The purpose of the Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is to provide a standardized educational assessment for medical students as a means of teaching, expanding and assessing clinical competencies.  This is done through a variety of common medical cases that allows for both formative and summative assessments. The OSCE allows for students to understand, develop, practice and master the skills necessary to being physician, including, but not limited to history taking, physical examination skills, critical thinking skills, medical decision making, communication and resource utilization. Studies have shown that this is a valid method to assess clinical skills and competencies that are fundamental to the practice of medicine.

OSCE stations are monitored by trained observers who score student performance on history taking, physical examination, information sharing skills, and interpersonal skills.  The graders use an approved grading rubric for each station to score student performance. OSCE stations are followed by a post encounter activity, which is typically documentation of a patient progress note.  Interpreting findings or answering quiz questions can also be expected.  The post-encounter activities are also graded.  The standardized patient evaluation of student checklist scores are also part of the interpersonal and communication skills competency course grade. The scores for each component are combined and the student is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Successful completion of the OSCE is required for graduation from the USD SSOM.  Therefore, participation in the Formative and Summative OSCE activities is mandatory.

The OSCE historically was used as a preparatory tool for the USMLE Step 2 CS. With this evolution in the purpose of the OSCE, USD SSOM has looked to stay innovative with delivery of this assessment. We continue to explore new and exciting ways to provide clinical medicine experiences to our students.  This includes implementation of tele-medicine, focus on case presentations to attendings and consultants, utilization of interpreters, use of AI in documentation, focus on patient centered care with kindness and much more. 

SSOM faculty and staff with special knowledge and interest in clinical skills assessment formed a committee that is charged by the Office of Medical Education to plan, design, and implement all activities necessary to conduct the OSCE. The committee meets monthly. 
Please contact the individuals below with questions about the OSCE.

• Donella Herman, MD MEd, Associate Professor, OSCE Director and Committee Chair
• Angie Tuffs, Administrative Support