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How to prepare for your medical school finals
Finals are looming! Where do you start? How do you prepare? Your medical school finals may be the most important exam you’ve ever sat. Here are some key tips on dealing with exam revision and getting through that final step to becoming a doctor. Know what you need to know This might seem obvious, but before you start any revision, you need to know what you need to know! Your medical school will have a syllabus with intended learning outcomes (ILOs), which you can print off, so you know exactly what you need to know for finals. These can be split into topics, body systems or otherwise. You can also use this as a checklist, ticking off or highlighting topics as you have revised them. It’s also useful to know the format of the exams you’ll be sitting in advance – for example, single best answer, practical examinations, oral examinations or written examinations. Find out how long each exam lasts and how many questions are expected. This way, there will be no surprises on the day! If you graduate from 2025 onwards, you’ll need to sit The United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), a standard examination designed by the General Medical Council (GMC), which every graduating medical student will have to pass to practice in the UK. This is based on the GMC’s “[Outcomes for Graduates](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/outcomes-for-graduates/outcomes-for-graduates)”. For more information, read our blog article on [The UKMLA: What is it and what does it mean for me?](https://quesmed.com/) and watch our [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCGTJgZJAUM) on our YouTube Channel for more. Make a revision plan Calculate how long you have until finals, and split your time up accordingly. Depending on your time, you might spend a week on each speciality – e.g. cardiology, respiratory, gynaecology. If you’re short on time, prioritise important and high-yield topics that are likely to come up in examinations. Learning every tiny detail about every condition you’ve been taught about is unachievable! Identifying which topics you find most difficult can also be beneficial - as we’re prone to tactically avoiding studying these. Instead, you might want to study these first, or early on in your revision schedule and study the topics you enjoy more later on when you might feel less motivated. Identify your revision style Plan how you will revise and identify your favourite revision style – be it flashcards, video content or drawing mind maps. You might like to use several different revision styles to mix things up. Spaced repetition is one of the most effective revision tools – whereby you view a key topic or fact at increasing time intervals until it has become committed to memory. Using mnemonics and mind maps are fun ways to remember key facts. The funnier (or ruder), the easier they seem to recall. We all know the cranial nerves one…  Revise on the go! Regular revision and consolidation is key. Using any spare moment, for example on your commute or whilst waiting for your takeaway pizza, to smash some revision. Using app-based revision tools like [Quesmed’s app](https://app.quesmed.com/) enables accessible spaced repetition of key facts and topics. Read our blog article all about Quesmed, and why it may be your number one revision tool. Study together! Studying with a study buddy or in a small group can boost motivation, help you pick up tips and mnemonics from others, and may also be beneficial for mental health if you’re the kind of person who needs human interaction! In addition, group studying is great for testing each other formally or informally using example questions and mock tests. Check out the [Group Study](https://quesmed.com) function on Quesmed's app.  Attend revision lectures Specific revision lectures run by your medical school or elsewhere are an excellent way to revise and consolidate high-yield topics. During finals season, Quesmed runs regular live [revision tutorials](https://app.quesmed.com/tutorials) on key topics likely to make an appearance in your finals. These are typically run in the evening and are also recorded and uploaded onto the YouTube channel, so you can watch them back at your leisure. Video or audio content can be played in the background when you’re cooking, tidying or commuting, helping you to utilise spare moments to squeeze in some more knowledge. Practice with mock tests Practicing mock tests not only gets you into “exam mode” but also aids in time management, exam technique and familiarises you with the examination format. [Quesmed](https://app.quesmed.com/register) has several UKMLA AKT mock tests containing unseen questions that can be taken under timed conditions, just like the real exam. Once you’ve completed a test, you’ll receive your total score and a breakdown of your scores divided by speciality. In addition, you can go back to each question to review the explanations for each choice and look up any relevant notes. Remember to take breaks and have a life! It’s important not to let studying take over your whole life. Make time to engage in the things you enjoy. Make sure you have regular breaks, eat healthily and keep fit. Healthy body = a healthy mind. In particular, ensure you’re getting plenty of good quality sleep, as sleep has been shown to aid in consolidating facts. It might seem like an all-nighter before the exam is a good idea, but this is highly likely to hinder your performance in the examination. Don’t feel bad about an unproductive day; we all need a day off now and then!  Medical school finals really aren’t that bad; with a little preparation, revision becomes easy, maybe even enjoyable! Good luck with your finals and your future career! 
