Exam remediation

1.0 Introduction

The RACGP Fellowship Exams Candidate Handbook states that restrictions apply to exam candidates after six unsuccessful attempts at the same segment. Candidates must satisfactorily participate in a remediation program prior to re-enrolment.

This guidance document outlines the necessary steps to complete the remediation program.

2.0 Definitions

Candidate means a medical practitioner who is enrolled in an RACGP Fellowship Pathway

GP General Practitioner

Just cause refers to the process of reflection and learning planning undertaken after three unsuccessful attempts at the same exam segment since 2014..2

ME Medical Educator

RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

3.0 Guidance

3.2 Fees

Candidates who wish to complete the remediation program are subject to a fee, currently $1500 AUD. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with training courses, study materials, and other incidental costs as may arise.

Candidates wishing to complete the remediation program must pay the remediation fee before the date of their first meeting with the RACGP delegate.

The RACGP accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

3.3 Notification

Exam candidates reaching six unsuccessful attempts will be notified with their results statement when they are required to undertake the remediation program. All communication will be via email.

3.4 Reflection

Candidates undertaking remediation must write a document reflecting on the reasons they believe they have been unsuccessful in their Fellowship exams to date. This document should be between two and five pages.

Candidates should focus their reflection on the elements the candidate believes are most relevant, whether they be academic, personal, or a combination of both. It is expected that candidates will reflect on how they have, and how they can continue to, change the circumstances which have led them to being unsuccessful in the past.

For candidates who have previously undergone just cause processes including a written reflection, the new reflection should also consider the strategies proposed after three unsuccessful exam attempts, why these strategies were unsuccessful, and what else can be done to improve their exam outcomes. All candidates will undertake a learning needs assessment.

3.5 Meeting

Candidates will receive a one-on-one remediation meeting via teleconference. This remediation session will focus on discussing the candidate’s submitted reflection and discussing strategies for the candidate to progress.

3.6 Development of strategy

Candidates must create a remediation strategy in the weeks following their meeting. The strategy will include a learning plan, but is expected to be much more in-depth than the learning plan candidates may have created for just cause.

The learning plan should include specific resources, but must also include ongoing face-to-face study programs meeting the approval of the RACGP. Peer-group study sessions and formal study sessions with mentors or supervisors are strongly encouraged. If health issues are identified in the reflection, it is expected that those issues will be managed as part of the remediation strategy.

Candidates are expected to identify and undertake suitable courses for exam preparation. Any costs associated with the remediation strategy are borne by the candidate.

Candidates must submit their remediation strategy within one month of their remediation meeting with the RACGP.

3.7 Approval

The candidate should develop their remediation strategy based on the feedback and guidance provided by the RACGP in the meeting. The proposed strategy will be submitted to the RACGP, where it will be assessed against the required standard. Strategies which are ill considered, too superficial, or otherwise inappropriate will not be approved and must be re-written.

If the candidate is unable to submit a satisfactory remediation strategy within two months of their remediation meeting, they will be deemed not to have satisfactorily completed the remediation program. Such candidates may recommence the process, but will be further delayed in sitting the exam again.

3.8 Implementation of the strategy

The candidate is responsible for faithfully enacting the remediation strategy. The candidate may change the strategy if necessary, but should document such changes if and as they happen, for future discussion with their ME.

3.9 Checking in

The RACGP will support candidates with a ME teleconferences mid-way between the implementation and assessment of the remediation strategy. The teleconference is an opportunity for candidates to discuss their remediation progress with an independent and experienced GP who can offer them support and suggestions. The check in is not assessed, but the ME may make suggestions to the candidate regarding their process and the implementation of their plan, and may comment on how the candidate is progressing and how they can optimise the use of their remaining time.

3.10 Assessment

The RACGP will organise a second teleconference between the candidate and their ME. The RACGP will take reasonable steps to ensure the same ME undertakes both teleconferences. The second teleconference will constitute a summative assessment of the candidate’s remediation progress. If the candidate has not made significant progress towards improving their medical knowledge and addressing the issues detailed in their reflection, the ME may find that the candidate has not satisfactorily completed the remediation program.

3.11 Next Steps

Candidates deemed to have satisfactorily completed the remediation program are eligible to enrol in the exam held one year after their last attempt. Candidates who have not satisfactorily demonstrated remediation may repeat the process at their own cost until they meet the standard.

4.0 References

Fellowship Exams Candidate Handbook
Just Cause Guidance Document