OSCE Talk

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 look at the medical treatment: RIPE medications and their side effects.Peter demonstrates how to counsel a new diagnosis of TB which you may be asked to do in medical school examinations.🎧 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 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 the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine, helping to improve the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson’s such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. We also cover why levodopa is given alongside carbidopa to reduce peripheral side effects and improve its effectiveness.From there, we discuss the key practical prescribing points that are essential for both exams and the wards. This includes the fact that levodopa is a time-critical medication, taken multiple times per day due to its short half-life, and why missing doses can lead to a rapid deterioration in symptoms such as freezing and rigidity—particularly important in hospital patients who are nil by mouth.We then move on to side effects and long-term complications, including:Nausea, dizziness, and postural hypotensionThe “on-off” phenomenon, where symptom control fluctuates throughout the dayDyskinesias (involuntary movements) with long-term useNeuropsychiatric effects such as confusion, hallucinations, and impulse control issuesWe also highlight key clinical safety points, including why levodopa should never be stopped abruptly, and situations where caution is needed—such as in patients with glaucoma or pre-existing cognitive or psychiatric symptoms.A major focus of this episode is learning how to structure a clear, safe explanation in an OSCE, using the ATHLETIC framework (Action, Timing, How to take, Length, Effects, Tests, Interactions, Contraindications). This gives you a reliable way to cover all the important counselling points while still sounding natural and patient-friendly.

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, hypertension, and nephrotoxic medications.We then explain the underlying pathophysiology, including nephron loss, hyperfiltration, and why proteinuria develops—linking this directly to key treatments like ACE inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors.We also cover how CKD presents in real life, from asymptomatic early disease picked up on routine bloods, to advanced uraemia, fluid overload, and complications like anaemia and bone disease.From there, we go through a practical and safe approach to:Investigations (eGFR, ACR, bloods, imaging)Staging (GFR + albuminuria)Management (blood pressure control, diabetes optimisation, medication choices)Complication management (anaemia, bone disease, electrolyte imbalance)We also touch on end-stage kidney disease, including dialysis (haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) and renal transplant.Finally, we finish with a clear, structured approach to explaining CKD to a patient in an OSCE, using a simple framework you can apply in exams and clinical practice.

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 mock example history going through the key signs and symptoms to pick up on in these patients. 🎧 Listen & Follow:🎙️ Spotify → ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z....🍎 Apple Podcasts → ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast....▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod 📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_ 🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_

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.We cover the key pathophysiology, including how bilirubin is produced and processed, and why unconjugated bilirubin can cross the blood–brain barrier and cause neurological injury. Understanding this is crucial when thinking about complications such as kernicterus.We then explain physiological jaundice, including its typical onset after 24 hours of life, peak around days 3 to 5, and resolution within the first one to two weeks. This helps you build a strong baseline before identifying what is abnormal.The most important part is recognising pathological jaundice. You should always be concerned if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours, persists beyond 14 days, or is associated with pale stools and dark urine. These features suggest serious conditions such as haemolysis, sepsis, or biliary atresia. A baby who is lethargic, feeding poorly, or clinically unwell should always raise suspicion.We also go through investigations in a practical way, including when to use transcutaneous bilirubin measurements and when serum bilirubin is required. Differentiating between conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin is key to guiding diagnosis and management. Other important tests include blood group compatibility, Coombs testing, and infection screening where appropriate.From an OSCE perspective, we outline how to structure your history and examination. This includes focusing on timing, feeding, stool and urine colour, and red flag symptoms, as well as performing a targeted examination for hydration, neurological status, and abdominal findings.Finally, we cover management, including the use of NICE treatment threshold charts, phototherapy as first-line treatment, and when escalation to exchange transfusion is required.This is a high-yield topic that frequently appears in OSCEs and written exams. Mastering neonatal jaundice will not only help you perform well in assessments but also ensure safe clinical practice.

