Clinical Assessment
OSCE Structure
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination consists of 12 stations, each assessing specific competencies in aesthetic medicine practice.
Facial Anatomy Identification
Candidate Instructions
Identify key anatomical structures on a facial model, including danger zones, vascular supply, and nerve distribution.
Examiner Checklist
- Identifies danger triangle
- Names superficial arterial branches
- Locates motor nerve branches
- Describes tissue planes
Scoring Rubric
Scored on accuracy, terminology, and systematic approach.
Vascular Occlusion Management
Candidate Instructions
Manage a simulated vascular occlusion following dermal filler injection. Demonstrate assessment, immediate management, and escalation protocol.
Examiner Checklist
- Recognises signs of occlusion
- Initiates hyaluronidase protocol
- Demonstrates aspiration technique
- Communicates escalation plan
Scoring Rubric
Scored on recognition speed, protocol adherence, and patient communication.
Botulinum Toxin Planning
Candidate Instructions
Plan a botulinum toxin treatment for a standardised patient presenting with dynamic forehead lines, glabellar complex, and lateral canthal lines.
Examiner Checklist
- Appropriate dosing per area
- Correct injection points marked
- Discusses onset and duration
- Safety considerations addressed
Scoring Rubric
Scored on dosing accuracy, point selection, and patient counselling.
Consent Counselling
Candidate Instructions
Obtain informed consent from a standardised patient for a dermal filler procedure. Cover risks, benefits, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Examiner Checklist
- Explains procedure clearly
- Discusses material risks
- Offers alternatives
- Assesses patient understanding
Scoring Rubric
Scored on communication skills, completeness, and empathy.
Laser Safety Scenario
Candidate Instructions
Demonstrate safe setup and operation of a laser device. Address safety protocols, eye protection, and parameter selection for the given skin type.
Examiner Checklist
- Correct safety eyewear selected
- Parameters appropriate for skin type
- Safety checks completed
- Emergency protocol known
Scoring Rubric
Scored on safety awareness, parameter knowledge, and protocol adherence.
Emergency Anaphylaxis
Candidate Instructions
Manage a patient presenting with anaphylaxis following a cosmetic procedure. Demonstrate immediate assessment and emergency management.
Examiner Checklist
- Recognises anaphylaxis signs
- Administers IM adrenaline correctly
- Positions patient appropriately
- Calls for emergency services
Scoring Rubric
Scored on recognition speed, drug administration, and ABCDE approach.
Ethical Dilemma Case
Candidate Instructions
Discuss the ethical considerations in a scenario involving a young patient requesting significant aesthetic modification without medical indication.
Examiner Checklist
- Identifies ethical principles
- Discusses autonomy vs beneficence
- Considers psychological assessment
- Documents decision-making process
Scoring Rubric
Scored on ethical reasoning, professional judgement, and documentation.
Treatment Planning Case
Candidate Instructions
Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient presenting with multiple aesthetic concerns including volume loss, dynamic lines, and skin quality issues.
Examiner Checklist
- Systematic facial assessment
- Prioritised treatment approach
- Combination therapy rationale
- Follow-up plan established
Scoring Rubric
Scored on assessment thoroughness, clinical reasoning, and plan coherence.
Complication Audit Discussion
Candidate Instructions
Present and discuss a complication case from your logbook. Analyse root cause, management steps taken, and lessons learned.
Examiner Checklist
- Clear case presentation
- Root cause analysis
- Evidence-based management
- Reflective learning demonstrated
Scoring Rubric
Scored on analytical skills, evidence application, and reflective practice.
Injection Marking Simulation
Candidate Instructions
Mark injection sites on a mannequin for mid-face volumisation using hyaluronic acid filler. Explain your approach, depths, and product selection.
Examiner Checklist
- Anatomically correct marking
- Appropriate product selected
- Depth and plane specified
- Dose calculation accurate
Scoring Rubric
Scored on marking precision, anatomical knowledge, and product selection rationale.
Patient Assessment & Documentation
Candidate Instructions
Conduct a complete aesthetic assessment of a standardised patient. Document findings using appropriate classification systems and photographic standards.
Examiner Checklist
- Uses Fitzpatrick/Glogau scales
- Standardised photography setup
- Comprehensive documentation
- Clear treatment objectives
Scoring Rubric
Scored on assessment completeness, documentation quality, and classification accuracy.
Infection Control & Asepsis
Candidate Instructions
Demonstrate proper aseptic technique for injectable procedures including preparation, procedure, and post-procedure protocols.
Examiner Checklist
- Hand hygiene demonstrated
- Skin preparation technique
- Aseptic field maintained
- Sharps disposal protocol
Scoring Rubric
Scored on technique adherence, contamination avoidance, and protocol knowledge.