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–remitting nature of eczema, and how it often sits alongside asthma and hay fever as part of the atopic triad.
The episode then moves into practical counselling, covering the core principles of management — emollients and topical steroids — including how to reassure patients about steroid use, how to explain potency, and how to encourage long-term prevention rather than repeated flares.
We also highlight the mental health impact of chronic skin conditions, the importance of screening for infection during flares, and when to escalate care or refer to dermatology for specialist treatments.
This episode is ideal for OSCE counselling stations, medical students, and foundation doctors looking to improve confidence in explaining dermatological conditions in a structured, empathetic way.
🎙️ 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 adjustment, and practical safety advice that frequently comes up in OSCEs.
The episode emphasises a structured counselling approach, highlighting bleeding risks, drug and food interactions, pregnancy advice, and when patients should seek urgent medical attention. We also discuss reversal with vitamin K and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and outline how Warfarin counselling fits into the wider anticoagulation framework.
This episode is ideal for OSCE medication counselling stations, foundation doctors, and anyone needing a clear, practical refresher on Warfarin.
Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist used for anticoagulation
Common indications include mechanical heart valves, rheumatic heart disease, AF, VTE, and antiphospholipid syndrome
Unlike DOACs, Warfarin requires regular INR monitoring
INR targets vary depending on indication and patient risk
Doses are adjusted frequently using different tablet strengths
Patients should carry a Warfarin (yellow) booklet
Major risks include bleeding, especially GI bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage
Warfarin interacts with many medications and foods (e.g. antibiotics, NSAIDs, St John’s wort, green leafy vegetables)
Alcohol and cranberry juice can affect INR
Warfarin is contraindicated in pregnancy
Reversal involves vitamin K and PCC in severe bleeding
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 anticoagulant counselling, including dosing, missed doses, interactions, red flags, and when patients should seek urgent help.
This episode is ideal for medical students preparing for OSCEs, foundation doctors, and anyone wanting to improve real-world medication counselling skills.
✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS
Apixaban is a factor Xa inhibitor used for anticoagulation
Common indications include AF-related stroke prevention, DVT, and PE
Explain stroke risk vs bleeding risk clearly to patients
Unlike warfarin, Apixaban does not require routine INR monitoring
Patients must take it twice daily at the same time each day
Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered (same day)
Major bleeding and head injury require urgent medical attention
Avoid NSAIDs and inform healthcare professionals before procedures
Apixaban is contraindicated in pregnancy
Clear counselling improves adherence and patient safety
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, the role of cardioversion, and how to assess stroke risk using the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score.
To bring it all together, we role-play a doctor–patient counselling scenario, demonstrating how to explain AF, anticoagulation, and treatment options clearly, calmly, and safely — exactly what examiners look for.
This episode is ideal for OSCE stations involving cardiology, chronic disease counselling, anticoagulation, or arrhythmia management.
What atrial fibrillation is and how it affects heart rhythm
The three types of AF: paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent
Why AF significantly increases stroke risk
How and when to use the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score
Principles of rate control vs rhythm control
When anticoagulation is indicated
How to explain anticoagulation risks and benefits to patients
What cardioversion involves and how to counsel patients about it
Common patient concerns and how to address them
How to structure an OSCE-safe AF counselling station
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 episode also explores NICE guidance, patient selection, and what to do if patients cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors — including when to consider an ARB.
Using a simulated patient interaction, we demonstrate how to structure an OSCE-safe counselling conversation, address common concerns, and ensure patients understand when to temporarily stop their medication.
This episode is ideal for OSCE stations involving hypertension management, medication counselling, or cardiovascular risk reduction.
What ACE inhibitors are and why Ramipril is commonly prescribed
How to explain ACE inhibitors clearly without medical jargon
NICE-based indications for starting Ramipril
Key contraindications and cautions
Common side effects (dizziness, dry cough)
Serious but rare risks (renal impairment, hyperkalaemia, angioedema)
Why kidney function and potassium must be monitored
Sick day rules and when to stop the medication
When to switch to an ARB
How to structure an OSCE-ready medication counselling station
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-term complications, and how to structure a clear, patient-centred counselling conversation.
You’ll learn how to discuss lifestyle changes, explain when medication is indicated, and help patients understand why managing blood pressure is essential for preventing stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease.
This episode is ideal for OSCE stations involving chronic disease counselling, cardiovascular risk, or lifestyle advice.
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, address concerns, link symptoms to the underlying condition, and check understanding throughout the consultation.
You’ll also learn how to stay flexible during patient interactions, adapt your explanations when patients interrupt or ask unexpected questions, and maintain confidence even when the condition is unfamiliar.
This episode is essential for OSCE stations involving explaining a diagnosis, starting a medication, or discussing management plans.