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. Over time this can progress into psychosis, where patients may develop hallucinations, delusions and disturbances in thought.In this episode we break down Schneider’s First Rank Symptoms of schizophrenia, explaining what they are, how they present clinically, and how to explore them safely during a psychiatric history.We also discuss the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and how they affect patients’ ability to function day-to-day.• Auditory hallucinations (voices commenting or discussing the patient)• Command hallucinations• Thought insertion• Thought withdrawal• Thought broadcasting• Passivity phenomena (external control of thoughts, actions or emotions)• Delusional perceptionSymptoms added to normal experience:• Hallucinations• Delusions• Thought disorder• Disorganised behaviourLoss of normal functioning:• Reduced motivation (avolition)• Social withdrawal• Reduced speech (alogia)• Flattened emotional expression• Reduced engagement with daily activities• Impaired working memory• Reduced concentration• Executive dysfunction• Difficulty with organisation and decision-makingWhen assessing a patient with schizophrenia or psychosis it is essential to evaluate:• Risk to self (including suicidal thoughts)• Risk to others• Command hallucinations• Vulnerability and exploitation• Self-neglect• Ability to function independentlyCollateral history from family or carers can often be essential because patients may lack insight into their symptoms.Psychotic symptoms can also occur in:• Bipolar disorder (mania)• Psychotic depression• Delirium• Drug-induced psychosis• Alcohol withdrawal• Neurological or organic brain diseaseOrganic causes should always be considered and may require investigations such as CT brain, MRI brain or EEG.Management of schizophrenia often involves:• Antipsychotic medications (e.g. olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine)• Psychological therapies• Community mental health team follow-up• Inpatient psychiatric care if risk is highIn OSCE stations, it is important to explain schizophrenia in simple terms:Schizophrenia affects how the brain processes information and filters thoughts and perceptions. This can lead to hearing voices, developing strong beliefs that don’t match reality, or finding it difficult to organise thoughts. Treatments are available that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.🎧 Listen on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeFollow OSCE Talk for practical OSCE teaching, psychiatry revision and clinical explanations for medical students.📚 Key Topics CoveredFirst Rank Symptoms of SchizophreniaPositive SymptomsNegative SymptomsCognitive Symptoms⚠️ Risk Assessment in Psychosis🧠 Differential Diagnoses for Psychosis💊 Management Overview🗣 Explaining Schizophrenia to Patients

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)• Smoking interactions and compliance issues• Slow titration and 48-hour restart rule• Agranulocytosis and blood monitoring schedule• Myocarditis risk• Seizure risk• Severe constipation (often underestimated)• Metabolic side effects• Clozapine and suicide risk reduction• How to counsel a patient in an OSCEWe also discuss key red flags — including infection symptoms that require urgent assessment.This episode is ideal for:Medical studentsOSCE preparationPsychiatry placementsFoundation doctorsGP and acute care rotationsClozapine is powerful — but only safe when monitored properly.

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-resistant depression)• How lithium stabilises mood• Therapeutic range and toxicity levels• Baseline investigations (U&Es, TFTs, calcium, ECG)• Ongoing monitoring schedule• 12-hour lithium level timing• Common side effects• Lithium toxicity signs and triggers• Drug interactions (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, diuretics)• Pregnancy risks and counselling• OSCE counselling structureThis episode is ideal for:Medical studentsOSCE preparationPsychiatry placementsFoundation doctorsGP rotationsLithium is powerful — but only safe when monitored correctly. This episode helps you understand both the science and the counselling.

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 with an example of how to counsel this to a patient in an effective and concise manner. 🎧 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 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 designed to help you sound confident, organised, and clinically safe when faced with pyschiatric history stations.🎧 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 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 patientsShort- and long-term complications (heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves)Lifestyle management and monitoringMetformin counselling: action, dosing, side effects, sick-day rulesWhat to monitor (HbA1c, renal function)Common OSCE pitfalls and scoring pointsPerfect for medical students, OSCE revision, finals, and early foundation training.

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 foundation doctors who want a simple, structured approach to counselling.🎧 Listen now and build confidence for OSCE stations and real patient conversations.

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 mattersHow to explain QRISK and cardiovascular risk to patientsWhen to start statins and why lifestyle changes alone may not be enoughHow statins work (in simple terms patients understand)Common side effects, rare risks, and safety-nettingAddressing patient concerns and misinformation about statinsThis episode is ideal for medical students, OSCE preparation, and foundation doctors who want a simple, structured approach to statin counselling.🎧 Listen now and build confidence for OSCE stations and real patient conversations.