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Simulated Patient

Australian Medical Council (AMC) Clinical Examinations

The Australian Medical Council is inviting Expressions of Interest for the role of Simulated Patient for the AMC Clinical Examinations. 

As a Simulated Patient, you will contribute to the assessment of future doctors in Australia, supporting a fair and high-quality examination experience for candidates. This role provides the opportunity to apply performance skills in a meaningful, real-world healthcare context, while working as part of a collaborative and professional team. 

 

Overview

The AMC’s purpose is to ensure that the standards of education, training and assessment of the medical profession promote and protect the health of the Australian community. As part of this work, the AMC delivers Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s) for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking registration in Australia. 

The Simulated Patient role is a casual position that supports the delivery of these examinations. Simulated Patients perform scripted cases that portray real-life scenarios, working alongside a candidate (international medical graduate) and an Examiner or exam marshal in an examination station.  

Each exam day consists of two sessions (AM and PM), with 18 candidates assessed per session. Simulated Patients typically perform two cases per exam day.  

The AMC is committed to building a diverse and representative Simulated Patient cohort that reflects the Australian community. We strongly encourage Expressions of Interest from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander performers and community members, people from across the gender spectrum, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with acting, improvisation and role-play skills, and people across diverse age groups and life stages. 

About the role

As a Simulated Patient, you will be expected to: 

  • Attend scheduled exam dates and provide prompt notice of any changes to availability. 
  • Where required, undertake physical examination scenarios, which includes similar physical interaction as one would expect in a medical appointment while ensuring respect of personal boundaries; in some cases, there will be use of anatomical models 
  • Perform in a range of complex cases including mental health presentations, parenting simulation and performance of emotional distress, including grief while ensuring personal triggers are considered. 
  • Prepare thoroughly for each exam, including reading and memorising scripts. 
  • Perform cases consistently and accurately in line with approved scripts. 
  • Engage in constructive feedback processes and ongoing development activities. 
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, including responding to last-minute exam changes. 
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of exam materials and candidate performance. 
  • Comply with organisational policies and procedures. 

Eligibility criteria

Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest, applicants should acknowledge and understand the following: 

  • Must reside in Melbourne and be available to attend shifts on-site at the AMC Test Centre. 
  • Be able to reliably commit to scheduled training and exam dates. 
  • Declare that you are NOT an active/current AMC candidate. If you intend to undertake the AMC candidature pathway in the future, you must notify the AMC Simulated Patient team immediately. 
  • Declare no affiliation with an AMC bridging course or any ongoing coaching/mentoring of International Medical Graduates. 
  • Sign an AMC Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). 
  • Sign an AMC Consent to Record. The AMC Test Centre is equipped with CCTV cameras and recording systems for operational and security purposes. Personnel attending the Test Centre must agree to and sign an AMC Consent to record form. 
  • Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend one of the mandatory training sessions; dates are listed under The Process – What to Expect. Please note that attendance at the training session does not guarantee a placement in the Simulated Patient program.  
  • Successful applicants must be available for the exams in July 2026 and onwards.  

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who contribute to the diversity and authenticity of patient representation, including: 

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people 
  • gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals  
  • people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds  
  • individuals representing diverse age groups and life stages, particularly Individuals representing diverse age groups and life stages” 
  • previous experience performing Simulated Patient cases would be highly regarded. 

Skills and attributes

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to learn, retain and accurately deliver scripted material 
  • Adapt to structured performance environments, including repetition of cases 
  • Ability to engage respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds  
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive, respectful and culturally safe behaviours 
  • Willingness to participate in physical examination scenarios, where applicable 
  • Capacity to receive and apply feedback to improve performance 
  • Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality requirements 
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a professional team environment. 

Role and Responsibilities

  • Comply with organisational policies and procedures
  • Attend all induction training and scheduled exam dates, providing prompt notice of any changes to availability
  • Prepare thoroughly for each exam, including reading and memorising scripts
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of exam materials, and candidate performance
  • Perform cases consistently and accurately in line with approved scripts
  • Perform assigned exam cases across the Predominant Assessment Areas:
  • Perform in a range of complex cases including mental health presentations…
  • Undertake physical examination scenarios, which may include…
  • Engage in constructive feedback processes and ongoing development activities
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, including responding to last-minute exam changes

The process – what to expect

The recruitment and onboarding process will include:

  • EOI close date: Monday 18 May 2026 
  • Shortlisting: Week commencing Monday 25 May 2026 
  • Interviews: Week commencing Monday 8 June 2026 
  • Training Sessions: Friday 19 June or Monday 22 June 2026 (TBC)
    Shortlisted applicants must attend one of the mandatory paid training sessions. 
    Applicants will be provided with clinical scenario scripts and must prepare to role-play the cases with the Trainer and Examiner. Applicants’ performance will be assessed by the Trainer and Examiner; the training outcome will be notified in the week commencing 29 June 2026. Unsuccessful applicants will be given feedback and are eligible to apply again for future opportunities.
     
  • Onboarding: Successful applicants will be sent the Letter of Offer to be accepted and signed electronically. An employee profile will be set up for each individual to access as required and to complete timesheets, induction and policy information. A separate portal log in will be provided for each individual to provide availability for shifts and to access examination / work dates across the year, commencing from 1 July 2026. 
     
  • Cultural Safety Training: Tuesday 30 June 2026 (TBC)
    The AMC is committed to cultural safety, and this value is embedded in our work. All AMC employees (including casuals) must attend the Cultural Safety Training sessions which are delivered in modules throughout the year.  
  • Location: The AMC Test Centre is located in Docklands, Melbourne 

AMC Clinical Exams timetable and scheduling

July 2026 August 2026 September 2026
·        Wed 01 ·        Tues 11 ·        Tues 22
·        Thurs 02 ·        Wed 12 ·        Wed 23
·        Fri 03 ·        Thurs 13 ·        Thurs 24
·        Tues 14 ·        Fri 14 ·        Tues 29
·        Wed 15 ·        Tues 18 ·        Wed 30
·        Thurs 16 ·        Wed 19  
·        Fri 17 ·        Thurs 20  
·        Tues 28 ·        Fri 21  
·        Wed 29    
·        Thurs 30    
·        Fri 31    

Exam scheduling is completed and provided to Sim Patient 3 weeks prior to the exam month 

Next Steps

To submit an Expression of Interest, please email careers@amc.org.au by Monday, 18 May with your    

  • up-to-date CV  
  • a short statement confirming your acknowledgement, understanding, and agreement that you meet the eligibility criteria, including any access requirements and points of diversity you would like us to be aware of. 

If you have any questions regarding the Simulated patient role, please email simulatedpatient@amc.org.au 
 

If you are looking for a unique and meaningful role that contributes to Australian healthcare outcomes, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest. 

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