AMC MCQ Exam 2025: How to Tackle Epidemiology and Public Health

Introduction

The AMC Part 1 MCQ exam is the first major hurdle for international medical graduates (IMGs) on their journey to practise medicine in Australia. Beyond clinical medicine, the exam gives heavy weight to public health and epidemiology. Candidates who underestimate this area often fail despite strong clinical knowledge.

Why Public Health Matters in the AMC MCQ

Australia’s health system is built on prevention and public health regulation. IMGs are expected to know:

• National vaccination schedules.
• Notifiable disease reporting.
• Screening programs (cervical, bowel, breast cancer).
• Infection control in clinical practice.

As A/Prof George Eskander explains:

“Never choose an answer that puts one person’s convenience above public safety. That’s not AHPRA-aligned care.”

Common High-Yield Topics

1. Vaccination schedules — including catch-up rules and contraindications.
2. Notifiable diseases — TB, hepatitis, HIV, and emerging infections.
3. Epidemiology basics — sensitivity, specificity, RR, NNT.
4. Occupational exposures — e.g., needlestick injuries.
5. Prevention strategies — primary, secondary, tertiary prevention.

Exam Strategy

• Dedicate at least 20–25% of prep time to public health.
• Use practice MCQs that follow Australian guidelines.
• Avoid rote memorisation — focus on logic and escalation.

Preventable conditions like influenza and HPV still account for over 20% of AMC public health scenarios (AMC Exam Blueprint, 2025).

Final Thoughts

The AMC MCQ is as much about systems and safety as clinical skill. Mastering epidemiology ensures you approach questions the way Australian examiners expect.

Reference: Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2025.