Recall vs understanding in medical exam performance

Many clinicians rely heavily on understanding, assuming that if they grasp the concept, they will be able to reproduce it during an exam. Unfortunately, most exam failures are caused by poor recall, not poor understanding. Timed exams measure a candidate’s ability to retrieve essential information instantly, safely and consistently.

“Candidates often understand far more than they can recall.” -A/Prof George Eskander

Understanding builds depth; recall builds performance. Successful preparation strengthens both.

Why Understanding Alone Is Not Enough

Understanding is valuable but fails under pressure when:

• retrieval is slow
• details are forgotten
• safe steps are unclear
• guideline triggers are not automatic
• diagnostic patterns are not recognised quickly

Recall ensures performance is predictable, even in stressful conditions.

What Recall Requires

• frequent repetition
• micro-learning
• active retrieval
• structured prompts
• spaced rehearsal

Flashcards and spaced repetition systems provide the fastest route to reliable, high-stakes recall.

How Understanding Supports Recall

Understanding strengthens:

• clinical insight
• reasoning frameworks
• pattern recognition
• communication clarity
• appropriate escalation

When recall and understanding are combined, performance becomes consistent and safe.

Exam Pathway Impact

• AKT — fast guideline recall produces safer selections.
• KFP — recall improves specificity and scoring alignment.
• AMC Clinical — clear sequencing requires rapid recall of structure.
• PESCI — justification relies on instant recall of risk considerations.
• StAMPS — structured answers benefit from strong recall anchors.

Conclusion

Understanding matters, but recall determines performance. Strengthening both builds safer clinical reasoning and more consistent outcomes across Australia’s major medical exams.