Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
In 2023, the College of Physicians began a review of whether the structure, design and delivery of the 2021 Aotearoa New Zealand Paediatric Clinical Examination resulted in unconscious or inadvertent bias against groups of candidates on a racial basis. This followed multiple anonymous complaints received by the College from 2021, 2022 and 2023.
The review was independently chaired by Maria Dew KC, Barrister, Aotearoa New Zealand. The conclusions and 18 recommendations are set out in sections 8 and 9 of the Report which was released on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
The Board of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has accepted all recommendations and appointed a taskforce to manage their implementation, some of which have already begun.
Support programs
We know this report may be confronting to read and the RACP is here to support you. The RACP Support Program offers free, 24/7, confidential support. To access this service, make an appointment or speak with a consultant, call 0800 666 367.
If you are already engaged with a provider, the RACP can fund some sessions. Please email in confidence PCHExamsReview@racp.org.nz or PCHExamsReview@racp.edu.au and a dedicated support team member will guide you on how to access this support.
On 28 February, the RACP Board approved the Implementation Plan to address 18 recommendations outlined in the Review of Paediatric Clinical Examination in Australia and Aotearoa NZ Report.
The Implementation Plan has been structured to prioritise key recommendations based on their urgency, feasibility and impact on this Divisional Clinical Examination (DCE) cycle.
The Taskforce is leading the implementation of key assessment recommendations, working closely with Fellows and Trainees. It ensures feasibility, efficiency, and impact, for Board review in February 2025.
The RACP hosted information sessions in January 2025, gathering insights from 85 members on exam experiences. Their feedback will help drive meaningful improvements in the assessment process.