The Joseph Epstein Prize is awarded to the highest scoring candidates in a cohort at the Primary Viva Examination on their first attempt of the examination. The examination is held twice each year.
A total of 177 trainees sat the 2024.2 Viva examination, which was held at Cliftons in Sydney.
Dr Christian Turton
Dr Christian Turton said he and his wife worried that their newborn daughter’s first word was going to be something medical.
His approach to study was to do a little every day to maintain the exam mindset. "Respect the exam process and it will respect you. There is no alternative to putting in the preparation hours."
Learning he had been awarded the Joseph Epstein Prize, "was a good excuse to open some bubbles, and the timing was good as I was having a day off with my wife and daughter," Dr Turton said.
His wife Liv was his biggest support. "She’s an ACEM advanced trainee herself and has taught me many things over the years – and helped me become more organised."
He likes the variety of emergency medicine. "Doing different things and seeing something new keeps me engaged. ACEM acknowledges the importance of family life, and the work schedule offers greater flexibility than most specialities."
Dr Bright Zhang
Dr Bright Zhang, awarded the Joseph Epstein Prize, advises future candidates to check in with fellow exam sitters. "It may feel lonely practising by yourself, so it’s important to let each other know that you’re all in this together."
Dr Zhang recommends practising questions with colleagues and consultants. To prepare for the exam, he and his fellow exam sitters took turns in assessing each other with past paper questions. "We then split off to revise the material covered during that practice paper and repeated this process several times a week."
The two main factors that drew him to emergency medicine? "The workup of an undifferentiated sick patient and shift work. The ability to finish up my day and start afresh the very next drew me in. It feels like I’m making a difference."
A total of 151 trainees sat the 2025.1 Viva examination, which was held at Cliftons in Sydney.
Dr Jarrod Chakos
After what felt like a "marathon" leading up to the exam, Dr Jarrod Chakos aptly went for a run to burn up the excited energy he had after finding out he’d been awarded the Joseph Epstein Prize.
The first step to prepare for exams was recognising that there would be less time for life commitments and leisure – and asking himself if this was the right time. Once he decided it was, he prioritised getting his life in order.
He recommends taking time out and ticking off a few activities in one go, "like going for a run with a friend or cleaning the house listening to a podcast."
Dr Chakos said being in Darwin was good for his downtime. "It was incredible to have the beaches, beautiful landscapes, the markets. Balancing study with nature and being with friends made it easier."
He describes emergency medicine as a mix of clinical medicine, leadership and logistics. "All of that together is problem solving, finding the best solutions, being adaptable. You have the privilege of patients trusting you to deliver the best care."
Dr Samantha Jaco
Dr Samantha Jaco said receiving the Joseph Epstein Prize was confirmation of her hard work. Study tips include lots of repetition and practising answering questions out loud.
"I did that with my lovely dad, who’s retired and not medical. He was wonderful and dedicated hours asking me questions while we went on walks."
She recommends consistent study over time, "breaking it up into regular small sessions. Cramming is not going to do it."
Group revision made the biggest difference. "Seeing other people going through the same thing and giving you support."
Dr Jaco said her partner shouldered many domestic responsibilities while she studied. She is also grateful to emergency consultants she looks up to, especially Dr Meghann Law who inspired her when she did her internship.
Deciding on a specialty was difficult as she liked everything she tried. "Emergency medicine was the most balanced rotation. I loved it. My emergency medicine colleagues are people I align with."
