OSCE Talk

Subscribe on Spotify for more premium content in the future, just £1.99 to help us produce more of these videos :) This episode we compare and contrast the hormonal and copper coils, which are both a reliable form of long acting reversible contraception, with a focus on keeping this simple, knowing the main risks and benefits with each option, and what features are applicable to both options. Be a...

This episode delves into opioid prescribing, when to use this appropriately in post operative and palliative care settings. Side effects to counsel patients on including nausea/vomiting/constipation/sedation. Toxicity and key features of this. What signs to look out for in patients where you have a concern about addiction or dependence. Alternative anaglesia that may help patients avoid opioid use...

This episode Peter & Matthew look at Prostate Cancer, specifically focusing on risk factors, diagnosis, and utility of the PSA blood test. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a hot topic in the media, however it is not guaranteed to be raised in prostate cancer, and many other conditions and factors can impact on the level of this in the blood. We also look at the need for onward referral to Ur...

This episode we look at differentiating viral and bacterial infections, using the feverPAIN score for tonsillitis to rule out viral causes. Otitis media is covered and the importance of identifying red flag, mastoiditis and meningitis. We talk about overuse of antibiotics for viral infections and how to discuss this with patients. The use of delayed prescriptions for safety netting purposes. 🎧 Li...

This episode we focus on meningitis in both adult and paediatric populations, we look at the microbiology, common ways this presents, red flag features, important diagnostic tests and interpretation of these. Antibiotic treatment focussed on coverage of listeria and the consideration of steriods in patients. We finish with untreated complications and the need for contact tracing and possible proph...

This episode is all about tuberculosis, its diagnosis and management. We look at how to break it down as pulmonary vs extra pulmonary TB, latent vs active TB, and the broad differentials of pneumonia, sarcoid, and malignancy. We go through the workup necessary including a chest xray, CT, sputum samples and other basic investigations. Public health involvement is key for contact tracing and then we...

In this episode we focus on breaking bad news to patients. This often comes in the form of breaking diagnosis to patients such as cancer, MS, epilepsy, or even explaining a mistake made by the medical team to patients. We follow the SPIKES structure and the importance of the warning shot in preparing patients for difficult news. This episode is all about empathy, honesty, being able to communicate...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we focus on one of the most important medications in neurology — levodopa , the cornerstone of treatment in Parkinson’s disease . We break down how levodopa works, how it should be prescribed, and—most importantly—how to explain and counsel it clearly in an OSCE or real clinical setting . We start by explaining the mechanism of action , including how levodopa crosses...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down Parkinson’s Disease in a clear, structured, and clinically relevant way. We start with what Parkinson’s actually is — a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra — and explain how this leads to the classic features of Parkinsonism . We then cover the key clinical features using the TRAP mnemon...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in a clear, structured, and clinically relevant way. We cover what CKD actually is, how to recognise it, and—most importantly—how to approach it safely as a medical student or junior doctor. We start with the definition of CKD and why it matters, before working through the most common causes , including diabetes, hypertensio...

This episode focusses on hyperkalaemia and its emergency management. We work through the common causes of hyperkalaemia including renal disease, medications, DKA, burns and rhabdomyolysis. Alongside this we review common ECG changes of peaked T Waves, flattened P waves, and broad QRS segments. We look at the need for calcium gluconate, insulin, dextrose, salbutamol and potassium binders to prevent...

In this episode we focus on the pathophysiology of ectopic pregnancy, alongside risk factors, and clinical presentation. We discuss what investigations are required, how to manage ectopic pregnancies that are stable vs emergency management and the need to get senior obstetrics/gynaecology input early. Peter talks through how to counsel patients sensitively on this condition also. We finish with a...

This episode focusses on the main causes of paediatric limp and MSK evaluation - the main conditions covered are DDH, Perthes Disease, Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, Transient Synovitis and Septic Arthritis alongside Osteosarcoma. We go through the main risk factors, diagnostic methods and treatment options for these. Alongside red flags for paediatric limp to not miss in medical school exams...

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common paediatric presentations you will encounter in both exams and clinical practice. While most cases are physiological and harmless, recognising the red flags is essential to avoid missing serious underlying pathology. In this episode of OSCE Talk, we break neonatal jaundice down into a clear, structured approach that you can apply in OSCEs and on the wards...

This episode focusses on obstetic history taking and haemorrhage. Looking at the differentials of antepartum haemorrhage to be aware of including: placental abruption, placenta previa/vasa previa. Other causes of haemorrhage in the perinatal period including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. We look at how best to approach management of these in an exam scenario, including the need for adequate e...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we cover schizophrenia and Schneider’s First Rank Symptoms , one of the most important concepts for psychiatry OSCEs and medical exams. Schizophrenia rarely begins suddenly. Many patients experience a prodromal phase first, where family members may notice social withdrawal, reduced motivation, changes in behaviour, sleep disturbance and declining daily functioning. O...

In this episode, we break down clozapine — the gold standard treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine is one of the most effective antipsychotics available, but it requires careful monitoring and patient education due to its unique side-effect profile. We cover: • What defines treatment-resistant schizophrenia • Why clozapine is used • Mechanism of action (high-yield overview) •...

In this episode, we break down how to take a safe, structured obstetric history. Obstetric histories can feel overwhelming — you’re assessing both the mother and the baby, while also screening for potentially life-threatening complications. This episode gives you a clear structure to stay safe in exams and clinical practice. We cover: • How to structure the presenting complaint • Characterising bl...

In this episode, we break down lithium — how it works, when it’s used, how to monitor it safely, and how to counsel a patient in an OSCE station. Lithium is one of the most effective long-term treatments for bipolar disorder and significantly reduces suicide risk — but it requires careful monitoring and patient education. We cover: • Indications for lithium (bipolar disorder & treatment-resist...

In this episode, we break down how to take a safe, structured history from a patient with a suspected eating disorder. This is a high-yield OSCE station and a clinically important skill — anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric illness, often due to cardiac complications, electrolyte disturbances and suicide. We cover: • How to sensitively approach eating disorder histories •...

In this episode of OSCE Talk, we focus on SSRI antidepressants: sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine. We walk through the mechanism of these medications, their common side effects. The need to monitor for suicide risk in the under 25s. What medications interact with SSRIs. The importance of these medications alongside proper cognitive behavioural therapy in the management of depression. We finish wi...

In this episode of OSCE Talk, we break down how to take a structured paediatric historyWe walk through the basics of a paediatric history, including who the patient has brought with them mum, dad , or grandparent. The episode also highlights the importance of a clear systematic approach using a head to toes overview to cover all basic symptoms. We go through the importances of birth, feeding, grow...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to take a clear, structured psychiatric history. We walk through core psychiatric symptoms not to miss including screening for depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, schizophrenia and OCD. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding psychiatric terminology , and going through the importance of RISK in psychiatry. This episode is desi...

In this Osce Talk episode, we show you exactly how to counsel a patient with type 2 diabetes , followed by a clear, OSCE-ready explanation of metformin . This episode is designed for OSCEs and clinical exams , using simple language, logical structure, and the key points examiners expect. We cover: How to explain type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance to patients Short- and long-term complications...

In this episode of Osce Talk , we break down hypothyroidism and how to counsel a patient starting levothyroxine , with a clear focus on OSCEs and clinical exams . We cover: What hypothyroidism is and why it occurs Common symptoms and how it presents in exams How to explain levothyroxine in clear, patient-friendly language Dosing, side effects, monitoring, and pregnancy considerations High-yield co...