Volunteering in Clinical Exams | Medicine & Health

We all want highly skilled, empathetic future doctors. To help achieve that goal, every September and November, UNSW Medicine & Health conducts clinical exams for junior and senior medical students.

Volunteering as a real or Simulated Patient (SP) is a great way to get involved in these important exams.

Watch the video to learn more about Sarah’s experience.

Requirements for the exams depend on the station question set by our academics and clinical campuses will select their volunteers accordingly.

Our Clinical Campuses

Select the clinical campus most convenient to you, or a specific discipline of interest.

South West Sydney Clinical Campus (Liverpool)

If you live in the Liverpool, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Fairfield or Braedie areas, we would love you to consider volunteering for our SWS Clinical School. Located at Liverpool Hospital, Burnside Drive, there are two train stations within a 10-15 minute walk (Liverpool and Warwick Farm). Alternatively, participants who wish to drive can park for free on site. In some cases, taxi vouchers can also be made available.

St Vincent’s Healthcare Clinical Campus (Darlinghurst)

Located in the heart of Darlinghurst, St Vincent’s is easily accessible from the north of the harbour, Inner West and the Eastern Suburbs. The clinical exams take place in the De lacy building on Victoria Street. Parking is limited so we encourage use of the excellent public transport options to the area. In some cases, taxi vouchers can be made available.

St George Clinical Campus (Kogarah)

If you live within the George’s River or Bayside Council areas, the St George Campus is located alongside the St George Hospital in Kogarah. Easily accessible to volunteers either by public transport (with a healthy 10-minute walk) or by car, with parking provided.

In some cases, taxi vouchers can be made available.

Sutherland Clinical Campus (Caringbah)

Residents of the Sutherland Shire are very welcome to volunteer at our clinical campus based in Caringbah. Driving here is easy with plenty of free parking on offer.

In some cases, taxi vouchers can be made available.

Randwick Clinical Campus (Prince of Wales)

The Prince of Wales Clinical Campus is well located for residents from all over the Eastern Suburbs or the city. Easily reached via the light rail (L2) line, parking is limited but not impossible. Exams are typically held in the Bright Alliance Building, off Avoca Street.

In some cases, taxi vouchers can be made available.

Our Disciplines

Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) Clinical Examination Stations

We are always needing female volunteers aged between 20-60 years to participate in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) exam stations. This involves acting with a scenario which will test the students’ ability to take a history and form a diagnosis. On the day, you will be interviewed by students in 12-minute rotations over a 3–4-hour session. No acting skills required and no physical examinations.

Paediatrics & Child Health Clinical Examination Stations

This role involves learning a pre-written scenario regarding an unwell child, whom you will play the parent of (no child will be present). A full child history and notes on how to answer the students’ questions will be provided. It may be beneficial if you are a parent in real life, but this is not essential. On the day, you will be interviewed by students in 12-minute rotations over a 3–4-hour session.

Psychiatry Clinical Examination Stations

As part of the clinical examinations for students in their final year, we need volunteers for stations relating to Psychiatry. This role involves learning a pre-written Mental Health scenario on depression, psychological distress, specific phobia or similar. (i.e. never speaking from experience) with notes on how to answer the students questions. An online training session will be provided a week or so prior to the exam. You will be able to discuss in detail the scenario and expected responses to help you prepare for the role. On the day, you will be interviewed by students in 12-minute rotations over a 3–4-hour session.

FAQs

Exams take place in morning or afternoon timeslots for up to 4 hours each, with break times.
This is to ensure continuity and consistency of each exam station for the examiner and students - and for fairness!
After completing the Expression of Interest form, you will be contacted to discuss the exams further.
No, these are volunteer roles only. Refreshments and parking are however offered.
Only if you have indicated you are willing to be a real patient. You will then be guided as to what to divulge according to the exam station.
If taking part in a physical examination, you will always be offered a gown and if there is any exposure required, it is limited. Nothing invasive of any kind.
No, unfortunately, due to the conflict of interest. Please see the EOI form.