For doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and other internationally educated health professionals preparing for the OET exam, mastering English punctuation- especially commas- can significantly improve your OET Writing sub-test score.
If you’re aiming for a high score in the writing task, you must demonstrate control over grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. In this article, we'll guide you through the most important comma rules for OET with healthcare-related examples and explain common mistakes to avoid.
Correct comma usage not only ensures clarity but also helps show your command of professional English communication. In referral and discharge letters, misplaced commas can change the tone or cause misinterpretation- something healthcare professionals can’t afford.
Let’s explore five comma rules with medical writing examples relevant to your OET preparation.
When two independent clauses are joined by a conjunction like and, but, or so, use a comma.
✅ Example:
Mr. El-Tayeb completed his rehabilitation program, and he is scheduled for a follow-up next Tuesday.
Pro tip: Independent clauses can stand alone as full sentences.
An introductory phrase or clause at the beginning of a sentence should be followed by a comma.
✅ Example:
Before her surgery, Ms. Lin was advised to stop taking blood thinners.
Look for time-based phrases like before, after, or during.
When listing three or more items, separate them with commas. The last comma (before and) is the Oxford comma, it’s optional, but recommended in medical writing for clarity.
✅ Example:
The patient requires dietary counseling, medication management, and wound care.
When additional information isn’t essential to the main meaning of the sentence, surround it with commas.
✅ Example:
Dr. Navid, who specializes in endocrinology, will oversee the patient’s treatment plan.
Tip: If the sentence still makes sense without the clause, it’s non-essential.
Start a sentence with although, if, because, or while? You probably need a comma after the clause.
✅ Example:
Although Mrs. Carter has shown improvement, she still experiences dizziness.
Joining two sentences with just a comma is incorrect.
Incorrect: The wound was cleaned, the dressing was replaced.
Correct: The wound was cleaned, and the dressing was replaced.
Avoid commas when the clause is essential for identifying the noun.
Incorrect: The nurse, who administered the injection, followed protocol.
Correct: The nurse who administered the injection followed protocol.
When the subject performs two actions, don’t insert a comma.
Incorrect: The doctor examined the patient, and prescribed medication.
Correct: The doctor examined the patient and prescribed medication.
✅ But: The doctor examined the patient, and she recommended a referral to a specialist.
Our certified OET instructor provides personalized feedback on your OET writing samples, including:
Accurate grammar and punctuation correction
Evaluation based on official OET Writing Criteria
Suggestions to improve clarity, conciseness, and professional tone
Letter restructuring guidance to meet OET standards
Whether you’re preparing a referral letter for a nurse, a discharge summary as a doctor, or an emergency report as a paramedic, our OET writing correction service ensures your response aligns with what assessors are looking for.
Keep practicing your writing with real case notes, ask for expert feedback, and review sample letters. Correct punctuation reflects your professionalism and boosts your OET grade. Mastering commas is just one small step- but one with a big impact.
🩺 Good luck with your OET journey! We’re here to help.
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