annually /ˈænjuəli/ (adv) once a year Example: Everyone should get a physical exam annually
appointment /əˈpɔɪntmənt/ (n) a formal arrangement to meet or visit someone at a particular time Example: I've got a dentist appointment at 3 o'clock.
assess /əˈses/ (v) to make a judgment about the nature or quality of someone or something Example: The insurance rate Mr. Victor was assessed went up this year after he admitted that he had started smoking again
diagnose /ˈdaɪəɡnəʊz/ (v) to say exactly what an illness or the cause of a problem is Example: After considering the patient's symptoms and looking at his test results, the doctor diagnosed the lump as benign
effective /ɪˈfektɪv/ (adj) producing the result that is wanted or intended Example: Howard was pleased to find that the diet recommended by his doctor was quite effective
instrument /ˈɪnstrəmənt/ (n) a tool or device used for a particular task Example: The senior physician carried his instruments in a black leather bag
manage /ˈmænɪdʒ/ (v) to succeed in doing something, especially something difficult Example: The head nurse's ability to manage her staff through a difficult time caught the hospital administrator's attention
prevent /prɪˈvent/ (v) to stop someone from doing something Example: By encouraging teenagers not to smoke, doctors are hoping to prevent many cases of cancer
recommendation /ˌrekəmenˈdeɪʃn/ (n) an official suggestion about the best thing to do Example: It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations if you want to improve your health
record /ˈrekɔːd/ (n) a written account of something that is kept so that it can be looked at and used in the future Example: You should keep a record of your expenses
refer /rɪˈfɜː(r)/ (v) to mention or speak about someone or something Example: As soon as Agnes referred to the failed treatment, everyone's mood soured
serious /ˈsɪəriəs/ (adj) bad or dangerous Example: For her dissertation, she made a serious study of women's health care needs in developing nations