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All in one place: Step by step guides, over 100 OSCE scenarios: histories, examination, practical/communication skills, PLUS specialities including orthopaedics, paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology, prescribing, O&G, opthalmology, ENT.
The intention of the book is to present key medical knowledge in a manner that is both fun and easy to remember. Over 300 full colour clinical photos, including real patients with real signs. Model answers to key OSCE questions. How to 'present your findings' for every station, including ECGs, X-Rays, fundoscopy, and auroscopy. All in the simple language that fresh graduates used to successfully pass exams.
How to present your findings
Chapter 6 X Rays: Abdominal X Ray
‘This is an AP supine abdominal radiograph. There are no identifying markings. I would like to ensure that it is the correct patient and check the date it was taken. The upper abdomen and the lateral extremes of the patient are not included in this film. There are multiple loops of small bowel dilatation. It is small bowel due to its predominantly central distribution and the presence of valvulae conniventes. There is no evidence of hernia and no evidence of previous surgery. There is no evidence of extraluminal air. The abdominal aorta is not visible and the bladder appears normal in size. There are no apparent bony abnormalities. In summary, this is an abdominal radiograph showing small bowel obstruction with no evidence of perforation. I would like to arrange an erect CXR specifically to look for free air under the diaphragm.
Differential diagnosis of the cause of small bowel obstruction includes adhesions, neoplasia, incarcerated hernia and strictures.’
Top tips littered throughout the text from our experts and fresh graduates
‘When introduced to a patient with a murmur, most students will only listen to the murmur on one occasion.
I found that, providing the patient was happy, going back and listening to the murmur a second or third time really helped consolidate my pattern recognition skills’
Zeshan Qureshi, Paediatric Trainee, London Deanery
‘It is actually much more reliable to look for fasciculations when the tongue is resting in the mouth, rather than when it is protruded.’
Richard Knight, Professor of Clinical Neurology, University of Edinburgh
‘If a patient has written a ‘suicide note’ you should read it, as it may provide insight into their motivation. A note that reads like an emotionally charged rant suggests a writer who desperately wants to be heard – the self harm may be a ‘cry for help’, whereas a note that reads like the instructions someone with a terminal illness would leave for surviving relatives is highly suggestive of suicidal intent – the writer expected to die’
Robby Steele, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Disease illustrated as you would see it in real life, through pictures of real patients with real signs
Thyroid Eye Signs
Acute Gout
Rhuematoid Arthritis
The chapters are clearly written, in simple language that should appeal to students and reflect the fact that the authors themselves have recently been OSCE candidates. They are all part of what I believe is a genuine re-invigoration of the art of teaching amongst junior medical staff. 
Simon Maxwell, Professor of Student Learning
Normal Examination Demonstrated in Pictures
Palpating for thyroglossal cyst
Percussion
Fluid Thrill
Zeshan Qureshi, Chief Editor
Paediatrics trainee at Great Ormond Street, and the Institute of Child Health.
We appreciate that OSCEs are often the most stressful exams you will take at medical school. This books aims to empower your examination preparation and help you on your way to excelling in the OSCE. We believe that fresh graduates have a unique perspective on what works for students. We have captured the insight of medical students and recent graduates in the language that they used to make complex material more easily digestible as students, with the reassurance of content review by senior clinicians. Every medical student has the potential to contribute to the education of others by innovative ways of thinking and learning. This book is an open collaboration with you: the readers of the second edition have become the writers of the third edition, so please get in touch, you have the power to contribute something valuable to medicine.
The unofficial guide was my Bible for OSCE practice, it had everything you needed to know and more, an essential for all Finalists
Sharleen Hill,
final year medical student
A really concise guide, easy to follow, and exactly what you need for OSCEs, thank you!
Robynne Wong,
final year medical student
This book is amazing and I don’t think I would have passed my exams without it.
Cath Roels,
final year medical student
The OSCE book was extremely useful for passing the exam. I thought that it was very well written, easy to read and clearly presented.
Baldeep Singh Sidhu,
final year medical student
The range of OSCE stations covered were very good, especially when at the beginning when I didn't know where to start!
Sisi Chen,
final year medical student
This book is an essential read for any final year student about to take their OSCEs. the best money I spent in my final year of medical school.
Phil Stevens,
final year medical student
Concise, to the point and the key to passing any OSCE stations whether you are looking for a pass or a distinction. This book should be possessed by every medical student starting their clinical years.
Mostayn Alam,
final year medical student
Answers to OSCE questions you might be asked:
Q. How would you differentiate an upper motor neuron VII lesion from a lower motor neuron VII lesion?
A. The muscles of the forehead have bilateral cortical representation. Therefore, in an upper motor neurone lesion, e.g. a cerebral infarct, there is sparing of the forehead. The patient would still be able to raise their eyebrows equally on both sides.
Q. How would you confirm the diagnosis of Acromegaly?
A. Measure growth hormone levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. In acromegaly, the growth hormone level is not suppressed after consuming the carbohydrate load. There may even be a paradoxical rise in growth hormone levels.
Q. What are the most alarming features of depression one should look out for?
A. Psychotic features e.g. nihilistic/persecutory delusions, auditory hallucinations. Self-neglect e.g. reduced appetite may result in significant weight loss. Potential for harm to self or others.
We care about the same causes you care about.
We have already raised money for the following charities:
Heart Research UK, Alzheimers Society and Dreamflight.