Fill - Free fillable MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS (National Asthma Council Australia) PDF form

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, training

and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian Community.”

Australian Medical Council

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

EXAMINATION

SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, training and

assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community.”

Edition 10

ABN 97 131 796 980

ISB

N 978-1-938182-07-5

AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL LIMITED

PO BOX 4810

KINGSTON, ACT, 2604

AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 02 6270 9878

Facsimile: 02 6270 9799

Email: amc@amc.org.au

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Australian

Medical Council Limited

MCQ EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS BOOKLET

IMPORTANT NOTE

Candidates are advised to study this booklet closely before presenting for AMC examinations.

Candidates should note that the AMC is not involved in the administration of Medicare. Any questions

concerning Medicare Provider Numbers should be directed to the Australian Department of Health and

Ageing. Nor is the AMC involved directly in aspects of registration to practise, which is the responsibility of

the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).

Examination requirements may change. All matters concerning the AMC examination, including any

changes in the format and content or associated procedures, will be conveyed to candidates in writing by the

Secretariat. Candidates are recommended to regularly check the AMC website for updates.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................1

Introduction ...........................................................................................................................................1

Assessment Aims and Objectives .........................................................................................................1

Structure of the AMC Examination ........................................................................................................1

Standard of the AMC Examinations ......................................................................................................2

THE MCQ EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................2

Requirements of the MCQ Examination ...............................................................................................2

COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TEST (CAT) FORMAT EXAMINATION ................................................3

Commencing 2011 series .....................................................................................................................3

Delivery of the AMC CAT format MCQ examination....................................................................3

Review of items ...........................................................................................................................4

Scoring of the examination ..........................................................................................................4

Pilot items ....................................................................................................................................4

Content of the AMC CAT MCQ Examination ........................................................................................4

AMC blueprint of Computer Adaptive Test format MCQ examination – 120 scored items ....................4

Candidate information on Clinician Tasks and Patient Groups ...................................................5

Clinician tasks .............................................................................................................................5

Patient groups .............................................................................................................................5

Examination administration for AMC candidates .........................................................................6

AMC Score ..................................................................................................................................7

Scoring of answers ...............................................................................................................................7

MCQ Results .........................................................................................................................................8

Sample feedback sheet ...............................................................................................................8

Online MCQ trial examination and sample questions .........................................................................10

Topics covered in the MCQ Examination ............................................................................................10

Systems, regions and disciplines ........................................................................................................10

Glossary of Medical Terms used in Multiple Choice Questions ..........................................................11

Reference range for laboratory investigations used in Multiple Choice Questions .............................12

PREPARING FOR THE MCQ EXAMINATION ...........................................................................12

Review of topics ..................................................................................................................................12

Anthology of Medical Conditions ...............................................................................................12

Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions ...................................................................................13

Reconstructed AMC papers ................................................................................................................13

General preparation for the MCQ Examination...................................................................................13

Strategies for answering Multiple Choice Questions ..........................................................................14

A-type Questions (one out of five correct) .................................................................................14

Image or data interpretation questions ......................................................................................14

Applying for the MCQ Examination ...........................................................................................14

Conduct of candidates presenting for the AMC MCQ Examination ....................................................15

The AMC Computer-Administered MCQ Examination ........................................................................15

Request for duplicate copies of AMC results ......................................................................................16

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION .........................................................................................................16

Change of Address .............................................................................................................................16

Further information..............................................................................................................................16

APPENDIX A ...............................................................................................................................17

Attributes of Medical graduates .........................................................................................................17

Knowledge and Understanding ..........................................................................................................18

Skills ...................................................................................................................................................19

Attitudes as they Affect Professional Behaviour ................................................................................20

APPENDIX B...............................................................................................................................21

Sample Questions...............................................................................................................................21

Image Questions .................................................................................................................................21

Sample MCQ Examination..................................................................................................................21

Correct responses for AMC MCQ sample questions ..........................................................................24

APPENDIX C...............................................................................................................................25

Glossary of medical terms used in Multiple Choice Questions ...........................................................25

APPENDIX D...............................................................................................................................26

List of suggested reading material for Examination preparation .........................................................26

Anthology of Medical Conditions ...............................................................................................26

Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions ...................................................................................26

Handbook of Clinical Assessment .............................................................................................27

Multi-station Structured Clinical Assessment DVD ....................................................................27

Suggested text books .........................................................................................................................27

Medicine ....................................................................................................................................27

Surgery ......................................................................................................................................28

Paediatrics.................................................................................................................................29

Obstetrics & Gynaecology .........................................................................................................29

Psychiatry ..................................................................................................................................29

General Practice........................................................................................................................30

Population Health ......................................................................................................................30

Refugee Health .........................................................................................................................31

Ethical and legal responsibilities ...............................................................................................31

Miscellaneous............................................................................................................................31

Journals .....................................................................................................................................32

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TABLE OF

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Guidelines and

specications

GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

These guidelines and specifications have been prepared to assist

candidates for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination. The

guidelines contain information about:

• the format and content of the AMC Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

examination

• levels of clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes required to satisfy the

requirements of the examination

• the requirements and format of the MCQ examination

• the areas and topics covered in the examination

• preparing for the AMC examination

• sample question items for the MCQ examination

• suggested reading lists for the examination.

Candidates should study these guidelines in conjunction with the

current AMC publication Applying to the Australian Medical Council,

which sets out the formal procedures for the AMC examination. This

publication is available on the AMC website at http://www.amc.org.au/

index.php/pub/downloads/359-applying-to-amc

ASSESSMENT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The AMC examination is designed to assess, for registration purposes, the

medical knowledge and clinical skills of international medical graduates

(IMG’s) whose basic medical qualifications are not recognised by the

Medical Board of Australia (MBA).

The MCQ examination focuses on basic and applied medical knowledge

across a wide range of topics and disciplines, involving understanding

of the disease process, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigation,

therapy and management, as well as on the candidate’s ability to exercise

discrimination, judgment and reasoning in distinguishing between the

correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives.

The clinical examination also assesses the candidate’s capacity to take

a history, conduct a physical examination, formulate diagnostic and

management plans, and communicate with patients, their families and

other health workers.

STRUCTURE OF THE AMC EXAMINATION

The AMC examination consists of two parts:

• a multiple choice question (MCQ) examination to test medical

knowledge in a one three and a half hour session containing 150

questions. The AMC MCQ examination is a computer-administered

examination.

• a clinical examination, testing clinical and communication skills,

of three to four hours duration, which is administered on a single

afternoon or morning. A clinical re-test examination, duration of one to

two hours, will be administered if required.

TABLE OF

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MCQ examination

specications

The AMC examination is designed as a comprehensive test of medical

knowledge, clinical competency and performance. Both MCQ and clinical

assessments are multidisciplinary and integrated.

STANDARD OF THE AMC EXAMINATIONS

The standard of the AMC examinations is formally defined as the level

of attainment of medical knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes which is

required of newly qualified graduates of Australian medical schools, who

are about to commence intern training.

The goals and objectives forming the basis of medical education in

Australia, as determined by the AMC for the accreditation of medical

schools, are expressed in terms of:

• objectives relating to knowledge and understanding

• objectives relating to skills and performance

• objectives relating to attitudes as they affect professional behaviour.

The objectives (Attributes of Medical Graduates) are listed in APPENDIX A.

In undergraduate courses, these are assessed over several years in a

variety of ways, whereas the AMC assessment is conducted through a

MCQ examination and a clinical examination.

THE MCQ EXAMINATION

The MCQ examination operates as a pass/fail examination, with the pass

mark set at the level of knowledge required by Australian medical schools

for their final-year graduates.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MCQ EXAMINATION

The MCQ examination is a test of the principles and practice of medicine

in the fields of Adult Health - Medicine, Adult Health - Surgery, Womens

Health - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Child Health, Mental Health and

Population Health & Ethics. The majority of the multiple choice questions

reflect common clinical conditions in the Australian community. In order

to achieve a satisfactory level of performance, a candidate will require a

knowledge of:

• pathogenesis

• clinical features

• investigative findings

• differential diagnosis

• management and treatment.

Some questions in the MCQ examination will test basic or essential

knowledge and understanding of topics covered by the examination. Other

questions will require more insight and will test the candidate’s capacity

to distinguish between the correct diagnosis and plausible alternatives.

