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Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine)): 12-Week Study Plan [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?category=study-tips) Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine)): 12-Week Study Plan ================================================================================================================= A practical framework for mastering Long Cases, Short Cases, clinical synthesis, and examiner-focused presentation [ MDster Editorial Team ](https://mdster.com/about) · Aug 14, 2026 · 6 min read · 13 [ Reviewed by Dr. Ali Ragab, MBBCH, MSc, MCAI ](https://mdster.com/medical-reviewers/dr-ali-ragab) [Editorial Policy](https://mdster.com/editorial-policy) | [Corrections Policy](https://mdster.com/corrections) [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=internal-medicine) [ Study Tips ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=study-tips) [ Clinical Examination ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=clinical-examination) [ RACP DCE ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=racp-dce) [ Adult Medicine ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=adult-medicine) [ FRACP Preparation ](https://mdster.com/blog?tag=fracp-preparation) ![Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Divisional Clinical Examination (Adult Medicine)): 12-Week Study Plan](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/royal-australasian-college-of-physicians-divisional-clinical-examination-adult-medicine-12.jpg) Share this article Share this post On this page 1. [ Train to the Marking Criteria ](#train-to-the-marking-criteria) 2. [ Long Case priorities ](#long-case-priorities) 3. [ Short Case priorities ](#short-case-priorities) 4. [ Build a Long Case System ](#build-a-long-case-system) 5. [ Make Short Cases Task-Driven ](#make-short-cases-task-driven) 6. [ Study Schedule Template ](#study-schedule-template) 7. [ Use Resources Efficiently ](#use-resources-efficiently) 8. [ Common Pitfalls ](#common-pitfalls) 9. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 10. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 11. [ References ](#references-heading) On this page 1. [ Train to the Marking Criteria ](#train-to-the-marking-criteria) 2. [ Long Case priorities ](#long-case-priorities) 3. [ Short Case priorities ](#short-case-priorities) 4. [ Build a Long Case System ](#build-a-long-case-system) 5. [ Make Short Cases Task-Driven ](#make-short-cases-task-driven) 6. [ Study Schedule Template ](#study-schedule-template) 7. [ Use Resources Efficiently ](#use-resources-efficiently) 8. [ Common Pitfalls ](#common-pitfalls) 9. [ Key Takeaways ](#key-takeaways) 10. [ Frequently Asked Questions ](#blog-faqs) 11. [ References ](#references-heading) Many candidates prepare for the Clinical Examination as though it were another written test. They accumulate knowledge but delay observed bedside practice, leaving their examination technique, synthesis, and presentation structure underdeveloped. As of August 2026, the Adult Medicine DCE involves **two Long Cases and four Short Cases with real patients**. Each case is assessed by at least two examiners, so your preparation must make competent clinical performance visible and repeatable. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Train to the Marking Criteria ----------------------------- The DCE is criterion-referenced rather than graded on a curve. Cases receive a performance score from 1 to 6, with 4 representing the expected standard. Your goal is therefore consistent, safe physician-level performance—not an impressive but unreliable display of rare knowledge. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Use the official rubric as a feedback form after every case. Ask your observer to rate the relevant domains before giving general comments. ### Long Case priorities Examiners assess: - history accuracy and interpretation - identification and prioritisation of clinical problems - understanding of illness impact on the patient and family/whānau - appropriate, realistic investigations and management - accurate examination findings where applicable Convert these domains into fixed headings on your practice notes. If your presentation repeatedly omits function, treatment burden, prognosis, adherence, or psychosocial impact, reading another textbook chapter will not correct the problem. ### Short Case priorities Short Cases reward respectful patient interaction, fluent examination technique, accurate signs, synthesis, and appropriate investigation or management discussion. Never claim a sign because you expected to find it; examiners penalise invented abnormalities and diagnoses inconsistent with the findings. > **Pro Tip:** Ask supervisors to identify the single domain preventing your performance from reaching an expected-standard score. “Improve neurology” is vague; “you miss important negative findings during lower-limb examination” is actionable. Build a Long Case System ------------------------ You have 60 minutes with the patient, 10 minutes to prepare discussion points, and 25 minutes with the examiners. Travel to the presentation room may use part of the preparation period, so practise planning in seven or eight minutes rather than assuming you will receive ten uninterrupted minutes. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Use this 60-minute framework: 1. **0–5 minutes:** Introduce yourself, establish the patient’s main concerns, and set an agenda. 2. **5–35 minutes:** Obtain a problem-oriented history, including medications, adverse effects, adherence, function, prevention, and psychosocial consequences. 3. **35–50 minutes:** Perform a targeted examination guided by the history. 