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

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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.

🎙️ Episode 6 – Asthma History Taking & Management | OSCE Talk

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter take a deep dive into asthma — one of the most common and high-yield respiratory conditions in both OSCEs and clinical practice.

We discuss how to take a clear, structured asthma history, identify common triggers, and assess control. You’ll also learn how to explain inhaler use effectively and manage acute exacerbations using a logical, stepwise approach. A short case example ties everything together — from history taking to diagnosis and treatment planning.

Whether you’re revising for exams or building confidence in clinical placements, this episode gives you a concise, practical framework to approach asthma with confidence and professionalism.

Key Takeaways

• Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder causing reversible obstruction.

• Common triggers include allergens, cold air, and exercise.

• Always assess symptom pattern, control, and impact on sleep or activity.

• Check inhaler technique at every review — errors are common.

• Acute asthma attacks require immediate oxygen, bronchodilators, steroids, and escalation if severe.

• Family and allergy history often provide valuable context.

• Use peak flow monitoring to assess control and response to treatment.

• Patient education and written asthma action plans are key to long-term management.

• Encourage regular follow-ups to adjust therapy and reinforce good habits.

  
  

00:00 – Understanding Asthma: Definition and Overview
02:15 – Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
05:07 – Asthma Attacks: Emergency Management
07:42 – Patient History: A Case Study
12:27 – Treatment Recommendations and Conclusion

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_
🎙️ Opera Podcasts → https://podcasts.opera.com/osce-talk

💬 Let us know which OSCE scenario you’d like covered next — and don’t forget to subscribe for concise, high-yield clinical exam guides every week.

🎓 Key Takeaways⏱️ Chapters

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter focus on how to take a structured respiratory history — and how to recognise red flags that could indicate serious underlying disease.

We guide you through the OPERA framework, highlight key symptoms to explore (including cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss), and discuss how to sensitively approach difficult topics such as smoking history or suspected lung cancer.

You’ll also hear an example of a red flag respiratory history, with practical advice on how to keep your consultation empathetic, focused, and clinically safe.

Key Takeaways

• Begin with the OPRA framework for structure and clarity.

• Always ask about cough duration, hemoptysis, and weight loss.

• Include social history — smoking, occupation, and exposures.

• Night sweats and fever are important red flags.

• Recurrent infections may suggest a chronic or serious condition.

• Chest pain in respiratory cases should always raise suspicion.

• Show empathy and listen to patient concerns carefully.

• Maintain a solid structure to guide your diagnosis.

• Keep differentials in mind — TB, bronchiectasis, and malignancy.

• Stay up to date with guidelines for investigations.

00:00 – Introduction to Respiratory History Taking
02:26 – Key Red Flags in Respiratory History
04:58 – Differential Diagnoses and Investigations
06:29 – Example of a Red Flag Respiratory History
12:25 – Summary and Key Takeaways

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_

💬 Let us know which OSCE scenario you’d like us to cover next — and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly, practical exam guidance.

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter discuss heart failure — a core topic in cardiology and a common OSCE presentation.

They explore the key differences between left- and right-sided heart failure, how to recognise acute versus chronic cases, and what to ask during a focused patient history. You’ll also learn about diagnostic tests such as BNP and echocardiography, plus the four pillars of heart failure management that every student should know.

A simulated patient history helps bring the theory to life, showing how to structure your questions and interpret findings in real time.

Key Takeways

• Heart failure presents in a variety of ways — think beyond breathlessness.

• Left-sided HF causes pulmonary symptoms; right-sided HF leads to peripheral oedema.

• Myocardial infarction is a major risk factor.

• BNP and echocardiograms are essential for diagnosis.

• Management includes ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and diuretics.

• Ask about orthopnoea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (PND).

• Use the NYHA classification to assess functional severity.

• Acute pulmonary oedema is a medical emergency — act fast.

• Communicate clearly to reduce patient anxiety and improve understanding.

00:00 – Introduction to Heart Failure
02:20 – Understanding Heart Failure Types and Causes
02:58 – Diagnostic Criteria for Heart Failure
05:40 – Management and Treatment of Heart Failure
08:00 – Patient History Simulation for Heart Failure
11:57 – Clinical Examination and Investigations
15:04 – Chronic vs Acute Heart Failure

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_

💬 Want to hear us cover another cardiology topic? Let us know below — and subscribe for weekly, practical OSCE guides.

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter walk through a full example of how to take a chest pain history — putting into practice the frameworks and skills discussed in earlier episodes.

We show how to structure questions, explore symptoms, and think through different causes while keeping communication clear and patient-centred. This episode is designed to help you visualise what an organised, effective OSCE history sounds like.

Key Takeways

• Follow a clear, logical structure when approaching chest pain.

• Use open questions early to let patients describe their symptoms.

• Always ask about associated and relieving factors.

• Remember family history and modifiable risks.

• ECG and troponins are key early investigations.

• Summarise and explain your plan in plain language.

• Practise aloud — hearing the flow builds real confidence.

00:00 – Introduction to Chest Pain History Taking
06:10 – Conducting a Patient Interview
09:01 – Differential Diagnosis and Investigations
10:07 – Conclusion and Next Steps

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_

💬 Tell us which OSCE scenario you’d like to hear next — and don’t forget to follow for weekly, practical exam tips.

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter dive into one of the most important skills in medicine — taking a great patient history.

We explore how to make strong first impressions, communicate effectively, and structure your consultations using proven frameworks like SOCRATES, OPERA and ICE. From open-ended questioning to summarising and showing empathy, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you shine in your OSCEs and real-world clinical practice.

Key Takeaways

• First impressions are crucial — greet patients with confidence and warmth.

• Always seek informed consent before beginning.

• Encourage patients to share their concerns fully.

• Use open-ended questions to guide the conversation naturally.

• Frameworks like SOCRATES and ICE help structure your approach.

• Summarising reinforces understanding and builds trust.

• Don’t forget social history — it’s vital for holistic care.

• Check medication compliance and show genuine empathy throughout.

  
  

00:00 – The Importance of First Impressions
05:00 – Understanding Patient Concerns
10:20 – Frameworks for Effective History Taking
13:14 – Summarising and Closing the Consultation

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_

💬 Drop your OSCE questions or scenarios you’d like covered next — and don’t forget to subscribe for more clinical exam tips every week!

In the very first episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter — two newly qualified doctors from Queen’s University Belfast — share why they created this podcast and how it can help you ace your OSCEs.

We break down what makes OSCEs so challenging, how to prepare effectively, and why practicing with structure and feedback is the secret to success. From understanding mark schemes to building real confidence in your clinical skills, this episode sets the tone for a series designed to make exam prep smarter, not harder.

🎧 Listen if you want to:

• Understand how top students approach OSCEs

• Learn efficient study and practice strategies