Questions may contain images of X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs),

scans, clinical photographs and other visual material.

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Computer Adaptive

Test (CAT) format

Examination

In general, the MCQ examination will test a candidate’s capacity for

reasoning rather than rote learning. The MCQ examination includes

questions which are regarded as critical to the safety or clinical outcome

or threat to life for the patient, or are based upon important common

conditions and one of:

A. Related to life threatening illness; or

B. Critical to safe practice (includes professionalism); or

C. Successful clinical outcome; or

D. Important aspects of public health

COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TEST (CAT)

FORMAT EXAMINATION

COMMENCING 2011 SERIES

A Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format of MCQ is a form of computer-

based test administration in which each candidate takes a unique,

customised examination. Research over the past decades has confirmed

the comparability between CATs and fixed length tests, but with CATs

requiring less than half the number of questions to obtain more precise

results.

The development and refinement of Item Response Theory and Rasch

models provided the theoretical structure and calibration data necessary

for building item banks on a common scale. Each test is created from

a common pool of previously calibrated questions and is automatically

equated to any other test drawn from that pool. A pass/fail point (cut score or

standard) is defined for the examination, and each candidate is measured

against this point regardless of the group of candidates with whom they

are examined, or the particular set of questions they are administered, or

when they take the test.

DELIVERY OF THE AMC CAT FORMAT MCQ EXAMINATION

In the CAT MCQ format examination, for each candidate the first question

is randomly selected from the item pool. If the answer to the question is

incorrect, the next question chosen is a less difficult question; if correct, the

next question is a more difficult question. This process is continued until

the last question is reached. After each response, the computer calculates

the ability estimate (“score”) based on all the information available and

obtained to that point. The precision of the ability estimate improves as

the process is continued because the questions are targeted to the latest

ability estimate of each candidate.

This mode of measurement is much more efficient than a traditional

examination where all candidates have to answer the same set of

questions. Some of the questions in a traditional examination will be too

easy or too difficult for some or all candidates sitting that examination.

Such questions are not administered to candidates in CATs since items

are selected from the pool of calibrated questions that match the ability

(knowledge and understanding) of each individual candidate, which is the

reason why a shorter examination can yield more precise results for all

candidates. Computer adaptive testing ensures that each candidate is

given questions appropriate to his/her knowledge and understanding.

TABLE OF

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MCQ examination

specications

REVIEW OF ITEMS

In the AMC CAT MCQ computer-administered examination a candidate

is provided with a ‘review’ facility on completion of the examination, if

time permits. A candidate cannot go back to a question and change a

response during the examination (before all of the 150 questions have

been attempted) as the computer uses all the current information to select

the next question to administer. However, once the examination has been

completed and there is still examination time left, a candidate can go

back to any question and change any response. If a response is changed

from correct to incorrect, or from incorrect to correct, the computer will

recalculate the ability estimate. In other words the final candidate ability

(“score”) is calculated on the final response to each question.

SCORING OF THE EXAMINATION

It is important to note that the number of correct answers is not used

to calculate a candidate’s ability. Some candidates would have been

administered difficult questions whilst others would have been administered

easier questions – depending on the correct or incorrect answers to

previous questions. Therefore, if candidates have the same number of

correct answers, the ability of the candidate that answered the difficult

questions will be higher than the ability of the candidate that answered the

easier questions. The AMC score is based on the candidate ability level

and represented on the AMC scale.

PILOT ITEMS

Pilot items are non-scored items used to test and calibrate new questions,

which may be used in future examinations. In addition to the 120 scored

questions, each candidate will be administered 30 pilot items, which are

integrated through the examination content. However, it is important to note

that the final 20 items in the examination are scored items only, therefore

candidates are encouraged to pace themselves during the examination

[a timer-clock is included in the examination platform for each individual

candidate].

CONTENT OF THE AMC CAT MCQ EXAMINATION

The content of the AMC CAT MCQ examination consists of 150 A-type

MCQs [one correct response from five options] – 120 scored items and 30

[non-scored] pilot items.

AMC BLUEPRINT OF COMPUTER ADAPTIVE TEST

FORMAT MCQ EXAMINATION – 120 SCORED ITEMS

As distributed to candidates in a computer-administered fully integrated

CAT MCQ examination.

Patient groups

AMC CAT

MCQ

BLUEPRINT

Adult

Health

[Medicine]

Adult

Health

[Surgery]

Womens

Health

[Obs]

[Gyn]

Child

Health

Mental

Health

Population

Health

ITEM

TOTALS

ITEM TOTALS 35 25 15 15 15 15 120

TABLE OF

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Computer Adaptive

Test (CAT) format

Examination

An additional 30 pilot [non-scored] items are included in the examination

session of 3½ hours.

Each candidate receives 120 scored + 30 [non-scored] pilot items = 150

items.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION ON CLINICIAN TASKS AND

PATIENT GROUPS

Examination questions within the CAT MCQ examination are classified in

terms of both Clinician Tasks and Patient Groups, as follows:

CLINICIAN TASKS

Data Gathering [up to 23.5% of the scored items]

History taking, mental status examination, physical examination, laboratory

testing, imaging, other investigations, and clinical reasoning.

Data Interpretation and Synthesis [up to 29% of the scored items]

Interpretation and synthesis of gathered data. Clinical reasoning, problem

identification, setting priorities and risk stratification. Formulation of

differential and specific diagnosis, causes and associations with presenting

conditions.

Management [up to 35% of the scored items]

Education and health promotion, counselling, psychotherapy, drug and non-

drug therapy (including fluid and electrolyte therapy), surgical interventions,

radiological interventions, drug interactions and complications, cessation

of therapy, rehabilitation, palliative care, interdisciplinary management,

family and community care.

PATIENT GROUPS

A total of 120 scored items are selected from the AMC pool of items and

distributed across the following proportions based on the candidate’s

ability level.

Adult Health - Medicine [30% of scored items]

Adult Health - Surgery [20% of scored items]

These patient groups cover a broad spectrum of adult health and aged

care, and involve a sound foundation knowledge of the medical sciences

(physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, pharmacology) and an understanding

of pathobiology and pathophysiology. They include developed and practiced

clinical skills (communication, history taking, physical examination,

counselling) an appropriate understanding of principles of treatment and

familiarity with current management strategies (investigations, procedural

interventions, drug and non-drug therapies).

Women’s Health [12.5% of scored items]

Gynaecology covers a broad spectrum of women’s health care, and

involves all principles of adult health as above. Obstetrics also embodies

these principles with the addition of the understanding of the basic

sciences as they apply to reproduction and the effects of pathobiology and

pathophysiology on the reproductive process (pregnancy, labour, birth and

the post-natal period).

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MCQ examination

specications

Child Health [12.5% of scored items]

Child health includes developmental dimensions of children’s health

from fetal development and transition to extra-uterine life to the end of

adolescence, including growth, physical development, puberty and

intellectual development in normal and abnormal situations. Clinical

features and natural history of important conditions are covered including

basic pathophysiology of medical and surgical conditions including

recognition and management of developmental disability. Core clinical

skills and management of common and important conditions in a range

of settings (emergency, ambulatory, inpatient, convalescent) are included

covering medical, surgical and psychosocial interventions.

Mental Health [12.5% of scored items]

The assessment, diagnosis and management of psychological, behavioural

and mental disorders and illnesses and addictions across all age groups,

based on bio-psychosocial and cognitive principles. This includes history,

mental state features, investigations and co-morbidities, with management

to include the use of psychological/behavioural, physical, pharmacological

and psychotherapeutic interventions, with their risks and benefits.

Population Health and Ethics [12.5% of scored items]

Population health strategies are to improve the health of targeted

populations, and include screening activities, surveillance, vaccination

programs, population-level education, epidemiology and legislation or

disease management measures. Population health concepts may arise

in a range of health care settings and across all patient groups, and

will include health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Ethical

issues cover professional behaviour including boundary issues, patient

confidentiality, informed consent and impairment of doctors. Legal issues

embrace regulations covering the Australian health care system and the

delivery of best practice medicine.

EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION FOR AMC CANDIDATES

• MCQ questions in the AMC CAT MCQ format are the same as those

used in the current AMC MCQ examinations and published in the AMC

Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions

• All MCQs in the CAT MCQ examination are selected from the current

AMC MCQ bank.

