FAFP H M
Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine
Overview
The AFPHM Exam (AFPHM Oral Examination), conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), is a key assessment within training in public health medicine. Its primary purpose is to evaluate whether trainees can apply public health knowledge and skills effectively in complex, real-world situations, rather than simply recalling theoretical information.
This examination typically uses a scenario-based format, where candidates are presented with realistic public health problems such as disease outbreaks, environmental health threats, population screening issues, health system challenges, or policy and program development scenarios. Trainees are required to analyse the situation, identify key issues, and respond in a structured and logical manner.
The exam assesses competence across the core domains of public health medicine, including epidemiology and biostatistics, health protection, health promotion, and health policy and systems. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of how these domains interact, and to apply relevant frameworks, data, and evidence to support their reasoning. This may include interpreting population-level data, assessing risk, considering equity and ethical implications, and evaluating the impact of interventions.
In addition to technical knowledge, the Oral Examination places strong emphasis on critical thinking, judgment, and communication skills. Candidates must explain their reasoning clearly, justify their recommendations, and adapt their responses to examiner prompts, reflecting the collaborative and advisory nature of public health practice. The assessment mirrors the kinds of discussions public health physicians have with policymakers, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
Overall, the AFPHM Oral Examination is designed to confirm that trainees are capable of functioning as independent public health physicians—able to think strategically, communicate effectively, and translate public health principles into practical, evidence-informed solutions that protect and improve population health.
AFPHM Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the AFPHM Oral Examination (part of the RACP), candidates must be registered as an Advanced Trainee in Public Health Medicine. Key requirements include:
- Completion of a Master of Public Health (MPH) or equivalent covering 5 core disciplines (Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Protection, Health Promotion, Health Policy/Management).
- Approval of Training Position: Must be in an accredited AFPHM training post.
- Clinical Experience: Minimum of 36 months FTE professional experience.
- Compliance: Meeting all RACP Progression Through Training Policy requirements.
For full details, please refer to the official RACP Public Health Medicine Training Program Handbook.
Conclusion
Passing the AFPHM Fellowship Exam requires a structured study plan, strategic practice, and expert guidance. With the right approach, Public Health Medicine trainees can maximize their performance and achieve Fellowship status. MEDS PATHWAY has over a decade of experience in helping AFPHM Trainees with this exam. Our experienced Team of FAFPHM will guide you all through this stressful exam process.
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