A clear structure for patient counselling stations
How to introduce yourself and set the agenda confidently
How to assess a patient’s prior knowledge
Techniques for explaining conditions without medical jargon
How to address common patient concerns about medications
The “Normally, we can probably manage” explanation structure
How to link disease mechanisms back to patient symptoms
When and how to adapt your explanation mid-consultation
How to check understanding and encourage questions
How to remain calm and professional in OSCE scenarios
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 importance of understanding dermatological terminology, recognising the mental health impact of skin disease, and asking the right background questions in OSCEs and real clinical settings.
This episode is designed to help you sound confident, organised, and clinically safe when faced with dermatology history stations.
How to structure a dermatology history using OPERA
Key skin cancer risk factors, including skin type and sun exposure
Why sunbed use significantly increases melanoma risk
How to assess skin lesions using the ABCDE framework
The Three S’s for lesion examination (sight, size, shape)
Essential dermatology terminology to improve communication
The relevance of drug history, family history, and steroid use
How skin conditions can impact mental health and daily life
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 you through differentiating common causes of visual disturbance, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal pathology — helping you sound confident, systematic, and safe in exams.
Whether you’re revising for OSCEs or starting clinical placements, this episode gives you a repeatable structure you can use in any eye history station.
A clear framework for ophthalmology history taking
How to assess visual disturbance effectively
Key red flags that require urgent referral
How to localise vision loss (central vs peripheral)
Common differential diagnoses in eye presentations
When to escalate to eye casualty
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 schools are really looking for
How to approach stations when you’re unsure
Practical tips to improve your confidence and structure
This series is aimed at students applying to medicine, particularly those preparing for MMIs, but it’s also useful for anyone wanting to improve communication, ethical reasoning, and interview technique.
📌 Future episodes will include:
Ethics stations explained
Role-play examples
Communication stations
Real MMI practice scenarios
🔔 Subscribe to Osce Talk for practical, exam-focused and interview-focused medical education.
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.
You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, what contextual clues matter most, and how to safely assess a patient after a collapse — including when driving restrictions and safeguarding concerns are relevant.
This episode is packed with practical, OSCE-ready teaching and real-life clinical reasoning.
Use the Before–During–After structure to organise your collapse history.
Open questions help clarify unclear or unwitnessed events.
Past medical history and medications (e.g., antihypertensives, anticonvulsants) may reveal the cause.
Social history — alcohol, drugs, stress, sleep — is essential.
Consider seizure if there is tongue biting, incontinence, or post-ictal confusion.
Consider cardiac causes (arrhythmia, structural disease) if sudden and unprovoked.
Vasovagal collapses often have triggers like pain, emotions, or prolonged standing.
Always ask if they hit their head or suffered injury.
Patient safety is crucial — including driving advice after episodes of unexplained loss of consciousness.
Collapse histories are extremely common across emergency, GP, and inpatient care.
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 red flags, and recognise signs of raised intracranial pressure.
Key Points
Most headaches are benign, but red flags must be recognised early.
Use the SOCRATES structure for clear, systematic history taking.
Ask about associated symptoms using a head-to-toe approach.
Migraine aura can mimic stroke → take a clear timeline.
Past medical and drug history are essential in diagnosis.
Red flags include fever, weight loss, neurological deficits, immunosuppression, and sudden onset.
Chronic headaches can relate to raised intracranial pressure.
Weight and lifestyle factors influence headache patterns.
Family history may help differentiate migraine types.
Always consider the impact on daily functioning.
🎙️ 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 must not miss, including thyroid storm and malignancy concerns. The discussion also covers autoimmune associations, postpartum thyroid disease, and how patients often present in subtle ways that require attentive, structured questioning.
By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clear framework for approaching thyroid histories in OSCEs, along with practical tips on patient interaction and clinical reasoning.
Thyroid symptoms can be vague and easily overlooked — structure is essential.
Hyperthyroidism can mimic anxiety, agitation, or other mental health conditions.
Hypothyroidism often presents subtly with fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes.
Always keep thyroid storm in mind as a dangerous hyperthyroid presentation.
Consider thyroid cancer red flags such as neck lumps or compressive symptoms.
Autoimmune thyroid disease commonly clusters with other autoimmune conditions.
Thyroid dysfunction can develop post-pregnancy.
Patients frequently present non-specifically, making good history taking vital.
Stick to your structure — it will help you identify patterns and red flags confidently.
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 management, including lifestyle changes, metformin, and newer agents like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists.
We also discuss the impact of chronic hyperglycaemia on patients and healthcare systems, and why Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent.
This episode includes practical explanations, exam-relevant tips, and memorable frameworks to help you confidently assess and manage patients with Type 2 diabetes
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z...
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423
▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_
🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_
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 therapy, the role of technology such as continuous glucose monitors, and the short- and long-term complications clinicians must watch for.
A structured approach to patient interaction ties the theory together, helping you feel confident taking a Type 1 diabetes history in your OSCEs.
Insulin is vital for glucose uptake — without it, hyperglycaemia develops.