• All MCQs are A-type format – one correct response from five. In A-type

questions, each question or incomplete statement is followed by five

suggested answers, or completions, labelled A, B, C, D and E. The

candidate must decide which ONE response is the BEST choice.

• Each question in the MCQ examination has a correct response.

• Marks will not be deducted for incorrect answers.

• The AMC CAT MCQ examination is administered by computer and is

not available as a written (pencil and paper) examination.

• The AMC CAT MCQ examination blueprint covers Clinician Tasks and

Patient Groups.

• 150 MCQs are administered over one session of 3½ hours.

• 120 MCQs are scored items.

Note: Population Health is not

classified by Clinician Tasks and

makes up the balance of 12.5% of

the scored items.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Computer Adaptive

Test (CAT) format

Examination

• 30 Pilot [non-scored] items are integrated throughout the examination

content until the final 20 items.

• 30 Pilot [non-scored] items are selected from the AMC blueprint of

Clinician Tasks and Patient Groups.

• The final 20 items in the examination are scored items only.

• Candidates are expected to complete, in the 3.5 hour examination

session, all 150 items of which 120 items are scored items. Failure to

complete all 120 scored items in the AMC CAT MCQ examination may

lead to insufficient information for a reliable ability to be determined

and therefore a result on the AMC adaptive scale. The examination

result is recorded as Fail – insufficient data to obtain result.

• Items are randomized across the blueprint [fully integrated format].

• Candidates must pace themselves to provide review time, if required.

• A timer-clock is included in the examination platform for each individual

candidate.

• Candidates can flag [assign] items for review during the examination

but will not be able to return to these items until all 150 questions have

been answered.

• The review action is activated after the final question is answered.

• The results to candidates will be forwarded four to six weeks after the

examination.

Although the new AMC CAT MCQ examination and its associated on-

line scheduling procedures are substantially more sophisticated than the

current AMC MCQ examinations, the AMC does not propose to change the

examination fee for the CAT MCQ at this time.

AMC SCORE

The result of the AMC CAT MCQ examination is reported on the standard

AMC Scale with a score of 250 overall as the pass score.

A Mastery score is not derived – therefore Mastery items are not indicated

in the examination.

SCORING OF ANSWERS

The MCQ examination is marked by a national independent educational

testing centre on behalf of the AMC.

The scoring system for the MCQ Examination (A-type questions) is:

Correct response = SCORED

Incorrect response = NIL SCORE

Each question has a correct response. Marks are not deducted for incorrect

answers.

Each candidate receives a computer-generated transcript of their results

and feedback on their performance in the MCQ examination.

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MCQ examination

specications

MCQ RESULTS

Each candidate receives a computer-generated transcript of their results and feedback on their

performance in the MCQ examination. The expected date of dispatch of results is notified on the

AMC MCQ website.

SAMPLE FEEDBACK SHEET

PERFORMANCE IN THE AMC CAT MCQ EXAMINATION

Candidate Number: XXXXXXX

Candidate Name: XXXXX XXXXXXXXX

Examination Date: XXXXX XXX XXXXX

AMC Adaptive Score: XXX

Candidate Result: XXXXX

AMC SCALE

Distribution of Candidate Scores

(Scale indicative only. Does not reflect pass rate)

Your score

0 500

100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450

Passing score

CANDIDATE RESULTS

For comparative purposes, the range of candidate scores for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Computer

Adaptive Test (CAT) Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination is shown in the boxed area on the AMC

scale.

DEFINITION OF THE AMC SCALE

• The AMC required pass standard of 250 is indicated on the scale.

• The AMC candidate's individual AMC Adaptive Score is indicated by the arrow.

Scaling of the AMC CAT MCQ examination is undertaken in order to maintain a consistent standard.

As indicated, the PASS/FAIL decision is based entirely on the overall score gained from completion of

questions in all Patient Groups.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Computer Adaptive

Test (CAT) format

Examination

PERFORMANCE BY PATIENT GROUP FOR SCORED ITEMS

AMC CAT MCQ EXAMINATION

In order to provide feedback to candidates, all scored questions in the AMC CAT MCQ examination are classified according to the

AMC examination blueprint in terms of Patient Groups.

Candidate Number: XXXXXXX

Candidate Name: XXXXX XXXXXXXXX

Candidate Result: XXXX

This information, as a review of performance across the Patient Groups, is provided to assist in preparation for future AMC examinations.

PATIENT GROUP CANDIDATE PERFORMANCE

Adult Health — Medicine XXXXXXXXXXX

Adult Health — Surgery XXXXXXXXXXX

Women's Health XXXXXXXXXXX

Child Health XXXXXXXXXXX

Mental Health XXXXXXXXXXX

Population Health and Ethics XXXXXXXXXXX

DEFINITIONS OF CANDIDATE PERFORMANCE

Satisfactory Reached an appropriate standard in this MCQ assessment. To maintain adequate clinical capability requires ongoing

review in a clinical context.

Borderline Requires further and careful revision of topics in this Patient Group.

Unsatisfactory Performance in this discipline is clearly below a pass standard. An extensive and thorough revision of topics in this

discipline is required.

PATIENT GROUPS A total of 120 scored items are selected from the AMC pool of items, based on the candidate's ability level, and are

distributed across the following proportions. The approximate weightings for each patient group are indicated below.

Adult Health - Medicine (30% of scored item) Adult Health - Surgery (20% of scored items)

These patient groups cover a broad spectrum of adult health and aged care, and involve a sound foundation knowledge of the medical

sciences (physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, pharmacology) and an understanding of pathobiology and pathophysiology. They include

developed and practiced clinical skills (communication, history taking, physical examination, counselling) an appropriate understanding of

principles of treatment and familiarity with current management strategies (investigations, procedural interventions, drug and non-drug

therapies).

Women's Health (12.5% of scored items)

Gynaecology covers a broad spectrum of women's health care, and involves all principles of adult health as above. Obstetrics also embodies

these principles with the addition of the understanding of the basic sciences as they apply to reproduction and the effects of pathobiology

and pathophysiology on the reproductive process (pregnancy, labour, birth and the post-natal period).

Child Health (12.5% of scored items)

Child health includes the developmental dimensions of children's health from fetal development and transition to extra-uterine life to the end

of adolescence. Normal growth and puberty, physical and intellectual development in normal and abnormal situations are important

components of this. The clinical features, natural history and diagnosis of important conditions are covered. This includes basic

pathophysiology of medical and surgical conditions in children and the recognition and management of developmental disability. Core clinical

skills and the management of common and important medical, surgical and psychosocial conditions in a range of settings (emergency,

ambulatory, inpatient, convalescent) are also considered essential components of the Children's Health content.

Mental Health (12.5% of scored items)

The assessment, diagnosis and management of psychological, behavioural and mental disorders and illnesses and addictions across all age

groups, based on bio-psychosocial and cognitive principles. This includes history, mental state features, investigations and co-morbidities,

with management to include the use of psychological/behavioural, physical, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions, with their

risks and benefits.

Population Health and Ethics (12.5% of scored items)

Population health strategies are to improve the health of targeted populations, and include screening activities, surveillance, vaccination

programs, population-level education, epidemiology and legislation or disease management measures. Population health concepts may arise

in a range of health care settings and across all patient groups, and will include health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Ethical

issues cover professional behaviour including boundary issues, patient confidentiality, informed consent and impairment of doctors. Legal

issues embrace regulations covering the Australian health care system and the delivery of best practice medicine.

Examination questions in the AMC CAT MCQ examination relate to the AMC MCQ blueprint of three broad Clinician Tasks - Data Gathering,

Data Interpretation and Synthesis, Management - as outlined in the AMC MCQ Examination Specifications booklet.

TABLE OF

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MCQ examination

specications

ONLINE MCQ TRIAL EXAMINATION AND SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

The AMC conducts the computer-administered MCQ examinations

throughout the year, in centres within Australia and overseas. In order for

the candidates to familiarise themselves with the computer-administered

examination, an online MCQ Trial examination, consisting of 50 questions,

is available on the AMC website, http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/

exam/mcq/trial-examination#

Appendix B contains sample MCQs which reflect the format and

structure of questions to be used in the MCQ examination.

TOPICS COVERED IN THE MCQ EXAMINATION

The content of the MCQ examination is determined and set by the AMC

Board of Examiners prior to each examination. The following topics

illustrate the range of conditions and topics that MAY be covered in the

AMC MCQ examination.

SYSTEMS, REGIONS AND DISCIPLINES

1. INTEGUMENT / DERMATOLOGY May include: common disorders of skin,

dermatology, subcutaneous tissues; burns, wounds and wound healing,

plastic and reconstructive surgery.

2. HEAD AND NECK / ENT May include: ophthalmology, head and neck,

otorhinolaryngology, pharynx, salivary glands.

3. NERVOUS SYSTEM / NEUROLOGY May include: brain, cranial nerves,

cerebrospinal fluid, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, regional anaesthesia

and autonomic nervous system.

4. MUSCULOSKELETAL / ORTHOPAEDICS / RHEUMATOLOGY May

include: bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, physical medicine,

trauma, geriatrics, rehabilitation.

5. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM / HEART / VESSELS May include: heart,

circulation, hypertension, haemorrhage, shock, pericardium, great

vessels, peripheral arteries, veins, lymphatics.

6. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM / LUNGS / CHEST WALL May include:

respiration, mechanics of gas exchange and transport, lungs, bronchial

tree, mediastinum, chest, chest wall.

7. GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM / ABDOMEN / ABDOMINAL WALL May

include: digestion and excretion, oesophagus and diaphragm, stomach,

duodenum, small bowel, colon, appendix, rectum, anus, perito-neal

cavity, acute abdomen, liver, biliary tree, pancreas, pelvic floor, perineum,

abdominal wall, her-nias, inguinoscrotal region.

8. BREAST / ENDOCRINE SYSTEM May include: breast, pituitary, thyroid,

parathyroid, calcium, bone metabolism, adrenal, diabetes and pancreatic

islets, gut hormones, neuroendocrine interactions, metabolic responses

to injury.

9. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM / OBSTETRICS GYNAECOLOGY

May include: female reproductive system, disorders of uterus, tubes,

ovaries, vagina, fertility, contraception, hormones, menstruation, obstetrics,

pregnancy, labour, abortion, eclampsia, obstetrical haemorrhage,

menopause, pelvic infection, vaginal discharge, pruritus, gynaecological

malignancies.

Note: This list is not exhaustive

and is provided as a guide only.

TABLE OF

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Computer Adaptive

Test (CAT) format

Examination

10. HAEMOPOIETIC SYSTEM / HAEMATOLOGY / BLOOD / BLOOD

PRODUCTS May include: blood cells, proteins, blood products and

transfusion, fat embolism, bone marrow and blood production, coagulation

and anticoagulation, haemolysis, haemostasis, bleeding disorders.

11. RENAL SYSTEM / UROLOGY / MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

May include: fluid and electrolyte renal homeostasis, nephrology, renal

function, urology, urinary collecting system, disorders of kidneys, bladder,

prostate, male reproductive system, disorders of testis, epididymis, penis.

12. MENTAL STATE / INTELLECTUAL FUNCTION / BEHAVIOURAL

PROBLEMS May include: mental deficiency, personality disorders,

psychosomatic and psychosocial problems.

13. MAJOR PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS / DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE May

include: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychosis, organic brain

disorders, alcoholism, substance abuse.

14. NORMAL AND ABNORMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT / CHILD

HEALTH / PAEDIATRICS May include: genetics, embryology, normal

growth and development, errors of development, child health and

paediatrics.

15. NUTRITION / METABOLISM May include: metabolism and nutrition,

normal fluid and electrolyte balance and disorders, acid-base balance and

disorders.

16. INFECTIOUS DISEASES May include: bacterial infectious diseases,

parasites, viruses and viral disease.

17. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY May include: physiological regulation,

pharmacology and pharmacokinetic, psycho-pharmacology, therapeutics,

synaptic transmission, toxicity and poisoning.

18. CLINICAL ONCOLOGY May include: histology and ultrastructure,

disordered cell growth, degeneration, calcification, neoplasia, medical and

surgical oncology, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

19. CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY May include: lymph nodes and lymphatics,

immunology, transplantation, spleen and reticulo-endothelial system,

allergy, immune deficiency disorders.

20. CRITICAL CARE / ANAESTHESIA / EMERGENCY MEDICINE May

include: general, regional and local anaesthesia and analgesia,

consciousness, pre- and post-operative care, perioperative pain relief and

complications, trauma, emergency medicine, intensive care.

21. GENERAL PRACTICE / PUBLIC HEALTH May include: community, family

and hospital medicine, general practice, demography, statistics, public

health, informatics, social and preventive medicine, forensic and legal

medicine, health economics and ethics.

GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS USED IN MULTIPLE

CHOICE QUESTIONS

A glossary of medical terms used in the MCQ examination has been

prepared by the Board of Examiners as a guide to interpretation of

questions. This is shown in APPENDIX C.

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MCQ examination

specications

REFERENCE RANGE FOR LABORATORY

INVESTIGATIONS USED IN MULTIPLE CHOICE

QUESTIONS

The units used for expressing the results of investigations are SI units

which are standardised throughout Australia. The candidate is expected

to know the normal values and range for full blood count, common serum

electrolytes, glucose, CSF and microurine microscopy and culture. For

other estimations the value is given, the standard abbreviation for the

units followed, in brackets, by the reference range. The reference range is

appropriate for the age and sex of the patient described.

PREPARING FOR THE MCQ EXAMINATION

REVIEW OF TOPICS

The MCQ examination is a comprehensive examination of medical

knowledge and practice. The AMC recommends that candidates undertake

a thorough review of the major topics covered in the examination.

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the MCQ format. A wide

range of general texts is readily available on this form of examination and

its associated techniques. The AMC publication Annotated Multiple Choice

Questions also covers these aspects. To assist candidates, the AMC has

prepared a list of the major textbooks in common use in Australian medical

schools, which is set out in APPENDIX D.

Please note that some of the textbooks and websites listed in APPENDIX D

are intended to provide background reading on key topics and contain a

great deal of reference material. The questions in the MCQ examination

are oriented towards the more common clinical applications, differential

diagnosis and therapeutics. Accordingly, care should be taken when using

major reference type textbooks for revision. Many candidates find it more

useful to undertake a comprehensive review of medical journals, such

as Australian Family Physician, Current Therapeutics, Australian

Prescriber or any of the other journals in general practice medicine. These

journals contain useful review articles and summaries of the identification,

treatment and management of the more common clinical conditions in the

Australian community.

The AMC has prepared two major publications for candidates preparing for

the MCQ and clinical examinations.

ANTHOLOGY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS

The AMC publication Anthology of Medical

Conditions has been produced not only to assist

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to prepare

for the AMC Examinations but also as an essential

tool for clinical practice. The publication lists over

130 Clinical Presentations of clinical conditions

and classifies them to assist in a problem-solving

approach to diagnosis and management.

It is essential for all doctors to be familiar with the

laws of the society in which they practise medicine

and the ethics that underpin medical practice. It

TABLE OF

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Preparing for the

MCQ Examination

is also important to understand the organisational aspects of medicine

in the Australian context. The Anthology of Medical Conditions contains

a separate section dealing with these important issues, entitled Legal,

Ethical and Organisational Aspects of the Practice of Medicine (LEO).

The publication is enhanced throughout with medical illustrations. The

publication is recommended for use in preparing for the AMC Multiple

Choice Question (MCQ) and Clinical Examinations.

To purchase the Anthology of Medical Conditions go to the AMC’s online

store at https://store.amc.org.au/

HANDBOOK OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

The AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions

is a major publication designed to assist IMGs

prepare for the AMC’s Multiple Choice Question

(MCQ) Examination. It contains almost 600

Multiple Choice Questions drawn from the AMC

Examination banks. The handbook covers all

disciplines and clinical categories and contains

a complete multidisciplinary 150 question MCQ

paper.

To purchase the Handbook of Multiple Choice

Questions go to the AMC’s online store at https://

store.amc.org.au/

RECONSTRUCTED AMC PAPERS

The AMC is aware that MCQ examination papers which are circulated are

claimed to be accurate reproductions of AMC MCQ examination papers.

Candidates should exercise care when using these reconstructed papers.

The AMC has been provided with copies of these papers and has found the

question stems and responses to be incorrect. Candidates who base their

preparation on such reconstructed papers may have a distorted impression

of the format and content of the actual multiple choice questions used in

the AMC examination.

