Frequently Asked Questions about the NZREX
The exam is held 5 times a year starting 2013. It used to be 4 times a year until 2012.
There is a morning batch and an afternoon batch. The morning batch waits in the exam center until the afternoon batch starts their exam.
All you need to bring for the exam is your Stethoscope and Passport. Everything else (otoscope, ophthalmoscope, tuning fork, etc.) will be provided to you. You will not be permitted to use your own instruments.
Each student is assigned a station. Once the time starts, you have 2 minutes to read the question. You may not enter the exam room before the 2 minutes end. A bell rings and you enter the room. You have 10 minutes in the room to finish your task. The bell rings and you move to the next station and read the next question for 2 minutes. The time you take to move from one station to another counts towards the 2 minutes. There is a 6 minute break after 8 stations.
No there is no such break except after your 8th station when you have a 6 minute break for water/rest room.
The exam is usually consists of 4 static, 4 history taking, 4 physical examination, 4 counselling stations. Sometimes there could be a mixture eg. take a brief history and discuss management options.
Yes, be prepared to be tested for skills like IV cannulation, Foley's catheter, Speculum exam, Bimanual exam, Suturing, etc. Make sure you use proper sterile techniques and know how to get consent for each of these. To get some practice on mannequins, read this post on
"Must-Do's during your Observership"
No, there is no examiner in the room for static stations.
Yes a question sheet will be provided inside the exam room, similar to the one provided outside the station.
They are generally very nice and wont disturb you at all. They may ask you the Differential Diagnosis or any further questions if required at the end of the station. They don't ask difficult questions. They usually do not stop you during your session, but if you finish early, expect some easy questions coming your way e.g. What do you think the patient is suffering from, what are your DDs, is there anything else you'd like to ask the patient, what investigations would you like to do, etc.
Tissues and water are kept in each room. Be very empathetic towards patients. There is a specific way of handling 'difficult stations'. A nice write up on how to handle difficult patients coming soon :)
Make sure the patient is comfortable. Build rapport. Ask a few basic/general questions before you dive into specific depression related questions. Know how to convince a depressed patient to talk!
Yes, ideally you must. A summary at the end would also suffice but you may not have time for that in the end. So a basic, short, running commentary is recommended.
Yes, a paper and pen will be provided inside the room. It will be placed right in front of you on your desk. However, I would prefer looking at the patient and make eye contact, than write notes while they talk.
Each static station has MCQ's. Usually between 4-8 questions. Each static station has a theme around which all the questions are based. So a 'Acute MI theme' may have questions related to MI management and they might put in an ECG as one of the questions.
Yes, normal lab values are provided.
When the bell rings and your time starts, knock on the door and open it. Greet the examiner and shake hands. The examiner may then say "here is your patient, you may proceed". That's when you introduce yourself. Sample introduction: "Hi my name is Dr. AAAA BBBB (full name) but you may call me Dr. AA (shorter and easier version of your name). I am the intern in the emergency department. May i know your name please." There are a variety of ways you can introduce yourself, this is just an example. Make sure you smile, shake hands (if possible) and that you are bold and confident when you introduce yourself and make eye contact. Your first impression must be good! For more info, please read:
How to introduce yourself - for NZREX
Its best to call hospitals and ask if Observerships are available. Email is a good alternative. Most hospitals easily offer observerships as long as you apply well in advance. The NZREX acceptance letter may be required. For more detailed info, please read:
How to get an observership in NZ and
Must-Do's during your observership.
If you have any questions related to "the exam" please ask us in the comments below.
During this 10 min exam at each station, are we expected to write the detaied task done on the answer sheet e.g;history, physical examination, D/D or management?
ReplyDeleteIs the time sufficient for it?
No you are not expected to write down anything at all !! However, you will be provided with a pen and blank sheets of paper so you can write down rough notes for yourself (eg. mnemonics etc.)
DeleteThank you for the information, your blog is great. What is the dress code for the exam? Should we take white coats? What about a tie?
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteFor the exam you are expected to wear formals. Shirt, trousers and a nice tie. You don't have to wear a suit really. Yes, but a tie would make you look quite professional!
You do not have to take white coats. But you must carry your stethoscope along for the exam.