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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
International Medical Graduates often feel the pressure of preparing for an exam that tests not only medical knowledge but also deep familiarity with Australian guidelines. The primary goal of this blog is to outline clearly the high yield and surprise AMC topics IMGs should not skip. It covers essential public health guidelines, ethical and legal obligations, occupational health scenarios, antenatal care specifics, paediatric developmental red flags, frequently examined dermatology and psychiatry conditions, and how a high quality AMC question bank can significantly boost exam readiness.
Public Health, Screening, and Immunisation in the AMC Exam
Public health scenarios frequently appear in AMC exams, yet candidates often underestimate their scoring weight. These questions test your grasp of Australian specific screening schedules, immunisation guidelines, and mandatory communicable disease reporting.
Australia’s National Immunisation Program was updated in 2023, with Shingrix replacing Zostavax for adults aged 65 and 70 [1]. Cervical screening uses primary HPV testing with a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years for ages 25 to 74 [2]. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends kits by mail to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years, and from 45 to 74 you can also request a free kit [3], [13]. BreastScreen Australia invites women aged 50 to 74 for a mammogram every 2 years [4].
Frequent exam triggers
Patients who missed a scheduled cervical screen and need catch up guidance [2].
Clarifying HPV testing versus historic Pap testing [2].
Immunisation recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in some regions, including pneumococcal and hepatitis A considerations [1].
Requests for early bowel screening at ages 45 to 49, explain mailed kits at 50 to 74 and request pathway at 45 to 49 [3], [13].
When to escalate an abnormal screening result for specialist assessment [2], [4].
Mandatory notification requirements for tuberculosis or hepatitis based on jurisdictional rules [1].
Practical GP example
You are consulting a patient aged 52 who has never participated in bowel screening. The correct response is to provide and encourage FOBT every 2 years for ages 50 to 74 and explain that people 45 to 49 can request a free kit through the program [3], [13]. Examiners expect this level of confidence and clarity.
Ethics, Consent, and Mandatory Reporting in Australia
Ethical scenarios test whether you communicate safely, ethically, and lawfully in the Australian context. They combine clinical reasoning with professional judgement to protect vulnerable patients.
One crucial legal fact is that all Australian states require medical practitioners to report suspected child abuse [5]. This obligation applies even when the situation is uncertain or emotionally difficult. You must also understand mandatory notifications to AHPRA for impaired practitioners and professional conduct issues, alongside core principles of consent, confidentiality, and culturally safe practice captured in the national code of conduct [6]. All states legislated voluntary assisted dying by 2023, which requires sensitive, lawful responses aligned with local pathways [6].
Common exam scenarios
A 15 year old requesting contraception without parental involvement, assess Gillick competence and provide confidential, safe care [6].
An elderly patient with cognitive impairment refusing treatment, assess decision making capacity and act in the patient’s best interests [6].
A presentation involving domestic violence, prioritise safety planning and privacy while following legal obligations [6].
A colleague with signs of impairment, follow mandatory notification requirements to protect patients [6].
A family seeking unproven therapy, provide evidence based advice and document shared decisions [6].
Practical GP example
A teenager seeks emergency contraception and demonstrates maturity and understanding. Your duty is to assess competence, ensure safety, and provide appropriate care without breaching confidentiality, reflecting exactly what AMC examiners assess.
Dermatology and Psychiatry Questions That Often Appear
Dermatology and psychiatry appear more often than many IMGs expect. Australia’s disease patterns shape what examiners want you to recognise without delay.
Dermatology focus
Australia has one of the highest global skin cancer burdens. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer nationally [9], [10]. AMC stems often include lesion images. Recognise asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, change over time, and choose timely excision or urgent referral.
Psychiatry focus
Australian surveillance shows about 22 percent of people aged 16 to 85 had a 12 month mental disorder in 2020 to 2022 and that suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24 years [11], [12]. These realities underpin why psychiatry is consistently examined in the AMC.
Key psychiatry topics
Identifying depression and anxiety and initiating first line treatments with safe follow up [11].
Structured suicide risk assessment and immediate safety planning in primary care [12].
Recognising bipolar features and arranging urgent assessment when indicated [11].
Using Medicare funded Mental Health Treatment Plans to coordinate care [11].
Practical GP example
A young adult describes hopelessness and passive suicidal ideation. Examiners expect a clear safety plan, risk assessment, and immediate follow up. This is non negotiable knowledge for safe Australian practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the most important AMC public health topics IMGs must study
Focus on the National Immunisation Program, cervical, bowel, and breast screening programs, and communicable disease reporting pathways. Know that HPV screening is every 5 years for ages 25 to 74 and that bowel kits are mailed to ages 50 to 74 every 2 years, with eligibility to request a kit from 45 to 74 [2], [3], [13].
