58 candidates sat the 21.2B OSCE in Auckland and Sydney, and NSW-based Chris received the highest mark.
Thoughts of doubt are common after completing the OSCE and Chris – who said he's usually good at letting things go – couldn't help but overthink parts of the exam and wish he could have done better.
He said, "It's always hard to know with these exams. I was feeling alright but there was doubt. I was pleased we got the results early, even before Christmas, so that was great and helped to put a stop to the overthinking."
Chris was at home with his one-year-old toddler when he found out he had won the prize. He immediately rang his wife, Laura, who is also an ED trainee.
He said, "Part of being successful in exams is having the right support. My wife took on a lot of extra duties so I could study and prepare, which is wonderful."
He also attributes working at Gosford Hospital as part of his success. "I'm really lucky. Where I work on the Central Coast, I did practice sessions and everyone there was very supportive. Some of the exam stations are about teaching a skill, so there were lots of opportunities to practice in my day-to-day work."
As far as studying for the exam, he encourages trainees to find their own studying style. He said, "Everyone does it differently and the way I did it wouldn't necessarily work for everyone, but I think specifically for the OSHC exam if you've passed the written you have the knowledge."
Chris loves the variety of working in emergency medicine. "The reality is I have a very short attention span and you never know what's going to come through the door."
He also values the unique and "collegiate" team environment in emergency medicine, where FACEMs work closely with junior doctors, physios, nurses, and other allied health practitioners. He said, "It's a really good team environment and everyone works together, and everyone gets on."
Chris will soon begin a new role as a Staff Specialist at Gosford Hospital.
The Buchanan Prize is named after ACEM Foundation Fellow Dr Peter Buchanan. It consists of a bronze medal and a certificate and will be awarded at the annual College Ceremony.
