Show Notes
In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter explore anaemia — one of the most common presentations in clinical medicine and a frequent OSCE topic. You’ll learn how to take a focused anaemia history, recognise key symptoms and red flags, and confidently approach diagnosis and management in both exams and real-life settings. We cover the main types of anaemia — microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic — along with essential investigations and a step-by-step approach to managing iron deficiency anaemia. The episode ends with a realistic case example to help you structure your answers and boost OSCE confidence. Understand how anaemia presents and why it’s important in OSCEs.
Use a structured approach to history taking and investigation.
Recognise common causes like iron deficiency, chronic disease, and B12/folate deficiency.
Identify red flags such as bleeding, weight loss, or unexplained fatigue.
Know your core investigations – FBC, MCV, ferritin, and reticulocytes.
Learn the management steps for iron deficiency anaemia.
Apply your knowledge with a case-based example for practical learning.
00:00 – What Is Anaemia? 02:44 – Causes of Anaemia 05:34 – How to Take an Anaemia History 08:41 – Investigations and Diagnosis 11:51 – Management Strategies 14:45 – Case Study Example 🎧 Listen & Follow: 🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77 🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/osce-talk/id1845051423 ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/ 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_
💬 Tell us which OSCE topic you’d like covered next — and don’t forget to subscribe for concise, high-yield clinical exam tips every week. Disclaimer OSCE Talk is an educational resource designed primarily to help healthcare students prepare for clinical examinations. Episodes on the key, exam-relevant and salient points of each topic and are not intended to provide a complete or exhaustive review of clinical management. Content is for educational puporses only and should not be used as a substitute for formal teaching, clinical supervision, local policies or current national guidance. While we aim to keep our content accurate and useful, medical guidance changes over time and episodes may contain omissions or necessary simplifications. Always refer to appropiate guidance when making clinical decisions or caring for patients.
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🎧 Subscribe to OSCE Talk Premium here 👇 https://members.spotify.com/to/osce-talk
🎧 Subscribe to OSCE Talk Premium here 👇 https://members.spotify.com/to/osce-talk