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The A to Z English Podcast

A to Z Quick Chat 82 | hospital vs. clinic

Aug 28, 2023
The hosts discuss the differences between hospitals and clinics in American English, as well as the perception of these institutions in different cultures. They share personal experiences with healthcare in different countries and reflect on the varying healthcare systems and payment structures.
09:21

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Quick takeaways

  • In American English, a 'clinic' typically refers to a doctor's office that handles minor illnesses or preliminary checkups, whereas a 'hospital' is a larger institution associated with emergencies and serious medical issues.
  • In countries like Korea and Mexico, the distinction between clinic and hospital is not as clear-cut as in American English, with hospitals in these countries sometimes being referred to as clinics and having different levels of equipment and services.

Deep dives

Different meanings of clinic and hospital in American English

In American English, the term 'clinic' typically refers to a doctor's office that handles minor illnesses or preliminary checkups. On the other hand, a 'hospital' in the US is a larger institution associated with emergencies, usually located in universities. Hospitals are meant for serious medical issues such as cardiac arrests, severe pain, or broken limbs. Differentiating between the two is important in American English to understand the gravity of someone's condition.

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