Planning for success: A resource for anaesthesia exam preparation
14 November 2024
Planning for Success is our new exam preparation resource designed to support trainees and SIMGs on the exam pathway.
Planning for success is also designed to assist fellows and supervisors to support trainees and SIMGs in their study journey and features nine comprehensive modules covering the following topics:
- Introduction
- Understanding the exams
- Timing and planning your study
- Resources for preparation
- Multiple choice questions (MCQs)
- Short answer questions (SAQs)
- Vivas
- Bringing it together
- Managing exam failure
By using the Planning for success exam preparation resource exam candidates gain insights into effective study techniques, what to expect on exam day and the roles of key stakeholders throughout the exam process. It guides users to build a personalised study plan, highlights various strategies used by others to prepare, and emphasises there are multiple paths to success in exam preparation.
With interactive activities, users can explore the specifics of assessment criteria, see sample responses to SAQs based on established rubrics and watch mock viva videos showcasing different performance levels. This hands-on approach helps demystify the exams, giving exam candidates confidence and clarity as they prepare to succeed.
Supervisors of training and other mentors will also find this resource valuable, as it offers guidance on organising study groups along with mock vivas, sample MCQs and SAQs for interactive discussions and reflections with individual trainees or groups. A Facilitator Guide is also in development to help supervisors make the most of the resource for anaesthesia exam preparation, creating an enriched, supportive learning experience for exam candidates.
Planning for Success is available on Learn@ANZCA and can be completed at the users own pace and in any order. With approximately six hours of content, the resource is designed to fit flexibly into busy schedules, helping exam candidates gradually build confidence and exam readiness.
Click here to listen to Professor Dave Story, ANZCA President introduce Planning for Success: A resource for anaesthesia exam preparation.
Background and next steps
Planning for success: A resource for anaesthesia exam preparation was developed with funding from the Australian Department of Health as a Specialist Training Program (STP) Support Project to ensure accessible access to exam preparation and support activities, especially for trainees in regional, rural and remote settings.
In 2025, the next phase of this project will be initiated to develop knowledge resource(s). Monitoring and evaluation of the Planning for success exam prep resource will also be undertaken.