• Am I ready to sit the OSCE? If you cannot answer this confidently and quickly, then you are not ready. Simply passing the written exam is not enough. Most people sit the written, then take their ‘foot off the gas’ while wating to hear of the result. If you are in this boat, you will not pass. Ask your FACEMS for an honest opinion of whether they feel you are ready or not. If you have someone saying No, then listen to them. You need to be in ‘top gear’ from Day 1 and have enough time to go through all the OSCE material out there.
  • Set your sights on the OSCE exam you will sit. This will help focus your prep and provide a timeline for planning. Your first attempt should be your best attempt.
  • Read ALL relevant official examination info from the ACEM website (https://elearning.acem.org.au/). The college releases 2 stations from an exam each year which is very valuable to learn from. They have also been releasing actual exam videos from some stations to show you what performances may look like esp the environment you will be examined at.
  • Create a study group – even if you find just one other person who is also preparing. It provides you the chance to be ‘exposed’ to someone else regularly so you are forced to ‘teach’ and get better. You can cover. alot of OSCEs with your study pals, far more than just your practice with FACEMs.
  • Approach FACEMs (see our list here) to provide you with some valuable high level critiques. Approach external FACEMs as well through contacts via your DEMT. Practice with as many different FACEMs as possible to gain an appreciation of improvements.
  • Structure your roster and request leave atleast 6 months in advance. You do not want to be working the week before the OSCE. This is to ensure you are fresh and your mind is well rested. In addition, you can arrange to attend all the various trial exams around Melbourne and interstate.
  • Contact all the other Trial OSCE centres around Melbourne early to get a spot. You will be emailed info regarding this once your candidature at the OSCE is confirmed.
  • Use all your shifts at work to PRACTISE. Every shift, i expect you to use cases to teach your medical students, interns and HMOs. This will develop your comfort level in ‘Scholarship and Teaching’.
  • Use your WBAs esp the CBDs and DOPS as a trial OSCE and look for different FACEMs to critique you.