What time does the doctor come?
VYE-ne — two syllables. 'Viene' = comes (third person singular of 'venire').
Ask the nurse about the ward round schedule. Important for knowing when you can speak with the treating doctor.
'A che ora' = at what time. 'Viene il medico' = the doctor comes. In Italian hospitals, doctors do ward rounds ('visita') typically in the morning (8-10am) and sometimes in the afternoon. Ask the nurse ('infermiere') for the schedule. The doctor visiting is the 'medico di guardia' (duty doctor) or the 'primario' (consultant head).
Posso parlare con il mio medico?
Can I speak with my doctor?
Ask to see your specific treating physician rather than a generic duty doctor
Quando fa il giro il primario?
When does the consultant do the ward round?
'Primario' = senior consultant doctor who leads the ward team
Ho delle domande da fare al dottore.
I have some questions for the doctor.
Prepare your questions in advance — ward rounds can be brief
Italian hospital ward rounds ('visite') are a time when the entire medical team — 'primario' (consultant), 'specializzandi' (residents), and nurses — visit each patient together. These can feel impersonal due to time pressure. Italian patients are encouraged to prepare written questions. The 'medico di guardia' (duty doctor) is always available outside round hours for urgent needs. Family members may be asked to leave during the round for privacy.