MRCS Part B

So the next Part B exam is coming up in May. As the exam is relatively new, it can be a bit of a cahllenge preparing as there isn't the wealth of information out there for other exams. The format for the exam is OSCEs with 18 stations (4 of them rest stations). On application (DEADLINE is 19th March!!) you are asked to decide he following:

1. Choose a region in which you will be assessed on Anatomy, History taking and physical exam.
2. Choose a region in which you will be examined on History taking and physical exam.
3. Choose a region on which you will be assessed on physical exam alone.
4. The rest of the exam will be basic surgical skills, communication etc...
5. The regions available are Thorax and Trunk, Head and neck, Limbs and Spine as well as Neuro. You can only pick one region per assessment and can't pick the same region more than once.

Advise from other people who have sat the exam and passed has been:

1. Revise your anatomy very well as there are anatomy stations. However, on applying you get to pick which region you would like to be examined on.
2. Read up on physiology and pathology.
3. There is no substitute for clinical experience so increase your exposure by going to clinic, theatre etc...remember people are supposed to sit the exam in their surgical training years although more and more junior people are sitting it early.
4. Get a good clinical tutor who can take you through examining patients correctly and test your knowledge as preparation for the exam.
5. If you work in groups and know people who are sitting the exam; revise together as you can get constructive feedback.
6. The area of going to revision courses is still contentious but most people go to courses in order to get a structure for their revision and polish their performance. I will try and research some of the courses and give feedback on this blog.

So here you are. A little breakdown of the exam. I must admit I'm finding it difficult to get meaningful advise about how to prepare for the exam but like any exam, I guess knowing your stuff well and seeing as many patients as possible is key to being successful.  Things that do not help in focusing on revision is knowing that you can only take this exam 4 times and the cost of the exam as well as revision courses/books. Its important to remember though that even failure in the exam itself should not be seen as a collossal negative as it can just act as a mock for the next time you sit it. Good luck and watch this space for more info on revision tools for Part A and B.

Amel