The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is widely used as an assessment tool. Traditionally, the OSCE measures history taking, physical exam, and interview skills. More recently, the OSCE has also been utilized to assess professionalism. Because episodes of unprofessional behavior are situational and therefore difficult to track, a case was designed to present a special challenge that might identify shortfalls in professionalism. A scale was also developed to measure this behavior in each OSCE encounter.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether professionalism could be adequately assessed by using common OSCE cases or whether a designated case with a specific formal component is needed.

Presented at the AAMC (Association of American Colleges) Annual Meeting, RIME (Research in Medical Education) Program, November 2003.