GENERAL PREPARATION FOR THE MCQ

EXAMINATION

Poor preparation on the day of the examination may heighten stress and

lead to an impairment of performance. The following approaches have

been found useful by previous candidates and may assist candidates to

prepare for and to undertake the MCQ examination:

• Avoid intensive study immediately before the examination.

• Try to get a good night’s sleep before the examination and avoid the

use of stimulants.

• Dress comfortably on the day of the examination.

• Have a light meal before the examination and avoid a large heavy

meal which could make you drowsy.

• Allow ample time for travel to ensure that you arrive on time for the

examination session.

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MCQ examination

specications

The following general instructions are provided to candidates for the MCQ

examination:

• There are 150 questions in the MCQ examination. Of these 150

questions, 120 are scored towards your total mark. You should attempt

every question.

• Read each question and the options/answers carefully. It is important

to pace yourself and to avoid spending too much time on one question.

STRATEGIES FOR ANSWERING MULTIPLE CHOICE

QUESTIONS

A-TYPE QUESTIONS (ONE OUT OF FIVE CORRECT)

Each question consists of a stem followed by five suggested answers

or completions. The candidate is required to select the best answer to

the question or the best response to the statement. A-type questions aim

to determine whether the candidate can differentiate the correct item of

information, procedure, treatment or so on, from the plausible alternative.

Answers or responses other than the single best answer may be partially

correct, but there is only one best answer or response to this type of

question.

The candidate must:

• read each question or statement carefully to understand what is being

asked

• read each option carefully and eliminate those which appear to be

only partially correct

• select the option that they consider to be the most appropriate answer.

IMAGE OR DATA INTERPRETATION QUESTIONS

In this type of question, an image, diagram, graph, X-ray, ECG or scan is

followed by a question or statement and five responses. The candidate

is required to decide which is the best answer or response. The aim of

this type of question is to test appropriate clinical material in the MCQ

examination.

In image and data interpretation questions, candidates may find it easier

to read the question or statement first in order to determine what is being

asked and then study the image or diagram. It is easier to find the specific

information in the image or diagram to answer the question or complete

the response if you know what is required.

APPLYING FOR THE MCQ EXAMINATION

Applying for an MCQ examination is available online via the AMC website.

To apply online for an MCQ examination go to https://candidates.amc.org.

au/login

For more information on How to Schedule for an MCQ examination view

the helpful guide at the AMC website http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/

img/exam/mcq#how-to-apply-for-mcq-examination-authorisation

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Preparing for the

MCQ Examination

CONDUCT OF CANDIDATES PRESENTING FOR THE

AMC MCQ EXAMINATION

All candidates must comply with the instructions of MCQ examination

supervisors during examinations. Failure to do so will constitute a breach

of examination procedures and may result in action being taken against

the candidate concerned. Candidates are expected to conduct themselves

courteously in examinations, correspondence and personal contact with

examiners, employees or agents of the AMC. A candidate who does not

comply with the instructions of an MCQ examination supervisor, or whose

conduct is disruptive or is considered by the AMC to have been outside

the bounds of reasonable and decent behaviour, may be debarred from

continuing with the examination.

No books or examination material may be used in the AMC MCQ

examination. Candidates found to be giving, receiving or recording

information during examinations will not be permitted to continue in the

examination and may forfeit their eligibility to sit future AMC examinations.

Candidates are advised that NO mobile telephones, recording devices,

microphones or textbooks are to be taken into the examination. Mobile

telephones must be switched off and left in the candidate’s bag at the

allocated baggage area. Any candidate found contravening this regulation

will be reported to the Board of Examiners for possible disciplinary action.

Candidates’ family/friends accompanying them to an examination centre

will NOT be allowed into the examination area, and are reminded that the

use of mobile phones is NOT permitted. (Family members MUST not enter

the building of the examination venue.)

All AMC candidates should be aware that, under Australian law, copyright

of all examination materials rests with the Australian Medical Council. No

part of any examination may be reproduced, stored or transmitted by any

means.

Any attempt to reproduce examination materials will be considered a

breach of examination procedures and constitutes a breach of Australian

breaches and the AMC may take action against individual candidates that

may include, but not be limited to:

• withholding or cancellation of the results of the candidate involved

• suspension of candidature for a period to be determined

• termination of eligibility to sit future amc examinations for the purposes

of registration

• reporting of breaches of examination rules to all state/territory medical

boards

• legal action to recover the cost of the examination material involved.

THE AMC COMPUTER-ADMINISTERED MCQ

EXAMINATION

As the AMC MCQ examination is computer-administered, the AMC and

the computer vendor will make every effort to ensure a smooth and orderly

examination administration. However, in extraordinary circumstances

Note: Whilst the AMC provides

examination venues to AMC

candidates undertaking the

examination process, the AMC

does not provide ‘prayer rooms’

for candidates on the day of

the examination. Candidates

are required to make their own

arrangements if a quiet place

is required; it should also be

noted the timing schedule of the

examination cannot be delayed

due to observance of religious

requirements. Candidates are in

breach of the examination process

if remaining in the examination

venue when directed to leave.

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MCQ examination

specications

beyond the control of the AMC, such as a significant power outage,

computer malfunctions or network difficulty, the AMC will take such

circumstances into account.

In instances where technical issues prevent a candidate from completing

the AMC MCQ examination under standard conditions, the AMC Board of

Examiners may review the results of the quality assurance procedures and

the statistical analyses of candidate responses, to determine whether the

results obtained by a candidate reliably reflect their true level of ability. The

Board of Examiners may also order a new examination to be undertaken.

No additional examination fee will be charged.

The AMC will NOT be responsible for any other costs associated with the

examination, including travel costs.

REQUEST FOR DUPLICATE COPIES OF AMC RESULTS

For reasons of privacy, the AMC will not send copies of a candidate’s

official examination results to anyone but the candidate. However, upon

request for duplicate copies of results, the AMC will issue candidates

with an application form, which should be completed and returned to

the AMC with the appropriate fee. It may take up to ten working days

before duplicate copies of results are forwarded. To obtain the form go to

http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

GENERAL INFORMATION

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

It is important that candidates advise the AMC promptly of each change

of address and/or telephone number. This will ensure that contact can be

made quickly with candidates as the occasion arises to notify examination

venue changes, rule or eligibility changes, or to confirm information

provided by the candidate on his or her application forms. Change of

address is available via telephone or by submitting a Change of address

Form.

To update your address and/or telephone details, you can contact the AMC

on +61 02 6270 9878. Alternatively to obtain the Change of address Form

go to http://www.amc.org.au/index.php/img/exam/forms

When advising of a change of address via telephone, you will be required

to answer some security identity questions. Upon completion of these

questions, your new address will be taken and updated on the AMC

system and a confirmation email will be forwarded.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If a candidate is in doubt about any aspect of the MCQ examination, he/

she should contact the AMC.

AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL COUNCIL

PO BOX 4810

KINGSTON, ACT, 2604

AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 02 6270 9878

Facsimile: 02 6270 9799

Email: amc@amc.org.au

TABLE OF

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Appendix A

APPENDIX A

ATTRIBUTES OF MEDICAL GRADUATES

The goal of medical education is to develop junior doctors who possess

attributes that will ensure that they are competent to practise safely and

effectively as interns in Australia or New Zealand, and that they have an

appropriate foundation for lifelong learning and for further training in any

branch of medicine. Attributes should be developed to an appropriate level

for the graduates’ stage of training.

Specific attributes incorporating:

• knowledge and understanding

• skills and

• attitudes as they affect professional behaviour

are described in the list below.

Doctors must be able to care for individual patients by preventing and

treating illness, assisting with the health education of the community,

being judicious in the use of health resources, and working with a wide

range of health professionals and other agents. They must be able to work

effectively, competently and safely in a diversity of cultural environments,

including a diversity of Indigenous health environments.

The quality of each medical school will ultimately be judged by the ability

of its graduates to perform at a high level in the changing roles the

community requires of its medical practitioners. This requires a flexibility of

approach and a commitment to a lifetime of continuing medical education.

Medical courses should produce graduates who are willing and able to

develop further their knowledge and skills, beginning in the intern year and

continuing throughout their professional careers. Graduates must possess

a sufficient educational base to respond to evolving and changing health

needs throughout their careers.

