THE IOCA ISN'T PASS/FAIL, BUT IT MAKE OR BREAK
YOUR FELLOWSHIP JOURNEY
NEW IOCA REQUIREMENTS START AUGUST 2025
Secure your seat now
WHAT IS THE IOCA?
The Independent Observed Clinical Activity (IOCA) starts August 2025. This is an assessment whereby you'll be assessed by an independent examiner who doesn't know you, with a patient you've never met, using criteria that lack transparency about what "competent performance" actually means.
WHAT IT INVOLVES:
INDEPENDANT ASSESSMENT: No familiar supervisors, no safety net.
Learn how to build instant credibility with unknown examiners.
50 MINUTE CHALLENGE: Limited time with an unknown patient.
Master proven frameworks that work under pressure.
OPAQUE STANDARDS : "Stage 3 competency" with no clear benchmarks.
Get insider knowledge of what examiners really want.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
This isn't a lecture—it's an intensive experience that transforms how you approach observed clinical assessments.
WELCOME & CONTENT SETTING Understanding why IOCA preparation matters, how it differs from OCAs, and what makes this "non-pass/fail" assessment actually high-stakes for your Fellowship.
DECODING ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Deep dive into the six domains beyond surface requirements. Learn what "competent performance" actually looks like and how to win domains before you even begin.
STRATEGIC INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES Master the 50-minute patient interview with rapid rapport building, systematic history-taking, and the "Manila Folder Technique" that truly nails the diagnosis.
PRESENTATION EXCELLENCE Structure your 20-minute presentations for maximum impact, handle unexpected viva questions, and demonstrate consultant-level thinking that impresses examiners.
While others guess what examiners want, I'll show you exactly what they were trained to look for
WHY THIS WORKSHOP IS UNIQUE
DEMONSTRATIONS Learn actual interview techniques. See exactly how to build rapport, conduct systematic examinations, and handle difficult moments.
TIMED PRACTICE This may be your first time taking a comprehensive history to time, then synthesising data under pressure. Practice the real conditions you'll face.
THE MANILLA FOLDER TECHNIQUE Learn the proven interview structure that keeps you organised, thorough, and impressive under observation—even with unfamiliar patients.
MENTAL STATE MASTERY Master mental state examination using the exact headings examiners expect to hear, even when physical examination isn't performed.


MELBOURNE
10AM–1PM 31 JULY 2025
THE COMMONS, COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE
. . .
SECURE YOUR PLACE
Don't let uncertainty derail your Fellowship journey when preparation can guarantee your success.
COST: $1,175.00

Why train with Dr Helen Schultz?
Dr Helen Schultz brings unparalleled experience in RANZCP exam preparation, having guided over 300 medical professionals to exam success. As a consultant psychiatrist and experienced educator, she provides:
- Deep understanding of examiner expectations
- Practical strategies that address common candidate pitfalls
- Structured frameworks that build confidence and competence
- Guidance that transforms writing technique
Master the assessment that starts in August 2025 before your colleagues even understand what it is
CPD FORMULATIONS COURSE INCLUSIONS AND COMPARISONS

FAQS
What exactly is the IOCA and why do I need this workshop?
How is this different from regular OCA preparation?
I'm in Stage 2 - is this relevant for me?
Can I attend if I'm not a RANZCP trainee?
Is this an online or in-person workshop?
What's the workshop size?
Will I get to practice actual interviews?
Can my hospital/training program pay for this?
Will you offer additional dates if these sell out?
Will this help with other RANZCP assessments?
How do I know if I'm ready for the IOCA?
What if English isn't my first language?
Do you have any prerequisites for attending?

“I would highly recommend Helen’s OSCE and psychiatry written exam workshops to anyone. She provides a range of scenarios and techniques and one or more would make a world of difference to individual candidates sitting these exams which have been notoriously difficult to crack for some of us."
IMG now consultant, Melbourne, Victoria, 2023

"I had a major boost in both morale and confidence by attending and engaging Dr Schulz’s workshop. Her approach, her way of breaking down the structure of the CEQ exam opened my eyes and gave me freedom to tackle the CEQ in a different perspective and I think this really helped me pass the exam. I can’t thank her enough and can’t encourage more trainees to seek out and engage with her programs."
Program participant November 2023