2. How does mandatory reporting affect AMC preparation
Mandatory reporting laws, particularly that all Australian states require doctors to report suspected child abuse, are frequently tested. You must demonstrate accurate, timely decisions that protect patient safety [5].
3. What dermatology conditions appear most frequently in AMC exams
Skin cancers are dominant. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Expect lesion recognition and safe referral decisions [9], [10].
4. Why is understanding Australian psychiatry essential for AMC candidates
Psychiatry appears consistently due to prevalence and risk. About 22 percent of Australians had a 12 month mental disorder in 2020 to 2022, and suicide is the leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. Competent risk assessment and follow up are essential [11], [12].
5. Are AMC recalls enough to pass
Recalls are helpful but not sufficient. Combine them with current Australian guidelines, screening schedules, ethics, and consistent practice with a high quality AMC question bank to ensure comprehensive coverage [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6].
How a Good AMC Question Bank Prevents Unknown Exam Questions
Practising AMC style question banks provides structured exposure to the exact patterns examiners rely on. This shifts you from passive reading to active problem solving in line with Australian guidance.
What strong question banks deliver
Repeated exposure to screening and immunisation rules aligned to current Australian programs [1], [2], [3], [4].
Realistic legal and ethical scenarios covering child safety, capacity, and mandatory notifications [5], [6].
Dermatology pattern recognition for melanoma and non melanoma skin cancers [9], [10].
Paediatric and antenatal care mapped to local timelines and safety standards [8].
Confidence built through deliberate practice and feedback under time pressure.
Practical GP example
If you practise enough melanoma stems, you start noticing decisive patterns and lose hesitation when managing suspicious lesions. This confidence is exactly what examiners look for.
Occupational Health, Antenatal Care, and Paediatric Red Flags
Occupational medicine, antenatal care, and paediatrics often surprise candidates because Australian expectations differ from other systems. Examiners assess whether you apply structured, safety oriented protocols.
Needlestick and blood, body fluid exposure
Protocols expect immediate wound care, source risk assessment for HIV, hepatitis B and C, baseline testing, and documented follow up. Management should follow current national and jurisdictional post exposure guidance, including consideration of prophylaxis where indicated [7].
Antenatal care
A major exam tested rule is universal screening for gestational diabetes with a 75 g OGTT at 24 to 28 weeks for all pregnancies [8]. You should know visit schedules, routine testing windows, and the recommendation for pertussis vaccination in each pregnancy per Australian guidance [1].
Paediatric mental health and development
Almost 1 in 7, 13.9 percent, Australian children aged 4 to 17 experience a mental disorder in a given year which influences early detection and referral decisions [8].
High yield paediatric red flags
No eye contact by 6 months.
No words by 18 months.
Regression in milestones at any age.
Limping or refusal to bear weight.
Persistent feeding difficulties or failure to thrive.
Parental concern about development which must always be taken seriously.
Practical GP example
A 2 year old with no spoken words and persistent poor eye contact presents with parental concern. The correct approach is early referral for developmental assessment, hearing tests, and autism screening. AMC examiners repeatedly test recognition of these early red flags.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by AMC or RACGP preparation, Fellow Academy offers structured AKT and KFP questions, concise exam notes, evidence based flashcards, free KFP cases, webinars, and guided study strategies to support you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, RACGP. It is general study guidance only.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, RACGP. It is general study guidance only.
