Queensland Government
Queensland Health
Queensland Government
Queensland Health

Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interviews (PESCI)

A Pre Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) is one of the assessments of clinical knowledge and skills that an International Medical Graduate (IMG) may undergo as part of the nationally consistent assessment process for IMGs.

A PESCI is an assessment of a doctors clinical knowledge and experience and uses a set of structured questions and scenarios in an interview situation.

Qld Health PESCI Checklist...

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Copy of photo page of passport.

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English Language Requirement.

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Copy of Curriculum Vitae (Queensland Health standard format) containing a signed and dated statement that the 'CV' is true and correct.

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Copy of AMC MCG Part 1 examination certificate.

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Copy of Primary Source Verification of Medical Qualifications for example: EICS issued by the AMC or proof that you have commenced the process.

PESCI

Medical Board of Australia PESCI

Who requires a PESCI?
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) progressing via the Standard Pathway to general medical registration and applying to a Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in Queensland for the following specialties:

  • Anaesthetics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Intensive Care
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • General Medicine
  • Mental Health
  • Paediatrics
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopaedics

Will require a PESCI for the following positions:

  • Principal House Officer (PHO)/Registrar positions (new employees to a HHS)
  • Senior House Officer moving to a Principal House Officer position in one of the above specialties (existing  employee of a HHS)
  • Principal House Officer who is changing specialties into one of the above specialties (existing employee of a HHS)
  • If you are being employed as a PHO Generalist and will be required to work across any of the specialties listed above
  • IMGs who are basic trainees of their relevant speciality college; and may be referred to by the college or the hospital as a Registrar and who are on the Standard Pathway to General Medical Registration and are or will be registered with the MBA as a PHO are to undertake a PESCI if they are new to a HHS in Queensland  and or are moving into a PHO / Registrar position in one of the above specialities

Who arranges a PESCI?
Upon acceptance of an employment offer with a HHS you will be contacted by the employing Facility who will coordinate a PESCI for you with the PESCI Team.

What is the PESCI format?
The Queensland Health PESCI consists of questions to explore and validate the skills and experience that you provide in your Curriculum Vitae.  A PESCI Panel, consists of three members, will pose between three and five clinical scenario questions relevant to the role you have accepted.  The Panel will use these scenarios to determine your ability to analyse clinical situations and your ability to apply clinical knowledge.

The following competencies will be assessed during the clinical scenarios:

  • Clinical history taking
  • Clinical knowledge
  • Management plan
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills

The panel will ask questions or may use role plays to elicit information during the interview.

Outcomes of PESCI will be provided by email.  Please note that a successful outcome of a PESCI does not guarantee registration with the MBA.

Contact details:
PESCI Team
Telephone:  +61 7 3234 0505
Email:  PESCI@health.qld.gov.au

The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) currently requires International Medical Graduates (IMG) to complete a PESCI as a pre-registration requirement when they are progressing via the Standard Pathway or Competent Authority Pathway to general medical registration in any of the following positions:

  • Any non-specialist position in a private hospital
  • All non-specialist senior positions within Queensland Health: 
    • Senior Medical Officer (SMO)
    • Medical Officer Right of Private Practice (MORRP)
    • Medical Superintendent Right of Private Practice (MSRPP)
  • Any position in General Practice
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) have been authorised by MBA to undertake the PESCIs on behalf of the MBA. The MBA reserves the right to request a PESCI to be undertaken for any other position. Further information on MBA PESCIs should be directed to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

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