I recently received queries from an OTD/IMG regarding AMC exams and Australian medical practice. I will post question and answer as I find time.
Q - I carefully checked the list you provided us with (from your blog http://imgaustralia.blogspot.
A - There are always one or two question related to fitness to drive in AMC exam - only one authentic book out there for fitness to drive in Australia. I know it is extensive and messy, but no other way around. I would suggest you try to find answer related to common scenario like MI, epilepsy, DM, collapse and visual requirement for driving and that will be enough rather than reading whole book.
Q - Medicine is really a huge field and pretty much hard to cover (you can't be 100% prepared), so is there a catch how to learn the stuff from the books and what is the best way to be prepared for the exam (it is not just a single book or 3 books it is a complete knowledge)? Should we basically prepare that exam by reading each of the MCQs from the main AMC MCQ book and then expand/build the knowledge for each of the questions by reading about them from other books listed?
A - Answer of this question lies in your question. There is no such thing that you read 1-2 books in medicine. On fun side, I can tell you read John Murtagh GP, Harrison's Internal Medicine and AMC MCQ book and if you can remember everything you don't need any other book. You will pass.
Q- Since I'm about to prepare myself just for the MCQ CAT and then start the internship in Australia (if possible) I want to ask are all the books you listedhttp://imgaustralia.blogspot.
A - You should read all the book to start with. The book you specifically asked, they are for clinical examination only, but while you looking for internship and doing internship that knowledge will come handy.
Q - What about the therapeutic guidelines, there are plenty of them (http://www.amc.org.au/index.
A - Simple answer is yes. In my view you don't need to read any. If you really want to read then read Therapeutic Guidelines for antibiotics as they are different in different region of the world.
Q- You listed some books that are not even in the AMC list http://www.amc.org.au/index.
A - This is from my personal experience and I used these books when I prepared for my exam. Remember clinical knowledge remains same throughout world, but application of that knowledge changes according to area.
Q- The immunisation book is in the list too? Is this the book. What should we paid attention to when learning from this book since there are so many information and tables there ?
A - Focus on immunisation schedule, requirement, contraindication, administration and common side effects of vaccination listed on schedule.
Q - As for the test, is it a test which we do by writing on the paper or some other way (since I read that we can look back at the questions we did not answer at the first place after completing the very last question).
A - In Australia, it (AMC MCQ) is all computer based exam. I am not sure about overseas centres, but I think all are computer based now for AMC exam.
Q - As for the test, is it a test which we do by writing on the paper or some other way (since I read that we can look back at the questions we did not answer at the first place after completing the very last question).
A - In Australia, it (AMC MCQ) is all computer based exam. I am not sure about overseas centres, but I think all are computer based now for AMC exam.
Q - There are also the non-scored questions mentioned so do we have to answer them too?
A - Don't worry about them, as you will not able to recognise them differently. To you all will look same.
Q- What about the dosages of the medications ? Should we learn them and if yes for which conditions ?A - Common (i.e Abx for pneumonia, COPD, analgesia etc) and emergency medications ( like medication for MI, anaphylaxis etc), you need to remember everything including dosage.