References
[1] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2023. National Immunisation Program Schedule. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.health.gov.au/news/national-immunisation-program-changes-to-shingles-vaccination-from-1-november-2023
[2] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2025. About the National Cervical Screening Program. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program/about-the-national-cervical-screening-program
[3] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2025. About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/about-the-national-bowel-cancer-screening-program
[4] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2025. BreastScreen Australia Program. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program
[5] Bird, S. 2011. Child abuse mandatory reporting requirements. Australian Family Physician, 40(11), 921 to 926. https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2011/november/child-abuse
[6] Medical Board of Australia and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. 2020. Good medical practice, a code of conduct for doctors in Australia. Melbourne: AHPRA. https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx
[7] Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2023. Australian Immunisation Handbook, Post exposure prophylaxis for blood borne virus exposures. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/resources/tables/table-post-exposure-prophylaxis-for-non-immune-people-exposed-to-a-source-that-is-positive-for-hepatitis-b-surface-antigen-or-has-an-unknown-status
[8] Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., et al. 2015. The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents: Report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/the-mental-health-of-children-and-adolescents?language=en
[9] Cancer Council Victoria, SunSmart. 2025. Skin cancer facts and stats. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria. https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-facts-stats
[10] Cancer Council Australia. 2023. Skin cancer, incidence and mortality. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia. https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention/uv-radiation/related-resources/skin-cancer-incidence-and-mortality
[11] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2025. Prevalence and impact of mental illness. Canberra: AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness
[12] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2025. Suicide and self harm monitoring, Young people. Canberra: AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au/suicide-self-harm-monitoring
[13] National Cancer Screening Register. 2025. Request a free bowel test kit, program eligibility and participation. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.ncsr.gov.au/bowel-program/manage-your-participation-in-the-bowel-program/request-a-free-bowel-test-kit
AKT Exam Preparation: Study Strategies That Work
AKT vs KFP: Which RACGP Exam Is Harder (and How to Prepare for Both)
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Dr Shaun Tan, FRACGP, MD, BMSC
Medical Examiner | Associate Lecturer
Scored 90% on the AKT & Top 15th percentile in the KFP
Summary
International Medical Graduates often feel the pressure of preparing for an exam that tests not only medical knowledge but also deep familiarity with Australian guidelines. The primary goal of this blog is to outline clearly the high yield and surprise AMC topics IMGs should not skip. It covers essential public health guidelines, ethical and legal obligations, occupational health scenarios, antenatal care specifics, paediatric developmental red flags, frequently examined dermatology and psychiatry conditions, and how a high quality AMC question bank can significantly boost exam readiness.
Public Health, Screening, and Immunisation in the AMC Exam
Public health scenarios frequently appear in AMC exams, yet candidates often underestimate their scoring weight. These questions test your grasp of Australian specific screening schedules, immunisation guidelines, and mandatory communicable disease reporting.
Australia’s National Immunisation Program was updated in 2023, with Shingrix replacing Zostavax for adults aged 65 and 70 [1]. Cervical screening uses primary HPV testing with a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years for ages 25 to 74 [2]. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends kits by mail to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years, and from 45 to 74 you can also request a free kit [3], [13]. BreastScreen Australia invites women aged 50 to 74 for a mammogram every 2 years [4].
Frequent exam triggers
Patients who missed a scheduled cervical screen and need catch up guidance [2].
Clarifying HPV testing versus historic Pap testing [2].
Immunisation recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in some regions, including pneumococcal and hepatitis A considerations [1].
Requests for early bowel screening at ages 45 to 49, explain mailed kits at 50 to 74 and request pathway at 45 to 49 [3], [13].
When to escalate an abnormal screening result for specialist assessment [2], [4].
Mandatory notification requirements for tuberculosis or hepatitis based on jurisdictional rules [1].
Practical GP example
You are consulting a patient aged 52 who has never participated in bowel screening. The correct response is to provide and encourage FOBT every 2 years for ages 50 to 74 and explain that people 45 to 49 can request a free kit through the program [3], [13]. Examiners expect this level of confidence and clarity.
Ethics, Consent, and Mandatory Reporting in Australia
Ethical scenarios test whether you communicate safely, ethically, and lawfully in the Australian context. They combine clinical reasoning with professional judgement to protect vulnerable patients.
One crucial legal fact is that all Australian states require medical practitioners to report suspected child abuse [5]. This obligation applies even when the situation is uncertain or emotionally difficult. You must also understand mandatory notifications to AHPRA for impaired practitioners and professional conduct issues, alongside core principles of consent, confidentiality, and culturally safe practice captured in the national code of conduct [6]. All states legislated voluntary assisted dying by 2023, which requires sensitive, lawful responses aligned with local pathways [6].
Common exam scenarios
A 15 year old requesting contraception without parental involvement, assess Gillick competence and provide confidential, safe care [6].
An elderly patient with cognitive impairment refusing treatment, assess decision making capacity and act in the patient’s best interests [6].
A presentation involving domestic violence, prioritise safety planning and privacy while following legal obligations [6].
A colleague with signs of impairment, follow mandatory notification requirements to protect patients [6].
A family seeking unproven therapy, provide evidence based advice and document shared decisions [6].
Practical GP example
A teenager seeks emergency contraception and demonstrates maturity and understanding. Your duty is to assess competence, ensure safety, and provide appropriate care without breaching confidentiality, reflecting exactly what AMC examiners assess.
Dermatology and Psychiatry Questions That Often Appear
Dermatology and psychiatry appear more often than many IMGs expect. Australia’s disease patterns shape what examiners want you to recognise without delay.
Dermatology focus
Australia has one of the highest global skin cancer burdens. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer nationally [9], [10]. AMC stems often include lesion images. Recognise asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, change over time, and choose timely excision or urgent referral.