In Australia and New Zealand, inequalities remain in the health status of

various social and cultural groups. Medical schools have a responsibility

to select students who can reasonably be expected to respond to the

needs and challenges of the whole community, including the health care of

these groups. This may include selection of students who are members of

such groups. The medical curriculum should also provide opportunities for

cultural education programs, and opportunities for training and provision

of service in under-serviced communities. A balance of rural, remote and

urban area health needs should also be reflected in the curriculum.

Australia has special responsibilities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people, and New Zealand to Māori, and these responsibilities should be

reflected throughout the medical education process.

Doctors work in a context in which the Indigenous peoples of Australia

and New Zealand bear the burden of gross social, cultural and health

inequity. Doctors must be aware of the impact of their own culture and

cultural values on the delivery of services, historically and at present, and

have knowledge of, respect for and sensitivity towards the cultural needs

of Indigenous people. In this context, beginning doctors need to be able to

relate the knowledge and understanding, skills, and particularly attitudes

set out below specifically to Indigenous peoples.

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KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Graduates completing basic medical education should have knowledge

and understanding of:

1. Scientific method relevant to biological, behavioural and social

sciences at a level adequate to provide a rational basis for present

medical practice, and to acquire and incorporate the advances in

knowledge that will occur over their working life.

2. The normal structure, function and development of the human body

and mind at all stages of life, the factors that may disturb these, and

the interactions between body and mind.

3. The aetiology, pathology, symptoms and signs, natural history, and

prognosis of common mental and physical ailments in children,

adolescents, adults and the aged.

4. Common diagnostic procedures, their uses and limitations.

5. Management of common conditions including pharmacological,

physical, nutritional and psychological therapies. A more detailed

knowledge of management is required for those conditions that

require urgent assessment and treatment.

6. Normal pregnancy and childbirth, the more common obstetrical

emergencies, the principles of antenatal and postnatal care, and

medical aspects of family planning.

7. The principles of health education, disease prevention and screening.

8. The principles of amelioration of suffering and disability, rehabilitation

and the care of the dying.

9. Factors affecting human relationships, the psychological, cultural and

spiritual well-being of patients and their families, and the interactions

between humans and their social and physical environment.

10. Systems of provision of health care in a culturally diverse society

including their advantages and limitations, the principles of efficient

and equitable allocation and use of finite resources, and recognition of

local and national needs in health care and service delivery.

11. Indigenous health, including the history, cultural development and

health of the Indigenous peoples of Australia or New Zealand.

12. The principles of ethics related to health care and the legal

responsibilities of the medical profession.

TABLE OF

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Appendix A

SKILLS

Graduates completing basic medical education should have developed

the following skills and abilities:

13. The ability to construct, in consultation with a patient, an accurate,

organised and problem-focused medical history.

14. The ability to perform an accurate physical and mental state

examination.

15. The ability to choose, from the repertoire of clinical skills, those that

are appropriate and practical to apply in a given situation.

16. The ability to interpret and integrate the history and physical

examination findings to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis or differential

diagnosis.

17. The ability to select the most appropriate and cost effective diagnostic

procedures.

18. The ability to interpret common diagnostic procedures.

19. The ability to formulate a management plan, and to plan management

in concert with the patient.

20. Communication skills, including being able to listen and respond, as

well as being able to convey information clearly, considerately and

sensitively to patients and their families, doctors, nurses, other health

professionals and the general public.

21. The skills needed to work safely as an intern, as outlined in the

National Patient Safety Education Framework developed by the

Australian Council for Quality and Safety in Health Care.

22. The ability to counsel patients sensitively and effectively, and to

provide information in a manner that ensures patients and families

can be fully informed when consenting to any procedure.

23. The ability to recognise serious illness and to perform common

emergency and life-saving procedures, including caring for the

unconscious patient and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

24. The ability to interpret medical evidence in a critical and scientific

manner and an understanding of the epidemiology of disease in

differing populations and geographic locations.

25. The ability to use information technology appropriately as an essential

resource for modern medical practice.

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MCQ examination

specications

ATTITUDES AS THEY AFFECT PROFESSIONAL

BEHAVIOUR

At the end of basic medical education, students should demonstrate the

following professional attitudes that are fundamental to medical practice:

26. Recognition that the doctor’s primary professional responsibilities are

the health interests of the patient and the community.

27. Recognition that the doctor should have the necessary professional

support, including a primary care physician, to ensure his or her own

well-being.

28. Respect for every human being, including respect of sexual

boundaries.

29. Respect for community values, including an appreciation of the

diversity of human background and cultural values.

30. A commitment to ease pain and suffering.

31. A realisation that it is not always in the interests of patients or their

families to do everything that is technically possible to make a precise

diagnosis or to attempt to modify the course of an illness.

32. An appreciation of the complexity of ethical issues related to human

life and death, including the allocation of scarce resources.

33. A realisation that doctors encounter clinical problems that exceed

their knowledge and skills, and that, in these situations, they need to

consult and/or refer the patient for help, in clinical, cultural, social and

language related matters as appropriate.

34. An appreciation of the responsibility to maintain standards of medical

practice at the highest possible level throughout a professional career.

35. An appreciation of the responsibility to contribute towards the

generation of knowledge and the professional education of junior

colleagues.

36. An appreciation of the systems approach to health care safety, and

the need to adopt and practise health care that maximises patient

safety including cultural safety.

37. A commitment to communicating with patients and their families, and

to involving them fully in planning management.

38. A desire to achieve the optimal patient care for the least cost, with

an awareness of the need for cost-effectiveness to allow maximum

benefit from the available resources.

39. A preparedness to work effectively in a team with other health care

professionals.

40. A realisation that one’s personal, spiritual, cultural or religious

beliefs should not prevent the provision of adequate and appropriate

information to the patient and/or the patient’s family, or the provision

of appropriate management including referral to another practitioner.

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Appendix B

APPENDIX B

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

This appendix contains sample question items which reflect the format and

structure of questions to be used in the MCQ examination. The sample

questions are provided as a representative sample only.

For the MCQ examination there will be a total of 150 questions:

• 150 MCQs are administered over one session of 3½ hours.

– 120 MCQs are scored items.

– 30 Pilot [non-scored] items are integrated throughout the

examination.

IMAGE QUESTIONS

In the AMC MCQ examination photographic questions may be included.

SAMPLE MCQ EXAMINATION

1. An infant develops jaundice 6 hours after birth. Which one of the

following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Haemolytic disease of the newborn.

B. Umbilical sepsis.

C. Physiological jaundice.

D. Atresia of the bile ducts.

E. Neonatal hepatitis.

2. A women who is 16 weeks pregnant presents with symptoms

suggestive of a urinary tract infection. Which of the following is correct?

A. She should be assured that urinary tract infections are common

in pregnancy and require no treatment.

B. A midstream urine should be collected and the bacteriology

report awaited.

C. A midstream urine should be collected and a wide spectrum

antibiotic prescribed.

D. A self-retaining catheter should be introduced to promote free

drainage of urine.

E. A suprapubic bladder tap should be carried out to ensure the

collection of an uncontaminated specimen of urine.

3. A 45-year-old man develops weakness and wasting of the right hand.

Which one of the following is least likely to be the cause?

A. Old injury to the elbow joint.

B. Bronchogenic carcinoma of the right upper lobe.

C. Multiple sclerosis.

D. Syringomyelia.

E. Motor neurone disease.

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specications

4. A 10-year-old boy presents with a history of central abdominal pain of

a few hours’ duration. On examination he has minimal tenderness in

the right iliac fossa and no abnormal ndings on rectal examination.

Which of the following alternatives should be carried out?

A. Arrange a barium meal/follow through.

B. Arrange to see the patient later on in the day for review.

C. Send the patient away with instructions to return if the pain

becomes worse.

D. Tell the patient to come back in a week.

E. Immediate appendicectomy.

5. A 65-year-old woman has a two-year history of mucous diarrhoea due

to a large villous adenoma of the rectum. She is also taking digoxin

and diuretics for chronic congestive failure. Which of the following

investigations would be the most helpful prior to surgery?

A. Serum chloride.

B. Serum digoxin.

C. Serum calcium.

D. Serum potassium.

E. Haemoglobin.

6. A 38-year-old woman, who had a subtotal thyroidectomy 8 years

previously, is again thyrotoxic. Which one of the following is the most

appropriate management?

