VAQ’s test a candidates ability to process visually presented information such as X-rays, pathology results and clinical images. The nature of the sources used for each exam is broadly outlined in the Training and Examination Handbook. The VAQ examination contains 8 questions in 60 minutes (7.5 minutes per question)
ACEM Fellowship Visual Aid Questions
The 8 questions must include at least one of each of the following five sections
| [ECG] | Electrocardiogram | [INVX] | Investigations | [RAD] | Radiology |
| [TRM] | Trauma | [PAED] | Paediatric |
LITFL also finds it useful to define a sixth section for the “clinical photographs” [CLIN]. This is not strictly a category in its own right, but which affords good revision material. There is obviously crossover between these sections, but in essence the commonest combination of questions includes
- ECG [2 questions]
- Radiology [2 questions - especially CXR and CT head]
- Investigations [2 questions - usually an ABG and one of FBC/ELFT/Tox interpretation]
- Clinical Image [2 photos - covering areas such as trauma, burns, rashes for example]
Additional Resources:
- NSW Hospital Group – Trial Examinations [PDF papers]
About Mike Cadogan
