Introduction
Structured Assessment using Multiple Patient Scenarios (StAMPS) blends the format of an Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCE) with a traditional Viva. It's designed to assess higher-order clinical reasoning, where candidates have the chance to explain their thinking and demonstrate how they'd manage a scenario, rather than simply recalling facts or protocols. StAMPS is used as an assessment in Core Generalist Training (CGT) and several Advanced Specialised Training (AST) programs.
Study groups provide a structured, facilitator-led opportunity to prepare for StAMPS assessments alongside other candidates. Sessions focus on peer-to-peer learning, discussion and practical assessment preparation, helping participants build confidence before assessment.
Study groups are routinely offered each semester and are one part of a broader assessment preparation strategy. They complement rather than replace individual study, engagement with your Medical Educator, and other preparation activities.
For detailed information about study group sessions and expectations, see the Study Groups Guide.
Who can attend
Study group participants may include:
- Registrars who are progressing through the ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship program on the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) pathway or the Independent Pathway.
- New Zealand registrars.
- Clinicians undertaking an Advanced Specialised Training (AST) outside of training.
Program overview
| Study group | Semesters Offered | Duration | Sessions | Attendance requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGT StAMPS | Semester 1 & 2 | 8 weeks | Weekly, 90 minutes | Minimum 5 of 8 sessions |
| AST StAMPS – Emergency Medicine | Semester 1 & 2 | 8 weeks | Weekly, 90 minutes | Minimum 5 of 8 sessions |
| AST StAMPS – Adult Internal Medicine, Mental Health, Paediatrics, Surgery | Semester 2 Only | 4 weeks | Weekly, 90 minutes | Attend all sessions |
Funding
Participants who are progressing through the ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship program on the Commonwealth funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) pathway are funded to complete one Core Generalist Training (CGT) and one Advanced Specialised Training (AST) study group during their progression through the Fellowship program.
Registrars on the self-funded Independent Pathway, clinicians completing ASTs outside of training, and New Zealand registrars are required to fund their own enrolment in all study groups.
Enrolment
Study group enrolments open at various times of the year to align with the delivery of StAMPS assessments. Enrolment periods, dates and registration links are available on the Upcoming Assessments and Study Groups webpage.
Late enrolments may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on place availability, program requirements and how far sessions have progressed.
FAQs
Study group allocations are confirmed once the enrolment period closes. Changes are generally only considered in special or extenuating circumstances.
If you need to request a change, contact the Training team at training@acrrm.org.au, providing details of your circumstances. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and a change cannot be guaranteed.
You must attend your allocated study group unless an alternative arrangement has been requested through the training by email at training@acrrm.org.au and approved by the Training team.
Do not attend another group without prior approval, as attendance requirements are linked to your allocated group.
No, attendance is based on your participation in the live study group session.
If you miss a session, you may be able to review a recording if one is available. However, watching a recording does not contribute to the attendance requirement as study groups are facilitator-led, peer-to-peer learning sessions.
If you attend less than the number of required sessions, you will not satisfy the completion requirements for the study group.
Before each session, you should:
- Review Canvas announcements,
- Read any pre-session materials
- Complete any requested preparation activities
- Familiarise yourself with platform tools.
First, refresh your browser and try joining the session again. If issues persist, contact your VLA through the Discussions area in Canvas for assistance.
If you are unable to resolve the issue, notify the Training team as soon as possible.
A computer or laptop is strongly recommended to ensure full access to all learning features.
Try to rejoin the study group as soon as possible.
If you are unable to reconnect, notify your VLA immediately and contact the Training team as soon as possible.
Yes, you may be able to enrol in an additional study group where places are available.
However enrolment in subsequent study groups is not intended as a substitute for ongoing individual preparation, engagement with Medical Educators, or participation in other learning activities.
Participants are expected to continue their preparation through a range of activities appropriate to their learning needs and assessment readiness.
Participants who are progressing through the ACRRM Rural Generalist Fellowship program on the Commonwealth funded Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) pathway are funded to complete one Core Generalist Training (CGT) and one Advanced Specialised Training (AST) study group during their progression through the Fellowship program.
Attending additional study groups will incur the normal cost of that study group.
Registrars on the self-funded Independent Pathway, and clinicians completing ASTs outside of training are required to fund their own enrolment to all study groups.
Yes. As outlined in the Assessment Eligibility Policy, you must successfully pass the MCQ Assessment to be eligible to sit the CGT Assessment and attend the associated study groups.
If you become ineligible to sit the assessment or no longer wish to participate, withdraw as soon as possible by emailing training@acrrm.org.au. Your place may then be offered to someone on the waitlist. Study group places can't be transferred between participants.