OSCE Talk

In this episode of OSCE Talk, we discuss Addisons disease, and the use of steroids as long term treatment. We cover the general presentation and mechanism of Addisons disease, and the risk of addisonian crisis. We focus on steroids their side effects, both short and long term, and the importance of doubling these whilst unwell. This episode is ideal for medical students, OSCE preparation, and foun...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to counsel a patient on osteoporosis and its management with bisphosphonates. This includes risk factors for osteoporosis. The FRAX risk scoring system and interpreting DEXA scan results. Basic management and lifestyle changes to improve bone health. What bisphosphonates are eg: alendronic acid. Common side effects, rare risks, and safety-netting. T...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to counsel a patient with high cholesterol , focusing on statins , QRISK , and clear patient-friendly explanations for OSCEs and clinical practice. We cover: What cholesterol is and why it matters How to explain QRISK and cardiovascular risk to patients When to start statins and why lifestyle changes alone may not be enough How statins work (in simp...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we walk through how to counsel a patient on asthma , using clear, patient-friendly explanations that score marks in OSCEs. We cover: How to explain asthma simply (reversible airway disease) Common triggers and why symptoms fluctuate Holistic management including lifestyle and vaccinations Preventer vs reliever inhalers and when control is poor Step-by-step inhaler te...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we walk through how to counsel a patient diagnosed with heart failure , a common and high-yield OSCE and clinical scenario. Using a realistic doctor–patient role-play, we cover: How to explain heart failure in clear, patient-friendly language Linking symptoms such as breathlessness, orthopnoea, and oedema to the underlying condition Common causes of heart failure, in...

In this episode of Osce Talk , we cover how to take a focused first seizure history and how to explain a seizure to patients in clear, patient-friendly language . We walk through: How to structure a first seizure history (before, during, after) Key red flags you must not miss in OSCEs How to explain what a seizure is (and why it’s not always epilepsy) Immediate seizure first aid advice for patient...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we cover how to counsel a patient with migraine — a common OSCE and clinical scenario. We walk through: How migraine typically presents (with and without aura) Common triggers and red flags you must not miss How to explain migraine in clear, patient-friendly language Step-by-step management: lifestyle advice, acute treatments, and prevention When to escalate, safety-...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Peter and Matthew talk through how to counsel a patient with eczema and psoriasis , with a strong focus on clear, patient-friendly explanations and practical management advice. We start by breaking down eczema as a chronic atopic condition , explaining the skin-barrier problem in simple terms that patients can understand. We discuss common triggers, the relapsing–rem...

🎙️ How to Counsel a Patient on Warfarin | OSCE Talk In this episode of OSCE Talk , Peter and Matthew walk through how to counsel a patient on Warfarin , focusing on the key differences compared with DOACs such as Apixaban. We cover when Warfarin is indicated , including mechanical heart valves, rheumatic heart disease, and antiphospholipid syndrome, before breaking down INR monitoring , dose adjus...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to counsel a patient on Apixaban — a common anticoagulant used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and for the treatment and prevention of DVT and PE. We cover what Apixaban is , why it’s prescribed, and how to clearly explain benefits, bleeding risks, and safety advice to patients in an OSCE-friendly way. You’ll learn how to structure anti...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Peter and Matthew break down atrial fibrillation (AF) — one of the most common and clinically important cardiac arrhythmias you’ll encounter in OSCEs and practice. We explore what AF is , the different types of atrial fibrillation , and why it significantly increases the risk of stroke . The episode then walks through AF management , including rate vs rhythm control...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to counsel a patient starting an ACE inhibitor , with a specific focus on Ramipril , one of the most commonly prescribed antihypertensives in clinical practice. We cover when ACE inhibitors are indicated , how to explain their benefits in simple, patient-friendly language , and how to counsel safely on side effects, monitoring, and red flags . The e...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we focus on how to counsel patients with hypertension , one of the most common and important conditions you’ll encounter in OSCEs and clinical practice. We break down what hypertension is, why it’s often called the “silent killer” , and how to communicate risk effectively to patients who may feel completely asymptomatic. The episode covers key risk factors , long-ter...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we focus on one of the most important — and often underestimated — OSCE skills: patient counselling and communication . We break down a simple, repeatable structure for counselling patients about new diagnoses and medications , helping you explain conditions clearly, confidently, and without jargon. The episode covers how to assess a patient’s prior knowledge , addre...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to take a clear, structured dermatology history , with a particular focus on skin lesions and suspected skin cancer . We walk through a practical approach using the OPERA framework , discuss key skin cancer risk factors , and explain how to assess lesions safely and systematically using the ABCDE framework . The episode also highlights the importanc...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down how to take a clear, structured ophthalmology history for OSCEs and real clinical practice. We cover the key eye symptoms you must ask about, how to use a simple framework to avoid missing red flags, and how to recognise ophthalmological emergencies such as sudden vision loss, flashes, floaters, and diplopia. Using a practical case example , we guide yo...

Welcome to Osce Talk 👋 In this episode, we break down Medicine MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) interviews and explain how they really work , based on our own experiences getting into medical school and sitting MMIs ourselves. We cover: What an MMI actually is Why MMIs are used instead of traditional interviews Common MMI station types (role play, ethics, communication, prioritisation) What medical...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter break down how to take a structured collapse history , one of the most important and high-stakes presentations in emergency and general medical practice. They guide you through the essential Before–During–After framework, helping you differentiate between causes such as seizures, vasovagal episodes, cardiac arrhythmias , and functional collapses. Yo...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter break down how to take a structured headache history — one of the most common and important presentations in OSCEs and clinical practice. We explore the different headache types, how to use the SOCRATES framework effectively, and the key associated symptoms you must always ask about. You’ll also learn how to spot migraine aura , identify dangerous r...

🎙️ Episode – Thyroid History Taking: Hyper vs Hypo | OSCE Talk In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter take a deep dive into how to take a structured thyroid history — a topic many students find challenging due to vague and non-specific symptoms. We break down the key features of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism , how to differentiate them clinically, and the important red flags you mus...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , we break down Type 2 diabetes — one of the most common and important long-term conditions you'll encounter in both exams and clinical practice. We cover the underlying insulin resistance , the key symptoms and diagnostic thresholds , major risk factors , and how to take a focused diabetes history in an OSCE. You'll also learn the stepwise approach to manageme...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter break down Type 1 diabetes — a lifelong autoimmune condition in which the body destroys its own insulin-producing beta cells. We explore its pathophysiology , how to recognise the early clinical signs, and the essential diagnostic criteria you need to know for exams and real-world practice. The discussion covers day-to-day management, insulin therap...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter break down how to take a clear, structured, and sensitive urinary history — one of the most commonly examined presentations in OSCEs and everyday clinical practice. We explore the key voiding and storage symptoms , how to approach more delicate topics such as incontinence, sexual health, and prostate symptoms, and the significance of red flags like...

In this episode of OSCE Talk , Matthew and Peter break down how to approach gastrointestinal (GI) presentations , with a focus on understanding abdominal pain — one of the most common and challenging complaints in both OSCEs and real clinical practice. We explore how to differentiate visceral vs. somatic pain , how pain location guides diagnosis, and the key symptoms and red flags you must not mis...

In this episode of OSCE Talk we focus on the history and clinical presentation of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, alongside its impact on patients. Key aspects to highlight in this episode include: Joint pain in osteoarthritis worsens with activity, while in rheumatoid arthritis, it can occur at rest. Morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis lasts longer than in osteoarthritis. Physical activ...