This section gives you a clean mental model for the three common station types, so you can plan how you will open, progress, and close within 8 minutes [2]. You will see what to prioritise, common pitfalls, and how to show safe practice under pressure.

History taking Stations

History stations evaluate a focused, structured history that is relevant to the presenting complaint. Examiners expect you to establish rapport early, use patient friendly language, and explore key clinical details systematically.

• Start with a short open question, then signpost your plan so the patient knows what is coming.

• Use plain English rather than jargon, and check understanding as you go.

• Cover allergies, medications, and red flags early if the presentation suggests risk.

• Close with a brief summary, a leading differential, and logical next steps if the station requires it.

Common pitfalls include interrupting, missing safety critical questions, or allowing a checklist to override the actual cues the patient gives. Practise moving smoothly from open exploration to targeted questions that reveal your reasoning.

Counselling or Management Stations

Counselling stations assess your ability to explain a diagnosis, outline options, and negotiate a plan. Your goals are clarity, empathy, and shared decision making, all inside a tight timeframe.

• Confirm prior understanding, then give a concise diagnosis statement in plain language.

• Present management options with risks and benefits, and check for preferences.

• Offer safety netting and follow up steps in case symptoms worsen or do not improve.

• Verify understanding and invite questions before you close.

Common errors include information overload, not checking understanding, and skipping safety netting. Use short sentences, avoid jargon, and pause to let the patient process what you have said.

Emergency Stations

Emergency stations assess whether you recognise urgency and act safely without delay. The specification confirms the timebox, 2 minutes to read and 8 minutes to act, so you must show priority driven behaviour immediately [2].

• Identify danger and use a structured approach, for example ABCDE, while verbalising your actions.

• Call for help early and state what team resources you would activate in an Australian setting.

• Start life saving interventions without waiting for a complete history when red flags are present.

• Reassess, summarise the working diagnosis, and state the immediate next disposition.

Frequent pitfalls include delayed escalation, treating a high risk presentation as routine, and forgetting basic safety checks such as allergies before drug administration. Speak clearly and narrate your steps so the examiner hears your reasoning.