Since 1986, the Buchanan Prize has been awarded to the highest scoring candidate in a cohort of the Fellowship Examination (Clinical), the 'OSCE', on their first attempt at the examination.
206 trainees sat the 2022.1 examination across both cohorts at locations in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
From left: Dr Shane Donovan, Dr Jin Kim.
The interval between finishing an exam and waiting for a result can feel nerve-wracking for candidates. Jin said, "I did the best I could, then I lived in blissful ignorance for a month until results were released."
Shane was nervous but hopeful. He said, "It was about getting through my first attempt, so that I could focus on getting back to family life."
Preparation is key for OSCE success, and for Jin, it was effective routines with his study buddies, Mark, Charlotte and Druvi that helped. He said, "The intense practice regime helped me feel prepared by reaffirming my skills and knowledge, while normalising the OSCE process."
For Jin, a key element to his success was practice, and support from his partner, family, friends, and the consultants who gave their time to provide guidance.
Shane formed a study routine with his friend, Stephen. They found the right balance between knowing when to work hard, and when it was time to pull back and take it a little easier. He also attributed his success to his partner Laura. He said, "Laura understood the fellowship process, the hours and focus required. I could not have done it without her."
There are many reasons why doctors specialise in emergency medicine. Jin said, "My favourite aspect is the knowledge that I can add positively to a person's day. Whether it be a patient, their family, or a colleague, it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment when I am at work."
Shane pointed to time spent as a volunteer as central to the decision to pursue a career in emergency medicine. "I was a first responder in Ireland. I also love the diversity and culture of all the individuals that make up the team."
While the moment of being notified about winning a major prize can be exhilarating neither winner was expecting it, and both said they were honoured and humbled by the win. Jin said, "It was like discovering an accidental extra chicken nugget."
The Buchanan Prize is named after ACEM Foundation Fellow Dr Peter Buchanan. It consists of a bronze medal and a certificate, awarded at the annual College Ceremony.
