Clinical Component
This test is known as NZREX.
Once all the three components are successfully completed , the
candidate then can apply for jobs and obtain provisional registration.
Most of the overseas doctors need to pass NZREX and be eligible for
registration before they can apply for Permanent
Residence in New Zealand under points system.
Clinical component
This contains two sections
- Long case – Medicine only
- Short cases – Five stations including
Medicine
The examination is centered around a patient with a standard medical
problem.
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Assessment will consider the candidates history taking, methods and
relevance of physical examination, accuracy of observations, ability to
synthesise clinical information, appropriate use of investigations and
attitude towards and communication with the patient.
Short cases
General Practice
Experienced actors simulate a patient with a problem commonly
encountered in the general practice.
Assessment includes the ability to conduct the interview in a manner
appropriate to the general practice setting, the correct use of
investigations in the general practice setting and the acceptabilty of
the candidates approach to and explanations to the patient including the
involvement of the patient in reaching decisions about management.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The examination in Obstetrics is centered around a patient in the
third trimester of a pregnancy which may be normal or abnormal.
The assessment includes the ability of the candidate to relate to and
communicate appropriately with the patient.
The Gynaecological examination is in the form of Viva and occupies
about 10 minutes of the total 30 minute examination period.
It does not include operative or surgical gynaecology.
Paediatrics
This section is about 30 minutes revolving around a common paediatric
patient and in most cases a parent/s will be present.
The assessment of the candidate includes communication with and
attitude to the child and parent.
Surgery and Orthopaedics
This examination is in the form of VIVA entirely and lasts about 30
minutes. No patients are present.
Discussions are centered around common surgical and orthopaedic
problems. Operative details are not required.
Psychiatry
Experienced actors are used to simulate patients.
The candidate is given a brief indication of the general nature of
the patients problems and the scene is set in a general practitioners
consulting room.
Regulations for passing NZREX
NZREX clinical is a test of overall clinical competence.
Each discipline will be marked as an overall grade.
Each grade attracts set out marks.
Sample Cases
Clinical observer posts
The medical council permits the candidates eligible for the Clinical
part of NZREX to under go observer posts (clinical attachments) prior to
the clinical examinations to provide exposure to local practice.
The candidates should contact the individual hospitals to obtain attachment and seek permission from the medical council.
