AMC Clinical Exam: How to Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes IMGs Make

Introduction

The AMC Clinical Exam is a high-stakes hurdle for international medical graduates (IMGs). Despite careful preparation, many candidates fail because they repeat the same mistakes.

The Top 5 Mistakes

1. Missing Red Flags — failing to recognise emergencies such as chest pain or obstetric bleeding.
2. Poor Communication — overusing jargon, not checking patient understanding.
3. Unstructured Approach — skipping straight to diagnosis without focused history or examination.
4. Time Mismanagement — spending too long on one area and running out of time.
5. Lack of Cultural Safety — not addressing psychosocial context or local health system realities.

Quote

“AMC examiners don’t want perfect doctors — they want safe, structured ones,” explains A/Prof George Eskander, former AMC National Examiner.

Evidence

The AMC reports that less than 40% of candidates pass the Clinical on their first attempt, highlighting the need for structured preparation.

How to Prepare

• Practise with timed 8-minute OSCE stations.
• Focus on communication, safety-netting, and clear explanations.
• Use mock exams to replicate the exam environment.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common pitfalls can dramatically increase your chances of passing and moving toward registration in Australia.

Reference: Australian Medical Council, Annual Report 2025.