AMC Clinical (Part 2 OSCE) study guide
AMC Clinical (Part 2 OSCE) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The AMC Clinical Examination is the practical, OSCE-style stage of the Australian Medical Council's Standard Pathway assessment for international medical graduates. Candidates must already have passed the AMC CAT MCQ examination before they can sit it. The circuit comprises 16 assessed stations and four rest stations. Each station lasts 10 minutes, split into two minutes of reading time and eight minutes of assessment time. Topics on this exam: History taking, Examination, Diagnostic formulation, and Management/counselling/education. The AMC Clinical (Part 2 OSCE) study guide has 4 sections and about 1,136 words.
01History Taking in the OSCE
History stations reward a structured, patient-centred interview. The examiner marks against a checklist of content items and process items, so both what you ask and how you ask it count. Open with an introduction, confirm identity and consent, and use an opening question such as "What would you like to discuss today?" before narrowing. Use a recognised framework: presenting complaint with onset, character, site, radiation, timing, severity and associated features; then systems review; then past history, medications, allergies, family and social history.
314 words, about 2 min02Examination Technique and Presentation
Examination stations test a safe, reproducible sequence and clear communication. Before touching the patient, wash hands, explain the examination, gain consent and arrange appropriate exposure and privacy. State your findings as you go, because examiners cannot credit silent discovery. Show a logical order for each system: for a cardiovascular exam, general inspection, hands, pulse, blood pressure, neck, precordium, auscultation, then peripheral and special tests.
279 words, about 1 min03Diagnostic Formulation and Reasoning
Formulation stations ask you to synthesise history and examination into a problem list, a ranked differential and a plan. Examiners reward structured reasoning, not a lucky single diagnosis. Start with a one-line summary: age, relevant background, key symptoms and signs, and the central problem. Build a problem representation, then generate a differential using anatomical, physiological or systems-based reasoning.
285 words, about 1 min04Management, Counselling and Education
Management stations test whether you can turn a diagnosis into a safe, patient-centred plan and communicate it plainly. Structure the station: explain the diagnosis, discuss options with benefits and harms, agree a plan, and arrange safety-netting and follow-up. Check the patient's understanding throughout and invite questions. Use a shared decision-making model: elicit the patient's priorities, present options neutrally, and support their choice.
258 words, about 1 min