Psychiatry focus
Australian surveillance shows about 22 percent of people aged 16 to 85 had a 12 month mental disorder in 2020 to 2022 and that suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15 to 24 years [11], [12]. These realities underpin why psychiatry is consistently examined in the AMC.
Key psychiatry topics
Identifying depression and anxiety and initiating first line treatments with safe follow up [11].
Structured suicide risk assessment and immediate safety planning in primary care [12].
Recognising bipolar features and arranging urgent assessment when indicated [11].
Using Medicare funded Mental Health Treatment Plans to coordinate care [11].
Practical GP example
A young adult describes hopelessness and passive suicidal ideation. Examiners expect a clear safety plan, risk assessment, and immediate follow up. This is non negotiable knowledge for safe Australian practice.
Tools That Make Active Recall Easy
Digital tools simplify the process of integrating active recall and spaced repetition into your RACGP exam preparation.
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Brainscape: Uses adaptive algorithms to determine when you should review each flashcard based on your confidence level.
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Anki: Allows custom deck creation for topics like PBS rules or emergency management.
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Quizlet: Offers collaborative decks for study groups.
Using these tools allows you to:
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Review flashcards during commutes or between patients.
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Automatically revisit topics you’re struggling with.
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Track progress and identify weak areas.
These platforms bring structure to your study plan, ensuring regular reinforcement and better recall.
(For time management strategies, see our AKT Study Planner.)
How to Combine These Methods for Peak Performance
When you combine active recall with spaced repetition, the results are exponential. This combination, known as “spaced retrieval practice”, creates a continuous cycle of learning, forgetting, and relearning that strengthens memory.
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Start early (at least 6–12 months before your exam).
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Create flashcards for each guideline or high-yield topic.
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Use Brainscape or Anki daily to review material in spaced cycles.
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Schedule mock exams every 3–4 weeks to test your applied knowledge.
Research indicates spaced repetition can significantly increase long-term retention, with spaced learners achieving approximately 58% accuracy compared to 43% among traditional learners (p<0.001) [4].
By six months into this method, most candidates report not only improved recall but also better confidence under pressure. You’re no longer scrambling to remember—you’re retrieving information automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the most important AMC public health topics IMGs must study
Focus on the National Immunisation Program, cervical, bowel, and breast screening programs, and communicable disease reporting pathways. Know that HPV screening is every 5 years for ages 25 to 74 and that bowel kits are mailed to ages 50 to 74 every 2 years, with eligibility to request a kit from 45 to 74 [2], [3], [13].
2. How does mandatory reporting affect AMC preparation
Mandatory reporting laws, particularly that all Australian states require doctors to report suspected child abuse, are frequently tested. You must demonstrate accurate, timely decisions that protect patient safety [5].
3. What dermatology conditions appear most frequently in AMC exams
Skin cancers are dominant. More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Expect lesion recognition and safe referral decisions [9], [10].
4. Why is understanding Australian psychiatry essential for AMC candidates
Psychiatry appears consistently due to prevalence and risk. About 22 percent of Australians had a 12 month mental disorder in 2020 to 2022, and suicide is the leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. Competent risk assessment and follow up are essential [11], [12].
5. Are AMC recalls enough to pass
Recalls are helpful but not sufficient. Combine them with current Australian guidelines, screening schedules, ethics, and consistent practice with a high quality AMC question bank to ensure comprehensive coverage [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6].
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by RACGP exam preparation, Fellow Academy offers high quality AKT and KFP questions, exam notes in concise and comprehensive format, and high yield, evidence based flashcards designed to help you study smarter and perform with confidence. You’ll also find free KFP case packs, webinars, and practical study resources to guide you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). The strategies and approaches shared are based on personal experience and the experiences of other GP candidates who successfully passed their exams. They are intended as general study guidance only and should not be taken as official RACGP advice.
References
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GP Supervisors Australia. (2025). Study Skills Guide for GP Registrars: Studying Smarter, Not Harder. GPSA.
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Carpenter, S. K., Pan, S. C., & Butler, A. C. (2022). The science of effective learning with spacing and retrieval practice. Nature Reviews Psychology, 1(10), 496–511.
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Durrani, S. F., Yousuf, N., Ali, R., et al. (2024). Effectiveness of spaced repetition for clinical problem solving amongst undergraduate medical students studying paediatrics in Pakistan. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 676.
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Price, D. W., Wang, T., O’Neill, T. R., et al. (2025). The effect of spaced repetition on learning and knowledge transfer in a large cohort of practising physicians. Academic Medicine, 100(1), 94–102.
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