Classic symptoms follow the four T’s: thirsty, toilet, thin, tired.
Viral infections and genetics are common triggers.
Patients are at increased risk of infections.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency — recognise it early.
Blood sugar monitoring and insulin adjustment are essential to safe management.
CGM devices and technology improve long-term outcomes.
Complications divide into microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular disease.
Autoimmune conditions often cluster — family history matters.
🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z...
🍎 Apple Podcasts →
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423
▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_
🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_
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 hematuria. The episode also highlights relevant past medical history, family history, and the essential investigations used to guide diagnosis.
A practical example ties everything together, helping you understand how to structure your questions confidently and communicate with patients respectfully.
A structured urinary history is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Voiding symptoms include hesitancy, straining, weak stream, and incomplete emptying.
Storage symptoms include frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urge/stress incontinence.
Hematuria is a major red flag — always take seriously.
Sexual history and STI risk should be approached sensitively and professionally.
Past medical history may reveal diabetes, neurological disease, or prostate issues.
Family history can signal increased prostate cancer risk.
Urine dipstick testing provides rapid, valuable diagnostic information.
Know when to refer to urology for further assessment.
Clear communication is crucial, especially with sensitive symptoms.
🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z...
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_
🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_
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 miss. The episode also clarifies the differences between IBS and IBD, highlights high-yield investigations such as Q-fit testing, and explains how a detailed medical history helps identify causes ranging from adhesions to inflammatory bowel disease.
This structured approach will boost your confidence in OSCEs and help you communicate clearly and safely with patients presenting with abdominal concerns.
GI symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, altered bowel habits, and more.
Pain location and quality are essential for narrowing your differential.
Visceral pain is vague and poorly localized; somatic pain is sharp and specific.
Classic appendicitis begins centrally and moves to the right iliac fossa.
GI red flags can be nonspecific but are vital to identify early.
Q-fit testing is key when assessing lower GI bleeding or colorectal symptoms.
IBS is a functional syndrome; IBD (Crohn’s/UC) is an inflammatory disease.
Always explore previous surgeries, as adhesions can cause recurrent pain.
Rectal bleeding should prompt careful assessment for serious pathology.
🎧 Listen & Follow:🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z...🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod 📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_ 🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_
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:
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In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter explore how to take a clear and structured musculoskeletal (MSK) history — one of the most versatile and important skills in clinical exams and everyday practice.
We cover how to assess joint pain, identify patterns and red flags, and distinguish between mechanical and inflammatory causes such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The discussion also highlights the patient interaction side of MSK medicine — from managing chronic pain to recognising its mental health impact.
You’ll also learn how to spot emergency red flags, including cauda equina syndrome, and how to use frameworks like SOCRATES or OPERA to structure your questioning effectively.
Key Takeaways
Use SOCRATES or OPERA to structure your MSK history.
Determine whether pain affects distal or proximal joints.
Morning stiffness often points toward inflammatory arthritis.
Symmetrical swelling suggests systemic inflammatory disease.
Thoracic back pain, numbness, or bladder/bowel dysfunction are red flags.
Always consider cauda equina syndrome in back pain histories.
Address the mental health impact of chronic conditions.
Show empathy — patients with long-term pain often feel frustrated or unheard.
Combine structure with active listening for effective consultations.
00:00 – Understanding MSK History
01:58 – Identifying Symptoms and Patterns
04:47 – Red Flags in MSK Conditions
07:06 – Exploring Cauda Equina Syndrome
09:25 – Patient Interaction and History Taking
🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_
💬 Tell us which OSCE topic you’d like covered next — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly, structured exam prep and clinical tips.
In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter explore anaemia — one of the most common presentations in clinical medicine and a frequent OSCE topic.
You’ll learn how to take a focused anaemia history, recognise key symptoms and red flags, and confidently approach diagnosis and management in both exams and real-life settings.
We cover the main types of anaemia — microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic — along with essential investigations and a step-by-step approach to managing iron deficiency anaemia. The episode ends with a realistic case example to help you structure your answers and boost OSCE confidence.
Understand how anaemia presents and why it’s important in OSCEs.
Use a structured approach to history taking and investigation.
Recognise common causes like iron deficiency, chronic disease, and B12/folate deficiency.
Identify red flags such as bleeding, weight loss, or unexplained fatigue.
Know your core investigations – FBC, MCV, ferritin, and reticulocytes.
Learn the management steps for iron deficiency anaemia.
Apply your knowledge with a case-based example for practical learning.
00:00 – What Is Anaemia?
02:44 – Causes of Anaemia
05:34 – How to Take an Anaemia History
08:41 – Investigations and Diagnosis
11:51 – Management Strategies
14:45 – Case Study Example
🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_
💬 Tell us which OSCE topic you’d like covered next — and don’t forget to subscribe for concise, high-yield clinical exam tips every week.