By Anupa Soni –
Passing the MRCEM OSCE is a critical step toward becoming an emergency medicine specialist. But with 16 high-pressure stations testing everything from clinical skills to communication, many doctors struggle with where to start.
1. MRCEM OSCE Exam Structure
The OSCE consists of 16 stations (8 minutes each) divided into:
- Clinical stations(e.g., trauma, paediatrics, ECG interpretation)
- Communication stations (e.g., breaking bad news, consent)
- Procedural stations (e.g., suturing, local anaesthetic blocks)
Scoring:
Each station is marked on clinical accuracy, safety, and professionalism
You’ll need ~65-70% to pass, but this depends on the sitting.
2. Most Common OSCE Topics
Based on recent exam reports, these appear frequently :
A. Clinical Stations
- Trauma: ATLS primary survey (e.g., poly-trauma with hypotension)
- ALS scenarios (e.g., VF arrest)
- Medical Emergencies: Sepsis (e.g., “This patient has fever and confusion—what’s your next step?”). Acute coronary syndrome (STEMI vs. NSTEMI management)
- Paediatrics: Febrile child (e.g., meningitis vs. viral illness)
B. Communication Stations
- Breaking bad news (e.g., “This patient’s CT shows an inoperable brain tumour”)
- Conflict resolution (e.g., “A relative demands an MRI for non-specific back pain”)
- Referrals (e.g., convincing a surgeon to see an appendicitis case)
C. Procedural Skills
- Wound management & Suturing
- Local anaesthetic regional block
- Backslab and sling application
- Joint aspiration (knee effusion)
3. How to Revise: A 6-Week Study Plan – Daily practice
Phase 1: Knowledge & Stations (Weeks 1-2)
Study 2 clinical topics (e.g., chest pain + sepsis) per day
Resources: RCEM Learning (https://www.rcemlearning.co.uk) Oxford Handbook of Emergency Medicine.
Phase 2: Practice & Timing (Weeks 3-4)
Mock stations: practice with friends, colleagues, or even a teddy bear!
Focus on:
- 8-minute pacing (e.g., 1 min for introduction, 6 for tasks, 1 for safety netting).
- Structures for different tasks, such as teaching or SBAR for handovers.
Phase 3: Polish Weak Areas (Weeks 5-6)
Peer practice: Simulate exam conditions with a study partner.
YouTube: Watch RCEM’s OSCE walkthroughs (https://www.youtube.com/user/RCEMlearning) and for procedures.
4. Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Running out of time → Practice with a timer.
- Missing safety nets → Have a closing sentence and always say, “I’d reassess in 30 minutes.”
- Overcomplicating answers→ Stick to A-to-E approach and learnt structures.
- Poor communication → Use CLEAR (Calm, Listen, Explain, Agree, Recap).
- Panicking in procedures→ Verbalise each step (“I’m cleaning the site now”).
5. Final Tips for Exam Day
Arrive early to settle any nerves.
Wear what you would normally wear to work.
Smile and introduce yourself—examiners appreciate confidence!
Leave any bad station behind, each station is a fresh start
Need more help? Check out our courses and mentor programmes: www.bridgemedicalcourses.com
Good luck—you’ve got this!