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 2023.2 examination was sat by 194 candidates at Cliftons Margaret Street Examination Centre in Sydney.
Harry was at work when he found out he had won the award. He had just started a shift when he saw the email.
“I told one of my colleagues who I was working with that day, because I was a bit excited and wanted to share it with somebody. Then I said ‘Oh, don’t tell anyone else’, but, before I knew it, the whole department had found out.”
The scenery was quite different when Michael found out. He had just arrived at a hotel in Thailand on the first day of his honeymoon.
“My wife, Adelle, was naturally the first person I told. Based on how I’d reacted, I’m fairly sure she thought something of a disaster or emergency had happened.”
For exam preparation, both award recipients had different and varied approaches. Michael relied on past exams to structure his study for both the written and verbal sections but noted that studying for the written section was very self-directed and sometimes isolating, whereas the Viva preparation worked much better in a group setting.
Michael said, “My tip would be to have a group chat with other trainees where you can vent your frustrations – because you will have them. Sometimes it’s just nice to get clarity, support, or just have a whinge.”
Harry stressed the importance of picking a strategy that works for you.
“I remember I spoke to a few people about how they were going to study, and I just knew that wasn’t going to work for me. Reflect on what’s worked well for you in the past and try to stick to that.”
For Harry, making sure there was a lot of variety in the way he studied helped him remain engaged with the content.
“That meant trying to mix up the environment, mix up the methods, and trying to keep it interesting for myself.”
Michael compared the exam process to a grand tour cycling race. “To the public, it appears an individual pursuit, but for those doing it, you quickly realised it’s a team sport.”
His main supports included DEMTs and other consultants from Coffs Harbour Hospital, fellow trainees, Adelle, and people outside of work to help pull him away from exam stresses. His puppy, Tsuki, was also a fantastic study supporter.
Dr Michael Morton and Tsuki
Harry found the Liverpool Hospital ED doctors and trainees incredibly supportive during this time. “We had a great group of people who were studying for the exams at the same time at Liverpool, and we studied together and motivated each other and kept each other on track, so that was great.”
Harry fell in love with emergency medicine from when he did his first placement in medical school.
“I really enjoyed the diversity of the work, and that no matter who walked through the door, you tried your best to help them.”
Michael was also drawn to the variety of the work, the acuity and opportunity to do procedures, and the friendliness and approachability of the people who work in emergency medicine.
“I also hate ironing clothes”, he said. “And a specialty y where you can get away with wearing pyjamas makes for an ideal work environment.”
The Joseph Epstein Prize consists of a bronze medal and a certificate awarded at the annual College Ceremony.