4. **50–60 minutes:** Clarify contradictions, confirm priorities, and formulate your opening summary. During planning, create a numbered problem list rather than rewriting the history. For each major problem, note current status, evidence, complications, treatment limitations, and your next management step. Aim for an opening presentation of approximately eight minutes. Lead with a one-sentence patient representation, then present prioritised problems. This preserves time for the interactive discussion, where examiners can test your judgement. Make Short Cases Task-Driven ---------------------------- Each Short Case provides two minutes to read the stem followed by a 15-minute observed assessment. Read the task twice and identify the required system, expected extent, safety concerns, and likely synthesis question. [\[1\]](#cite-1 "Reference [1]") Practise common systems—including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, abdominal, rheumatological, endocrine, and gait examinations—but avoid memorising one rigid sequence. Adapt your examination to the stem and the patient’s mobility, pain, and clinical condition. For every practice case: - state significant positive and negative findings - provide one leading diagnosis supported by those findings - offer a short, ranked differential - propose discriminating investigations rather than a test catalogue - explain immediate and longer-term management priorities > **Pro Tip:** Record consented mock presentations without including identifying information. Review whether you describe observations precisely or hide uncertainty behind phrases such as “possibly” and “maybe.” Study Schedule Template ----------------------- PhaseWeekly bedside targetMain objectiveWeeks 1–32 Long, 4 Short CasesEstablish structure and baseline rubric scoresWeeks 4–72 Long, 6–8 Short CasesImprove weak systems and management discussionsWeeks 8–103 Long, 8 Short CasesAdd unfamiliar patients and strict timingWeeks 11–12Two full six-case simulationsReproduce the examination day and correct final gaps Use weekday ward work for brief Short Cases and reserve protected weekend sessions for Long Cases. Your study group should contain three or four candidates: one examines, one acts as examiner, and the others score against the rubric. Use Resources Efficiently ------------------------- Prioritise resources that improve performance rather than passive recall: - **Official criteria and videos:** Translate every rubric domain into observable behaviours. - **Consultant-led bedside sessions:** Request a score before discussion so feedback remains anchored. - **Textbooks and guidelines:** Use them after cases to repair identified management gaps. - **Flashcards:** Reserve these for examination sequences, discriminating signs, and management frameworks. - **Question banks:** Use short clinical stems for rapid differential and management vivas, not as your main DCE preparation. The RACP also provides clinical examination webinars and preparation resources. Commercial courses are not officially endorsed, so judge any course by its access to suitable patients, calibrated feedback, and timed simulations. [\[2\]](#cite-2 "Reference [2]") Common Pitfalls --------------- Avoid these recurring errors: - presenting chronologically instead of prioritising active problems - performing an unfocused “complete” examination despite a specific stem - listing investigations without explaining how results change management - neglecting treatment toxicity, function, cultural context, or patient goals - practising only with familiar consultants and cooperative patients - allowing one poor case to disrupt subsequent cases After each simulation, choose no more than three corrections. Rehearse them in the next 72 hours while the feedback remains specific. Key Takeaways ------------- Implement these actions this week: - Download the official Long and Short Case rubric. - Complete one timed Long Case using the 60-minute framework. - Perform four task-specific Short Cases with observed feedback. - Create a study group and book sessions through Week 12. - Ask your DPE or supervisor for one unfamiliar mock case. The DCE becomes manageable when you stop measuring preparation by hours studied and start measuring expected-standard performances. Build a repeatable process, invite precise feedback, and practise until prioritisation remains clear even when the patient is complex. Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- ### How early should I begin preparing for the Adult Medicine DCE? Begin structured bedside preparation about 12 weeks before the examination. Start earlier if your baseline examination technique, presentation structure, or access to suitable patients is limited. ### How many Long and Short Cases should I practise each week? Start with two Long and four Short Cases weekly. Progress toward three Long and six to eight Short Cases, prioritising observed feedback over unreviewed volume. ### Should I spend more time reading or examining patients? Bedside practice should dominate. Use reading to correct specific knowledge and management deficiencies identified during cases rather than revising entire specialties passively. ### What should I do if I am uncertain about a physical sign? Describe exactly what you observed, acknowledge uncertainty, and explain how you would clarify it. Do not invent or overstate findings to fit a preferred diagnosis. References (3) ------------------ 1. 1. [ RACP Adult Medicine Divisional Clinical Examination ](https://www.racp.edu.au/trainees/examinations/divisional-clinical-examination/adult-medicine-dce) [↩](#cite-ref-1-1 "Back to text") 2. 2. [ RACP Divisional Clinical Examination Training Resources ](https://www.racp.edu.au/trainees/training-resources/divisional-clinical-examination) [↩](#cite-ref-2-1 "Back to text") 3. 3. [ RACP Adult Medicine Long and Short Case Criteria for Assessment of Performance ](https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/trainees/examinations/clear-adult-medicine-long-and-short-cases-rubric.pdf?sfvrsn=d8e60b1a_12) Keep going Turn reading into Internal Medicine performance ------------------------------------------------- - System‑based, exam‑style questions + explanations - Smarter review to reinforce weak topics - Build confidence with measurable progress [ Start practicing ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) [ Explore Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) [ View pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Explore features ](https://mdster.com/features) No credit card required. Full access to all features\*. No commitment. Cancel anytime. \*AI SOE Examiner is limited to 10 cases monthly for Advanced & Bundle subscribers. 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