OSCE Survival Tips: From Student to Student

Let’s be real — OSCEs can feel intimidating. The setup is unfamiliar, you’re being watched, and the pressure of the timer never helps. But remember, they’re not designed to trip you up — they’re a structured way to test the skills you’ve been building since you started med school.

The best OSCE performances often come from students who stay grounded, communicate clearly, and remember that it’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about connecting with the patient and showing safe clinical reasoning.

Here are some down-to-earth, practical tips I wish I knew earlier:

Structure is your safety net — use it like one.
When you feel flustered, your frameworks (SOCRATES, ICE, ISBAR) will save you. They guide your thinking and help you stay organised under pressure. Don’t skip them because you feel rushed — they will actually buy you time.
First impressions set the tone.
A confident but warm introduction, checking the patient’s name and consent — these small things not only create a good first impression but also give you a moment to settle your nerves.
The examiner is there, but the patient is your focus.
OSCEs are about patient-centred care. Talk to the patient, not the examiner. Show empathy, use simple language, and connect with the person in front of you.
Non-verbal communication is powerful.
Even if you feel shaky inside, open posture, eye contact, and gentle tone can make a huge difference. Your body language tells the examiner you are calm, professional, and patient-focused.
Say what you’re doing, even if it feels obvious.
Verbalising hand hygiene, checking allergies, or explaining your plan shows safe, structured practice. If you skip these steps, the examiner can’t assume you did them in your head.
Time is your currency — spend it wisely.
Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t let it panic you. Focus on the must-do steps first, and add the extras if time allows.
It’s okay to have a mind blank.
If it happens, pause, take a breath, and reset. You can even say, “Let me gather my thoughts for a moment.” Examiners are human too — they appreciate composure more than perfection.
Practice speaking aloud — by yourself or with friends.
OSCEs are not written exams. Practising aloud will train you to speak confidently, even when you’re nervous. Simulate stations under timed conditions to get comfortable.
Always summarise and safety-net.
Closing a station with a clear summary, checking for patient questions, and safety-netting (e.g., red flag advice) shows maturity and rounds off your consultation professionally.
You don’t have to know the diagnosis — just show safe, logical steps.
OSCEs reward clear thinking over guessing. If you’re unsure, outline your differentials or what safe steps you’d take next.
Reflect on each station, but don’t dwell.
Whether you feel like you smashed it or flopped, let it go and reset for the next station. Every station is a fresh start.
Finally, be kind to yourself.
OSCEs are tough. Everyone feels the nerves. Remember, you’ve been training for this for years. You know more than you think. Trust yourself, take it one station at a time, and focus on the patient in front of you.

Real talk from students:
“The OSCE is not about impressing the examiner. It’s about showing you can think safely and communicate like a future doctor. Let your kindness and common sense shine through — that’s what they’ll remember.”

Remember, OSCEs are as much about safe, structured communication and clinical reasoning as they are about specific diagnoses.

You’ve got this!

Selina Zhang – University of Melbourne

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