João Victor Bohn Alves Family Medicine Specialist Book a visit
Menu
← Services

English-speaking care for expats and visitors

Whether Rio is home for a few days or for the foreseeable future, it helps to have a doctor you can talk to in English.

Book an appointment
Five hand-painted wooden matryoshka dolls from João’s office

Finding a doctor in another country can raise simple questions that are not always easy to answer: where to make an appointment, how to continue a prescription, how to explain what you are feeling. I see expats, international residents and visitors in Rio de Janeiro, with appointments entirely in English when preferred.

A doctor to turn to in Rio

Care may begin with a new symptom, a question about test results or a treatment started in another country. For those staying longer, it can become an ongoing relationship: routine care, chronic conditions, mental health and coordination with other professionals when needed.

Knowing your history helps bring those decisions together. Relevant medical records, previous prescriptions and the names and doses of medicines make it easier to assess how to continue care. Medical reports in English can help the next professional understand what happened during your time here.

At the office, where you are staying or online

Appointments take place in Jardim Botânico. Visits to hotels and other accommodation are also possible, with availability for the address confirmed when booking.

Online consultations in English are available throughout Brazil, for assessments and follow-up care that do not require a physical examination. If an examination or another type of care is necessary, that will guide the next step. Scheduled appointments and visits do not replace emergency care.

Travel plans and health concerns

A work trip, a move abroad and weeks of hiking involve different needs. Your itinerary, accommodation, planned activities and health history help turn generic advice into useful preparation.

Travel advice can include a review of vaccinations and medicines, food and water precautions, insect bites and risks relevant to the destination. When there is a malaria risk, the need for preventive medication depends on the area and your health. Pregnancy, limited mobility and medicines that reduce immunity also affect planning.

If you become unwell after traveling, mention where you have been and when, even if some time has passed. Fever after visiting a malaria area needs immediate medical assessment: do not wait for a scheduled appointment.

Questions before your visit

Can the whole appointment be in English?

Yes. Appointments can be entirely in English, including the conversation about symptoms, treatment options and what to do next. I can also prepare medical reports in English for continuity of care.

Can you help with medication prescribed in another country?

Bring your prescription, the packaging or a clear photo showing the active ingredient and dose, and any relevant medical records. A local assessment can review how to continue treatment in Brazil. A prescription renewal depends on that assessment.

Do you see visitors at hotels or offer online appointments?

Yes. I see patients at the office in Jardim Botânico and can make visits to hotels or other accommodation, subject to availability for the address. Online consultations in English are available throughout Brazil, for assessments and follow-up care that do not require a physical examination.

What should I bring to the appointment?

Bring any relevant test results or medical reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and your vaccination record if the concern relates to travel. For travel advice, include destinations, dates, connections and planned activities.

Do you accept international travel insurance?

Yes. I accept international travel insurance through AirDoctor and through a Direct Billing Agreement with Helix International. Please confirm your coverage and booking arrangements before the appointment.

What patients say

Reviews published by patients on Doctoralia and Google. Original wording and language preserved.