Top 7 Mistakes IMG Candidates Make in the AMC Clinical Exam (And How to Avoid Them)

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the AMC Clinical Exam is one of the most important - and stressful - milestones on the road to becoming a doctor in Australia.

Having mentored thousands of candidates, A/Prof George Eskander, Chief Examiner at PassGP and former AMC National Clinical Examiner, knows the patterns that trip up even the best-prepared doctors.

“It’s not just about knowledge. The AMC Clinical Exam tests your ability to think, speak, and connect - all within a strict time frame. And unfortunately, good doctors still fail when they focus on the wrong things.”

In this guide, we’ll unpack the 7 most common mistakes, how to fix them, and how PassGP can help you succeed.

1.  🗣 Talking AT the Examiner Instead of TO the Patient

Many IMGs memorise long recall answers and deliver a lecture to the examiner. This breaks the illusion of real communication.

Instead:

• Treat the examiner as a patient.
• Use real spoken English: “Can I just check what you’ve heard about your condition so far?”
• Don’t recite textbook lists. Speak like a doctor.

2.  Mismanaging Time

You only have 8 minutes per station. Candidates often:

• Spend 5 minutes on the history
• Rush through examination
• Skip the summary or management plan

Tip from A/Prof Eskander:

“You need to anchor yourself. 2 minutes for history. 2 for exam. 2 for management. 2 for discussion or reassurance.”

3.  📜 Giving Too Much or Irrelevant Information

AMC cases are not about showing everything you know. They're about clinical prioritisation.

Instead:

• Address the presenting problem first.
• Give a clear differential diagnosis with reasons.
• Limit investigations to what’s appropriate in GP or ED context.

4.  🤐 Failing to Speak Your Reasoning Out Loud

If you don’t say it, it doesn’t exist. You are not being marked for silent thinking.

Use phrases like:

• “The reason I’m ordering this test is because I’m concerned about…”
• “One possible explanation is X, but I also want to exclude Y.”

5.  🚨 Missing Red Flags or Failing to Escalate

Many candidates forget to ask red flags - or fail to call for senior help when needed.

Always include:

• Red flags for pain, sepsis, cancer, trauma
• Escalation lines: “I’d speak to my senior, notify the ED registrar, and initiate urgent transfer.”

6.  🧾 Not Following AHPRA-Appropriate Guidelines

AMC expects you to practise as if you were an intern in Australia, under AHPRA standards.

You must:

• Use PBS drugs and doses
• Refer to local public health protocols
• Follow AHPRA principles of safe, culturally sensitive, and ethical care

Don’t say: “I would send them for malaria testing and give ACT.”
Say: “I would check recent travel, refer to ID protocol, and notify public health if required.”

7.  🧍‍♂️ Not Practising Enough with Real People

AMC Clinical success requires real practice - not just watching videos or rehearsing alone.

PassGP offers:

• Mock exams that mimic the real AMC format
• Fully-scripted stations with spoken role-plays
• 1:1 feedback sessions with experienced AMC educators

AHPRA and the AMC Clinical Exam

Remember: the AMC Clinical Exam is designed to ensure that you meet AHPRA’s standards for provisional registration.

You must demonstrate:

• Safe, ethical, and legal practice in the Australian setting
• The ability to communicate respectfully with diverse patients
• Escalation, documentation, and cultural safety

A/Prof Eskander explains:

“Passing AMC isn’t about being perfect - it’s about showing that you're ready to practise safely under AHPRA's supervision. That means patient-centred care, clinical reasoning, and sound communication.”

How PassGP Helps You Succeed

At PassGP, we offer:

• Fully interactive AMC Clinical Cases based on real scenarios
• Detailed red flag checklists
• Patient-centred scripts written by former AMC Examiners
• Guidance on AHPRA-aligned communication and safety

 Start your free trial at PassGP to practise like it’s the real thing.