NAC OSCE

The National Assessment Collaboration Objective Structured Clinical Examination (NAC OSCE) is a standardized exam designed to assess the clinical skills of IMGs. It evaluates your ability to gather information from patients, communicate effectively, perform physical examinations, and formulate diagnoses and management plans.

Exam Format

The NAC OSCE consists of multiple stations, each simulating a different clinical encounter. At each station, you'll interact with a standardized patient (SP), an actor trained to portray specific medical conditions and scenarios. An examiner will observe and assess your performance.

What is Assessed?

• History Taking: Your ability to gather relevant information from the patient's history, including the presenting complaint, past medical history, and social history.
• Physical Examination: Your proficiency in performing focused physical exams, demonstrating proper techniques and identifying relevant findings.
• Communication Skills: Your ability to communicate effectively with the patient, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and clear explanations.
• Clinical Reasoning: Your ability to formulate differential diagnoses, order appropriate investigations, and develop management plans based on the patient's presentation.
• Professionalism: Your adherence to ethical principles and professional conduct during the exam.
• Data Gathering, Interpersonal skills, Management: The NAC OSCE evaluates your skills in gathering patient information effectively, demonstrating interpersonal skills such as empathy and communication, and formulating appropriate management plans, including investigations and treatment recommendations.

Scoring

Historically, the NAC OSCE was graded numerically, but during the pandemic the grading shifted to Pass/Fail/Pass with Superior Performance. Recently the NAC OSCE has reverted to a numerical scoring system. You are given a final score, as well as separate results in each of the following domains: Data Gathering, Interpersonal Skills and Management.

Preparation Resources

Preparing for the NAC OSCE requires a combination of knowledge review, clinical skills practice, and familiarity with the exam format. Here are some resources that candidates have found helpful:

• Official MCC Resources: The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) website offers valuable resources, including the NAC OSCE Candidate Guide, sample cases, and videos demonstrating the exam format. These resources are essential for understanding the exam structure and expectations.
• Geeky Medics: This website and YouTube channel provides a comprehensive collection of OSCE cases, checklists, and videos covering various medical specialties. They offer detailed explanations of how to approach each case, perform physical exams, and formulate management plans.
• Textbooks: Several textbooks are available that can help you review clinical skills and prepare for OSCE exams. Some popular choices include:
  • Edmonton Manual: This manual is a concise and practical guide for the NAC OSCE, providing clear instructions on history taking, physical examination techniques, and formulating differential diagnoses and management plans.
  • Master the NAC OSCE: This book offers a comprehensive review of common NAC OSCE cases, along with detailed explanations and strategies for approaching each station.
  • First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS: While designed for the USMLE Step 2 CS, this book can still be a valuable resource for reviewing clinical skills and practicing OSCE scenarios.
• Practice with Study Partners: Regular practice with study partners is essential for honing your clinical skills and getting feedback on your performance. Use the NAC partner spreadsheet or connect with other students through online forums or study groups to find partners. Simulate exam conditions as much as possible during practice sessions, including timing yourself and receiving constructive feedback.
• Prep Courses: Several prep courses are available that can provide structured guidance and feedback for the NAC OSCE. Some popular options include:
  • Medical Training Express: This company offers online and in-person NAC OSCE prep courses taught by licensed Canadian physicians. They provide comprehensive coverage of exam topics and offer personalized feedback to help you improve your performance.
  • BeMo Academic Consulting: BeMo offers online NAC OSCE prep courses with mock exams and personalized feedback from experienced instructors.
  • IMGPrep: IMGPrep provides online and in-person NAC OSCE prep courses with a focus on clinical skills development and exam strategy.