Students

MEDI8401 – Advanced Clinical Placements A

2026 – MD4A, In person-placement, On location

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Stage 2 Lead
Penny Uther
penny.uther@mqhealth.org.au
Acting Stage 2 Lead
Patricia Hullah
patricia.hullah@mq.edu.au
Discipline Lead Critical and Acute Care
Lydia Lozzi
lydia.lozzi@mq.edu.au
Discipline Lead Mental Health
Genevieve Curran
genevieve.curran@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
30
Prerequisites Prerequisites
((MEDI8301 and MEDI8302) or (MEDI8311 and MEDI8312 and MEDI8313)) and MEDI8314
Corequisites Corequisites
MEDI8400
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit is the first of two that together comprise a total of 32 weeks of clinical placements in Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD. During this time you will be embedded within healthcare teams, working with individuals with a variety of health conditions.  Across MEDI8401: Advanced Clinical Placements A and MEDI8402: Advanced Clinical Placements B, you will complete a series of 4- or 8-week clinical placements. This includes core placements in Critical and Acute Care, and Mental Health, as well as, Selective and Elective placements. You will submit preferences for Selective and Elective placements based on your emerging interests and learning needs.

This unit offers the opportunity to participate in the delivery of patient-centred healthcare and to consolidate and apply the medical science knowledge and clinical skills you have developed throughout the Macquarie MD. You will be required to participate in healthcare delivery and demonstrate significant progress toward the development of the four Macquarie MD Graduate Capabilities: Scientist and Scholar, Clinical Practitioner, Engaged Global Citizen and Professional, as well as the Entrustable Professional Activities, at a standard appropriate to Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply knowledge of relevant medical sciences, disease mechanisms, and treatment principles to explain clinical presentations and the use of therapeutic and preventative strategies (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • ULO2: Formulate focused clinical questions, locate and critically evaluate evidence, and apply research informed clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, select investigations, and propose management plans, including health promotion strategies. (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • ULO3: Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • ULO4: Perform procedural skills competently and safely in the clinical environment (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • ULO5: Communicate sensitively with patients, families, and carers, actively encouraging their participation in discussions and decisions about diagnostics, treatment, and health promotion (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • ULO6: Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • ULO7: Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • ULO8: Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

General Assessment Information

This unit is one of two units which comprise a total of 32 weeks of clinical placements where you will be embedded in healthcare teams in Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD working with individuals with a variety of health conditions.  In both MEDI8401: Advanced Clinical Placements A and MEDI8402: Advanced Clinical Placements B, you will complete a series of 4- or 8-week clinical placements. You will participate in core clinical placements in Critical and Acute Care and Mental Health, as well as Selective and Elective placements. You will submit preferences for Selective and Elective placements which match your emerging interests and learning needs. This unit will provide you with the opportunity to participate in delivery of patient-centred healthcare and to consolidate and apply your medical science knowledge and skills already acquired across the Macquarie MD. You will be required to participate in healthcare delivery and demonstrate significant progress toward the development of the 4 Macquarie MD Graduate Capabilities: Scientist and Scholar, Clinical Practitioner, Engaged Global Citizen and Professional, and the Entrustable Professional Activities, at a standard appropriate to Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension
Capability and Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) tasks 25% No Year 4 Bootcamp Week, June 2026 Individual No
Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) 0% No Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn Individual No
Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) 0% No Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn Individual No
Selective/ Elective Report and ITA 25% No Wk 4 and 8 of rotation - Refer to detailed assessment guide Individual No
Rotation-Specific Assessment 50% Yes Wk 8 of rotation - Refer to detailed assessment guide Individual No
Team-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (T-MEX) 0% No Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn Individual No

Capability and Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) tasks

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Year 4 Bootcamp Week, June 2026
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No

Graduate capabilities and Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) tasks will be assessed through clinical performance activities and vivas. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of relevant medical sciences, disease mechanisms, and treatment principles to explain clinical presentations and the use of therapeutic and preventative strategies (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Formulate focused clinical questions, locate and critically evaluate evidence, and apply research informed clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, select investigations, and propose management plans, including health promotion strategies. (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).

Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn
Weighting: 0%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No

Ongoing formative assessments directed by the student to enhance evidence for portfolio. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Communicate sensitively with patients, families, and carers, actively encouraging their participation in discussions and decisions about diagnostics, treatment, and health promotion (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn
Weighting: 0%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No

Ongoing formative assessments directed by the student to enhance evidence for portfolio. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Perform procedural skills competently and safely in the clinical environment (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

Selective/ Elective Report and ITA

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Wk 4 and 8 of rotation - Refer to detailed assessment guide
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No

Submission of a report and supervisor In-Training Assessment (ITA). Please see iLearn for detailed information for specific requirements for Elective and Selective rotations. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of relevant medical sciences, disease mechanisms, and treatment principles to explain clinical presentations and the use of therapeutic and preventative strategies (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Formulate focused clinical questions, locate and critically evaluate evidence, and apply research informed clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, select investigations, and propose management plans, including health promotion strategies. (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Perform procedural skills competently and safely in the clinical environment (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Communicate sensitively with patients, families, and carers, actively encouraging their participation in discussions and decisions about diagnostics, treatment, and health promotion (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

Rotation-Specific Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Wk 8 of rotation - Refer to detailed assessment guide
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Students will complete the rotation-specific assessment for their allocated clinical placement in either Mental Health or Critical and Acute Care. The assessment includes both clinical and written components. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of relevant medical sciences, disease mechanisms, and treatment principles to explain clinical presentations and the use of therapeutic and preventative strategies (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Formulate focused clinical questions, locate and critically evaluate evidence, and apply research informed clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, select investigations, and propose management plans, including health promotion strategies. (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Perform procedural skills competently and safely in the clinical environment (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Communicate sensitively with patients, families, and carers, actively encouraging their participation in discussions and decisions about diagnostics, treatment, and health promotion (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

Team-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (T-MEX)

Assessment Type 1: Clinical performance evaluation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: Throughout the session(s), please refer to iLearn
Weighting: 0%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension: No

Ongoing formative assessments directed by the student to enhance evidence for portfolio. Performance will be evaluated against capability aspects and mapped to the relevant graduate Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). Outcomes for capability aspects and EPAs will be recorded in the Macquarie Assessment Portfolio.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of relevant medical sciences, disease mechanisms, and treatment principles to explain clinical presentations and the use of therapeutic and preventative strategies (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Formulate focused clinical questions, locate and critically evaluate evidence, and apply research informed clinical reasoning to develop differential diagnoses, select investigations, and propose management plans, including health promotion strategies. (Capability 1 Scientist and Scholar).
  • Elicit accurate medical histories and conduct physical and/or mental state examinations to inform patient assessment. Communicate these findings accurately and concisely to the healthcare team and/or peers (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Perform procedural skills competently and safely in the clinical environment (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Communicate sensitively with patients, families, and carers, actively encouraging their participation in discussions and decisions about diagnostics, treatment, and health promotion (Capability 2 Clinical Practitioner).
  • Practice effectively and with cultural responsiveness and sensitivity in diverse clinical settings, recognising social, cultural, economic, and health system factors that influence individual and population health (Capability 3 Engaged Global Citizen).
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to ethical, legal and professional standards of medical care when interacting with patients, families, carers, healthcare teams, peers, and the host organisation (Capability 4 Professional).
  • Engage in self-evaluation and critical reflection by incorporating feedback from teachers, clinicians, peers, and patients, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through the development of professional learning plans (Capability 4 Professional).

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

This unit is the first of two units which comprise a total of 32 weeks of clinical placements where you will be embedded in healthcare teams in Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD working with individuals with a variety of health conditions.  In both MEDI8401: Advanced Clinical Placements A and MEDI8402: Advanced Clinical Placements B, you will complete a series of 4- or 8-week clinical placements. You will participate in core clinical placements in Critical and Acute Care and Mental Health, as well as Selective and Elective placements. You will submit preferences for Selective and Elective placements which match your emerging interests and learning needs. This unit will provide you with the opportunity to participate in delivery of patient-centred healthcare and to consolidate and apply your medical science knowledge and skills already acquired across the Macquarie MD. You will be required to participate in healthcare delivery and demonstrate significant progress toward the development of the 4 Macquarie MD Graduate Capabilities: Scientist and Scholar, Clinical Practitioner, Engaged Global Citizen and Professional, and the Entrustable Professional Activities, at a standard appropriate to Stage 2 of the Macquarie MD.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook