OSCEs are a major milestone in med school — it’s your time to shine and put your clinical skills into action! Preparing for them doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Here’s a med student-approved guide to help you nail every station with confidence:
- Team up with your study crew
OSCEs are a team sport! Find a study group where you can swap feedback and role-play as patient, examiner, and candidate. You’ll get to see things from every angle and pick up new tips from your peers. - Procedural skills = instant points
Common procedures like cannulation, venipuncture, and suturing are frequent OSCE stops. Watch videos, practice with peers, and remember the ‘why’ behind each step. It’ll boost your confidence and make you a smoother operator. - Viva? Bring it on!
Viva stations can feel intense, but this is where your reasoning shines. Practise summarising cases, explaining your differential diagnosis, and mapping out management plans. Review guidelines on big topics — you’ll thank yourself later. - Simulate the real deal
Practice under real OSCE conditions. Set a timer, grab your study group, and run through stations. Simulating the pace and intensity will get you used to exam pressures, making the actual day feel like just another practice round.
OSCEs might be challenging, but they’re also an amazing opportunity to showcase everything you’ve learned. Trust your training, enjoy the process, and remember: each station is a step closer to becoming the doctor you’ve worked so hard to be.
Good luck!
Kylie Zhang
GPSN National Publications and Promotions Officer 2024