A. Perform total thyroidectomy after preparation with carbimazole.

B. Radioactive iodine after preparation with oral iodine treatment.

C. Prescribe immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine.

D. Control with cardimazole and then administration of radioactive

iodine.

E. Short-term treatment with beta blockers until remission occurs.

7. A patient, who has had three successive spontaneous abortions,

reached the twelfth week of pregnancy on the fourth attempt, when

she passed a moderate amount of blood with clots per vaginam

and complained of intermittent lower abdominal pain. On vaginal

examination, the cervical canal admitted one nger readily and

bimanual palpation revealed a uterus compatible in size with a

pregnancy of only eight weeks duration. The menstrual cycle had been

regular (5/28) before this pregnancy and the duration of pregnancy

calculated from the rst day of the last menstrual period was denitely

known. Which one of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Threatened abortion.

B. Cervical incompetence.

C. Incomplete abortion.

D. Ectopic pregnancy.

E. Missed abortion.

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Appendix B

8. A primigravida patient at 34 weeks gestation presents with a history

of not having felt fetal movements for 24 hours. Which one of the

following statements is most appropriate?

A. She probably has an intra-uterine fetal death.

B. You should immediately arrange transfer to labour ward for early

induction labour, providing the baby is still alive.

C. She should have urgent antenatal cardiotocography (CTG).

D. She should have an ultrasound scan.

E. Urgent serum oestriol assay should be arranged.

9. A 5-year-old presents with a history of urgency of micturition,

occasional enuresis, and a slight, non-offensive vaginal discharge

for 3 months. She has had no vaginal bleeding. Examination reveals

some reddening of the labia majora. Which one of the following is the

most likely diagnosis?

A. Trichomonal infection.

B. Gonorrhoea.

C. Cystitis.

D. Foreign body.

E. Non-specic vulvo-vaginitis.

10. A 19-year-old woman, prescribed a triphasic oral contraceptive for the

rst time one month ago, complains of frequent spotting. Which one

of the following is the most appropriate management?

A. Increase the dose of oestrogen.

B. Increase the dose of progestogen.

C. Advise alternative contraception.

D. Continue the medication and review in two months.

E. Change to biphasic pill.

11. A 5-year-old boy is diagnosed in the Emergency Department as

having measles, the rst symptoms having started 2 days previously.

He has a 2-year-old sister, who has received the recommended

immunisation schedule. Which one of the following is the most

appropriate treatment?

A. Treat him symptomatically and send him home.

B. Refer him to the infectious diseases hospital.

C. Give him gamma globulin.

D. Give gamma goblin to the sister.

E. Reassure the mother that ‘he is over the worst of it’.

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specications

12. A 67-year-old woman recently noticed a non-painful lump in the right

breast (see image). Which one of the following is the most likely

diagnosis?

A. Subacute mastitis with early abscess formation.

B. Advanced adenocarcinoma of the breast.

C. Early intraduct carcinoma with obstruction of ductal ampullae.

D. Severe brocystic disease of the breast (broadenosis with

multiple cysts).

E. Extensive fat necrosis of the breast.

CORRECT RESPONSES FOR AMC MCQ SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

AMC MCQ sample questions

Question No. Correct response

1 A

2 C

3 C

4 B

5 D

6 D

7 C

8 C

9 E

10 D

11 A

12 B

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Appendix C

APPENDIX C

GLOSSARY OF MEDICAL TERMS USED IN MULTIPLE

CHOICE QUESTIONS

The Board of Examiners has prepared the following glossary of suggested

definitions and, where appropriate, approximate percentages as a guide to

interpretation of questions.

Term Definition Approximate

percentage

Characteristic of, typical of, associated

with

Significantly more frequent than in the general

population; within the definition.

Uncharacteristic, atypical, not

associated with

Significantly less frequent than in the general

population; outside the definition.

Invariable At all times 100

Essential Indispensable 100

Necessary Indispensable 100

Requisite Indispensable 100

Always At all times 100

Never Not at all 0

Nearly always At almost all times >90

Almost always

The majority, many More than half >50

The great majority Very much more than half >80

The minority, few Less than half <50

Predominate The main element, in the ascendancy >50

Usual More than half >50

Unusual Not usual, less than half <50

Likely To be expected >50

Unlikely Not to be expected <50

Probable More likely than not >50

Improbable Not likely <50

More, less Greater or smaller in amount -

Most, least Greatest or smallest in amount -

Extremely common Almost always >90

Very common Very much more than half >80

Common, uncommon Preferably qualified

and used in comparison

to other options

Variable

Frequent, rare Variable

Often, seldom Variable

Can, may, possible To be possible, not impossible >0

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MCQ examination

specications

APPENDIX D

LIST OF SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL FOR

EXAMINATION PREPARATION

ANTHOLOGY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS

The AMC publication Anthology of Medical

Conditions has been produced not only to assist

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to prepare

for the AMC Examinations but also as an essential

tool for clinical practice. The publication lists over

130 Clinical Presentations of clinical conditions

and classifies them to assist in a problem-solving

approach to diagnosis and management.

It is essential for all doctors to be familiar with the

laws of the society in which they practise medicine

and the ethics that underpin medical practice. It

is also important to understand the organisational

aspects of medicine in the Australian context. The Anthology of Medical

Conditions contains a separate section dealing with these important

issues, entitled Legal, Ethical and Organisational Aspects of the Practice

of Medicine (LEO). The publication is enhanced throughout with medical

illustrations. The publication is recommended for use in preparing for the

AMC Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) and Clinical Examinations.

To purchase the Anthology of Medical Conditions go to the AMC’s online

store at https://store.amc.org.au/

HANDBOOK OF MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

The AMC Handbook of Multiple Choice Questions

is a major publication designed to assist IMGs

prepare for the AMC’s Multiple Choice Question

(MCQ) Examination. It contains almost 600

Multiple Choice Questions drawn from the AMC

Examination banks. The handbook covers all

disciplines and clinical categories and contains

a complete multidisciplinary 150 question MCQ

paper.

To purchase the Handbook of Multiple Choice

Questions go to the AMC’s online store at

https://store.amc.org.au/

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Appendix D

HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

The AMC Handbook of Clinical Assessment

publication is a comprehensive guide to clinical

medical practice in Australia. It is designed

around self-test clinical tasks with accompanying

commentaries and performance guidelines

reflecting best practice principles. The handbook is

the third in a series of publications prepared by the

AMC to support IMGs.

To purchase the AMC Handbook of Clinical

Assessment go to the AMC’s online store at https://

store.amc.org.au/

MULTI-STATION STRUCTURED CLINICAL ASSESSMENT DVD

The AMC in association with the Royal Australian College of General

Practitioners has produced a film of the Medical and Surgical Consulting

Skills components and the assessment of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and

Paediatrics in the clinical examination. The film takes the candidate through

each step of the clinical examination. It also provides a good introduction

to the general format of the AMC Clinical Examination.

To purchase the AMC’s Multi-station Structured Clinical Assessment DVD

go to the AMC’s online store at https://store.amc.org.au/

SUGGESTED TEXT BOOKS

There are many medical textbooks available and most of them are of

high standard. They range from quite short texts, which cover essential

knowledge, to long and comprehensive treatises which most people use

as reference books. The AMC has drawn up the following list, as a guide to

some useful texts. They are not intended as prescribed reading.

AMC Examinations are set on the latest editions of the recommended

textbooks. It is up to the AMC candidate to obtain the latest information.

Material contained in previous editions of the recommended textbooks, or

other unspecified textbooks, may not be correct and will not be used to

determine the result of AMC Examinations.

MEDICINE

Devitt P, Barker J, Mitchell J and Hamilton-Craig C. Clinical Problems In

General Medicine, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, 2003, ISN 0443073236.

shop.elsevier.com.au

Edwards C and Bouchier IA (eds). Davidson’s Principles and Practice of

Medicine, 18th edn. Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1999, ISBN 0443059446.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com/

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MCQ examination

specications

Braunwald, E. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th edn.

