Another excellent pass rate in the RACP clinical exam at Monash Health

(L-R) Dr Emma Lightbody, A/Prof Henry Ma, Dr Sanduni Fernando, 

A/Prof Darren Mansfield,  Dr Gina Tuch, Dr Damien Tharmaratnam

Monash Health trainee physicians, the majority being Monash University medical graduates, have achieved another excellent pass rate in the recent Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) clinical examinations with 19 out of 22 candidates passing the exam. 

Director, Physician Training at Monash Health Associate Professor Henry Ma together with Associate Professor Darren Mansfield, Consortia Director of Physician Education, believe is it the strong culture of education and training that delivers this success.

                     

“We emphasise a mutually supportive environment—we encourage trainees to support each other with the help of individually assigned mentors throughout this very difficult exam,” said Associate Professor Ma, who is also Director of Stroke Unit at Monash Health.

The comprehensive exam preparation program at Monash Health includes individually scheduled long cases, short case tutorials, a mentorship program (every candidate has a personal mentor), a linguistic workshop, sub-specialty days, mock exams, and lots of input from consultants, fellows and advanced trainees.

“We also have seven RACP national examiners at Monash Health, all of whom have extensive experience in RACP clinical examinations,” said Associate Professor Ma. 

Successful trainee and Monash University MBBS graduate Dr Sanduni Fernando said the physicians at Monash Health were integral in their preparation. 

“Not only were the physicians individually assigned to mentor us, they provided feedback for long cases, ran short case sessions almost daily, and volunteered countless after hours sessions on week nights and weekends,” said Dr Fernando.

Dr Damien Tharmaratnam also attributes the supportive atmosphere and structured education program to the remarkable success rate.

“There were a number of specialty days organised throughout the year which focussed on each specialty in detail,” said Dr Tharmaratnam, another Monash University MBBS graduate.

“The mock exams simulated the real exam very closely and helped us know what to expect on the day.  We even had a speech therapist conduct individual sessions to work on our presentation style.”

“Dr Ma is one of the most dedicated doctors I’ve come across, spending his weekends listening to long cases and staying back as late as midnight on some days to hear group long cases,” said Dr Tharmaratnam.

Dr Gina Tuch completed her medical degree and internship in Perth but decided to move to Melbourne to complete her physician training.

“It’s been a hard 18 months, but I couldn’t have had a better opportunity nor been more supported,” said Dr Tuch. 

Associate Professor Ma said he sees the physician training as a journey we travel together with the candidates.

“I would absolutely recommend physician training through Monash Health, although the results really speak for themselves,” said successful trainee Dr Emma Lightbody.

All the candidates acknowledge Associate Professor Henry Ma, Associate Professor Darren Mansfield, Dr Andy Lim, Dr Chris Daley, Dr Marcus Robertson, Mr Damian Burns, and Ms Carol Low for their organisation and commitment to the program.