• Figures/tables high quality, de-identified, with informative legends.

Can you share a minimal template I can copy?

Yes. Use this skeleton and fill each bracketed prompt with your content:

 Abstract: [Background (1–2 sentences). Case summary. Key lesson.] Introduction: [Why this case matters; brief context.] Case Presentation: - Patient: [Age range, sex, relevant history] - Presentation: [Symptoms, duration] - Exam: [Key positives/negatives] - Tests: [Labs with units, imaging with key findings] - Differential: [Top 3 and rationale] - Management: [Therapies with dose/route/duration] - Outcome/Follow-up: [Response, complications] Discussion: [Compare with literature; mechanisms; limitations.] Conclusion/Learning Points: [3–5 bullets.] References: [Format per journal.] 

Medical English: Complete Guide for Healthcare Professionals, Students, and Global Communication