McGraw-Hill, New York, 2001. ISBN 0070072744 (hardcover). ISBN

0079136869 (hardcover, 2 volume set). ISBN 0071374795 (CD-ROM)

www.bookstore.mcgraw-hill.com/

Larkins R, Smallwood R. Clinical Skills: The Medical Interview, Physical

Examination and Assessment of the Patient’s Problems. Melbourne

University Press, Melbourne, 1994. ISBN 0522844677 (paperback).

www.mup.unimelb.edu.au

Lau L. Imaging Guidelines, 4th edn. The Royal Australian and New Zealand

College of Radiologists, Melbourne, 2001. ISBN 0959285415.

www.ranzcr.edu.au

Talley NJ, O’Connor S. Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to

Physical Diagnosis. 4th edn MacLennan & Petty, Sydney, 2001. ISBN

9780729539050,

shop.elsevier.com.au

Weatherall DJ, Ledingham JGG, Warrell DA (eds). Oxford Textbook

of Medicine, 3rd edn. Oxford University Press, New York, 1996. ISBN

0192621408 (set of 3).

www.oup.com/us/corporate/publishingprograms/medical/?view=usa

SURGERY

Tjandra JJ, Clunie GJA, Kay AH, Smith J Textbook of Surgery, 3rd edn

Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford 2005. ISBN 9781405126274.

www.wiley.com

Clunie GJA, Tjandra JJ, Ross H. MCQ’s and Short Answer Questions

for Surgery. Wiley-Blackwell, Melbourne, 1999. Paperback. ISBN

9780867930108.

www.wiley.com

Forrest AP, Carter DC, MacLeod IB. Principles and Practice of Surgery - A

Surgical Supplement to Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine,

3rd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995. ISBN 0443048606

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

Hunt PS, Marshall VC. Clinical Problems in General Surgery. Butterworths,

Sydney, 1991. ISBN 0409492132. This publication is out of print and only

available second hand

Morris PJ, Malt RA. Oxford Textbook of Surgery, 2nd edn. Oxford University

Press, New York, 2001. ISBN 0192628844 (three volume set).

www.oup.com/us/corporate/publishingprograms/medical/?view=usa

Williamson R. An Aid to Clinical Surgery, 6th edn. Churchill Livingstone,

Edinburgh, 1998. ISBN 044305603X.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Appendix D

PAEDIATRICS

Hull D, Johnston D. Essential Paediatrics, 4th edn. Churchill Livingstone,

Edinburgh, 1999. ISBN 0443059586.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

Robinson MJ, Roberton DM. Practical Paediatrics, 5th edn. Churchill

Livingstone, Melbourne, 2002. ISBN 044307139X.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne, Vic.). Paediatric Handbook, 8th

edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford 2009. ISBN 9781405174008

http://www.wiley.com

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The Australian

Immunisation Handbook. 7th edn. Australian Government Printing Service

2000. ISBN 0644475781

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/

Handbook-home

OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY

Beischer NA, Mackay EV. Obstetrics and the Newborn - An Illustrated Text,

3rd edn. WB Saunders, Sydney 1998. ISBN 0702021237.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

Llewellyn-Jones D. Fundamentals of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Mosby,

London 1999, 7th edn ISBN 0723431507. www.mosby.com Mackay EV,

Beischer NA, Pepperell R, Wood C. Illustrated Textbook of Gynaecology,

2nd edition, WB Saunders, Sydney 1992. ISBN 0729512118.

www.us.elsevierhealth.com

PSYCHIATRY

Gelder M, Gath D, Mayou R. The Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, 3rd edn,

Oxford University Press, 1996. ISBN 0192625004 (paperback).

www.oup.com/us/corporate/publishingprograms/medical/?view=usa

American Psychiatric Association. DSM-IV-TR: Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edn text revision. American Psychiatric

Association, Washington DC, 2000. ISBN 0890420254 (paperback); ISBN

0890420246 (hardback).

www.psych.org

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MCQ examination

specications

GENERAL PRACTICE

Murtagh J. General Practice, 4nd edn. Hardcover. McGraw Hill Australia

2007. ISBN 9780074717790

www.bookstore.mcgraw-hill.com

Murtagh J. Practice tips, 5th edn. Soft cover. McGraw Hill Australia 2008.

ISBN 9780070158986

www.bookstore.mcgraw-hill.com

POPULATION HEALTH

The following list provides a summary of guidelines on a range of Australian

population health topics. These are freely available online from the Heart

Foundation and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’

website.

Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (The Red Book) 7th

Edition 2009

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/redbook

Putting Prevention Into Practice - The Green Book 2nd edition

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/greenbook

SNAP: a population health guide to behavioural risk factors in general

practice

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/snap

National guide to a preventive assessment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/nationalguide

National Heart Foundation of Australia physical activity recommendations

for people with cardiovascular disease

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/cardiovasculardisease

Smoking cessation guidelines for Australian general practice

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/smokingcessation

The Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/immunisation

National HPV vaccination program

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/immunisation/hpv

Diabetes management in general practice (16th Edition) 2010/11

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/diabetes

Absolute cardiovascular disease risk assessment – quick reference guide

www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/A_AR_QRG_

FINAL%20FOR%20WEB.pdf

Care of Patients with Dementia

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/dementia

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Appendix D

REFUGEE HEALTH

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/refugeehealth

Cancer Council’s recommendations for screening and surveillance for

specific cancers: Guidelines for general practitioners.

www.cancer.org.au/File/HealthProfessionals/CCA-Screening-Card-for-

GPs.pdf

ETHICAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Ian Kerridge, Michael Lowe and Cameron Stewart. Ethics and the law for

health professionals 3rd edition. 2009. The Federation Press.

The following list provides a summary of freely available guidelines on a

range of Australian ethical and legal topics.

Advance Care Plans

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/advancecareplans

Code of Conduct for Corporations

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/codeofconduct

Assessing fitness to drive for commercial and private vehicle drivers

www.austroads.com.au/aftd/downloads/AFTD_text_08-2006.pdf

Abuse and violence: Working with our patients in general practice

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/abuseandviolence

Intimate Partner Violence

www.racgp.org.au/guidelines/intimatepartnerabuse

MISCELLANEOUS

Therapeutic Guidelines from Therapeutic Guidelines Limited, North

Melbourne, Vic.

www.tg.org.au

Therapeutic Guidelines: Analgesic, version 5, 2007

Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic, version 14, 2010

Therapeutic Guidelines: Cardiovascular, version 5, 2008

Therapeutic Guidelines: Dermatology, version 3, 2009

Therapeutic Guidelines: Endocrinology, version 4, 2009

Therapeutic Guidelines: Gastrointestinal, version 4, 2006

Therapeutic Guidelines: Neurology, version 3, 2007

Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental, version 1, 2007

Therapeutic Guidelines: Palliative Care, version 3, 2010

Therapeutic Guidelines: Psychotropic, version 6, 2008

Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory, version 4, 2009

Therapeutic Guidelines: Rheumatology, version 1, 2006

Management Guidelines: Developmental Disability, version 2, 2005

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

MCQ examination

specications

Available in print individually or as a complete set in the form of an

electronic subscription (‘eTG complete’).

Manual of Use and Interpretation of Pathology Tests, 4.0 edn. The Royal

College of Pathologists of Australasia, 2004. ISSN 1449-8219. This edition

available on CD-ROM or online only.

www.rcpa.edu.au

MIMS Australia. St Leonards, NSW. MediMedia Australia Pty Limited.

Subscriptions: ISSN 10355723 (MIMS Australia Bi-monthly), ISSN 0725-

4709 (MIMS Australia Annual), ABNRID 000012656851 (eMIMS - CD-

ROM or MIMS on PDA (Personal digital assistant)).

www.mims.com.au

Australian Medicine Handbook, 11th edn. 2010 ISBN 0957852126.

Electronic version available via Australian Medicines Handbook website

www.amh.net.au/

I Feel Crook Doc” Language, Cultural Issues and Etiquette in the Australian

Consulting Room. S Reid. ISBN 0975682962 Second Edition 2006

JOURNALS

In addition to the major texts, journals should be read selectively, using

editorials, annotations and review articles. The following journals are

suggested as source material:

Australian Family Physician

www.racgp.org.au/publications

Australian Prescriber

www.australianprescriber.com

British Medical Journal

www.bmj.com

British Journal of Hospital Medicine

www.hospitalmedicine.co.uk

Current Therapeutics, Lancet

www.thelancet.com

Medical Journal of Australia

www.mja.com.au

New England Journal of Medicine

www.nejm.org/

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, training

and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian Community.”

Australian Medical Council

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

EXAMINATION

SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

“The purpose of the Australian Medical Council is to ensure that standards of education, training

and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian Community.”

Australian Medical Council

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

EXAMINATION

SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

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