Study strategies for busy clinicians preparing for exams

Most candidates preparing for Fellowship exams, AMC exams or PESCI assessments are juggling work, family commitments and fatigue. Time is scarce; cognitive load is high; and long study sessions rarely fit into real-world schedules. Effective exam preparation for clinicians must therefore be short, structured and purposeful.

“Short, frequent study sessions build more exam readiness than long blocks of passive reading.” -A/Prof George Eskander

This approach respects real clinical workload; more importantly, it fits the way the brain forms durable recall under stress.

Why Traditional Study Fails for Busy Clinicians

Large blocks of reading often lead to:

• Cognitive overload
• Low retention
• Passive absorption
• Difficulty applying knowledge
• Frustration and burnout

Time-poor clinicians need efficient study; not more study.

Principle 1: Break Learning into Small, High-Yield Blocks

Research consistently shows that knowledge retention increases when content is delivered in small, repeated bursts. For clinicians, 5–10-minute blocks are ideal.

These micro-sessions:

• Fit between consults
• Sustain attention
• Avoid fatigue
• Reinforce memory

Flashcards are designed specifically for this learning pattern; they convert guideline-heavy content into small, precise recall prompts.

Principle 2: Prioritise What Examiners Score

Clinicians often study what feels comfortable; exams test what is scorable. This includes:

• Safety
• Red flags
• First-line investigations
• Key differentials
• Evidence-based management
• Structured reasoning

Brief, structured recall tools help clinicians revise the content that affects scoring.

Principle 3: Use Spaced Repetition, Not Mass Learning

Spaced repetition improves:

• Retrieval speed
• Confidence
• Long-term retention

It is particularly valuable for:

• AKT question patterns
• KFP anchor points
• AMC Clinical station flow
• PESCI and StAMPS justification steps

Small, repeated reviews outperform long, irregular sessions.

Principle 4: Reduce Friction

Clinicians study more consistently when the process is simple. Tools that work across mobile, desktop and the PassGP App remove barriers.

No downtime; no login struggle; no delays.

Principle 5: Connect Learning to Real Clinical Work

Clinical exposure reinforces exam learning; linking flashcards or quick reviews to real cases strengthens reasoning and recall.

The AHPRA Alignment

AHPRA evaluates:

• Safe decision-making
• Communication
• Risk awareness
• Reflection

Structured, rapid-recall preparation supports these competencies through clarity and consistency.

Conclusion

Clinicians do not need more hours to pass exams; they need structured, high-yield systems that convert limited time into confident performance. Short bursts; targeted content; spaced learning; and quick recall tools make this possible.