Quesmed: Why It Was My Number One Learning Tool
When I started medical school, I faced an endless struggle with how to tackle new styles of exams I was unfamiliar with. How could I prepare for my SBA/UKMLA exams while juggling lectures, tutorials, and placements? How do I even begin to practise for my CPSA/OSCEs which had seemingly endless different station types? I decided to use an online learning platform. That's where I found Quesmed - an incredibly useful method of learning that allowed me to consolidate all the learning materials I needed with a few taps on the screen. Sounds good? I've broken down all of the features of the Quesmed platform below to show you just how useful it can be during your medical school studies. Why I chose Quesmed as my online learning platform Online learning tools such as Quesmed have repeatedly proven their ability to make our lives easier as medical students. Whether it's free time on the wards or a lengthy commute, having interactive learning materials at hand makes it far easier to study. So out of all available online learning platforms, why did I choose Quesmed? First things first - Quesmed is a multifunction platform. It links a huge array of learning resources in one compact, integrated system accessible on both the website and mobile app.  With a few swipes on their Question Bank platform, you can start doing questions, read relevant notes, assign flashcards to your daily feed and watch tutorial videos. As you progress through the platform, the system understands what concepts you're weak on and suggests daily flashcards to keep you on track. Personally, I found that regularly answering questions and reading the accompanying notes and flashcards the most helpful. This feature helped me pull together all the information I needed both for my own learning and for exams. The Question Bank  Quesmed's Question Bank has made my life as a medical student a lot easier. I loved how the online learning platform had both [pre-clinical](https://quesmed.com/anatomy-preclinical-medicine/) material like anatomy and physiology as well as more complex [clinical material](https://quesmed.com/mla-questionbank/) every UKMLA condition and presentation. The sheer breadth of questions was amazing, covering every single possible speciality and learning objective I needed to know for exams. A great feature they have is that you can choose between core, medium and hard questions. This helped me develop my confidence early and allowed me to progress through the bank one step at a time. Each question has with it an explanation of the correct answer. If I were to answer a question wrong, I would read the accompanying notes, which allowed me to direct my learning to my weaker areas. This was super helpful when I came to the wards, as I could justify my decisions when asked questions by senior doctors. Finally, I really enjoyed how the book of notes and questions linked together. Quesmed has a fantastic section of notes available that covers all medical UKMLA AKT core conditions and presentations. These notes are progressive and explain each topic to you in detail. Once you reach the end of a chapter, you'll be prompted by a "Start Questions" button which lets you test your newfound knowledge! OSCE Platform  CPSAs or OSCEs are known to be some of the most challenging exams in medical school. You're expected to go through simulated tasks under time pressure with a senior doctor watching your every move while being expected not to be phased by nerves. The stations on the [Quesmed CPSA platform](https://quesmed.com) were incredible. It literally had everything - from history taking and communication skills to ABCDE stations and procedures. The best thing about the OSCE platform? The stations are extremely similar to the actual exam, allowing you to revise every possible scenario. You could really tell that a lot of thought was put into them as they had lots of twists and turns, just like the real thing.  It was also very useful to use it to revise with friends. Before I used Quesmed, I used textbooks and simplistic PDF mark schemes. Now, I just log on to the app, select a station (and timing) and pass my device to my friend, who can examine me on any station I need. After the session, I can go back through the app to see where I went wrong, which allows me to monitor my performance during multiple OSCE practice sessions. Another incredible thing about the OSCE platform is the Group Study mode. I sometimes use it when my friends and I are in different placements, and we can connect via an in-built video link within the platform to revise. I also really enjoyed the 'Find a Study Buddy' feature as I can just log on and find other people keen to revise online (sometimes through dedicated Mock OSCEs that Quesmed runs frequently). Lastly, the video OSCE guides really stood out for me. In addition to the classic examination stations, I loved how realistic the communication skill videos were and they really helped me prepare for difficult communication stations that came up in my actual OSCE (look up the [Explaining Medication Error](https://youtu.be/iD_KpaIn1O0) on Youtube to see what I mean!) Quesmed's Social Media While not an actual product, Quesmed's social media is worth highlighting as I found myself returning to it regularly for revision (and some excellent memes)! They post one multiple-choice question on their Instagram, [@quesmed](https://www.instagram.com/quesmed/), each morning. These are very useful, as they really push my ability to actively recall information that I may have gone over weeks or even months ago. I always try to answer the day's question when I'm out and about, and I sometimes do them with my medic friends and compare answers. They also post really useful 'cheat sheets' that have quick summaries on different conditions, which I've screenshotted and saved to my notes. These summaries are great for having a skim through whilst on the way to a lecture or tutorial. Conclusion It wasn't until I moved onto my third year of medical school that I was able to crack the code with regards to finding a personalised revision method that worked for me. I discovered that I am an active learner and need a good mix of methods to stimulate my mind. Quesmed helped me find that mix. With all the questions, notes, videos and flashcards at my disposal, I could finally excel at my studies and apply my newfound knowledge to clinical practice. You need to work out your own balance and discover what works best for you. I think you will find that interactive online learning is the best way forward, and having an app like Quesmed, which compiles everything into one app, is the easiest and most effective way to learn at medical school. I hope it helps you save time that you can use to have fun, explore other interests, and enjoy life as a medical student! About the Author Tiarnán is a third-year medical student at the University of Plymouth with a keen interest in medical education, marketing and social media. He currently works with Quesmed as Social Media and Marketing Lead.
UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) Exam Ultimate Guide
What is the UKMLA? The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) is a standardised medical licensing exam in the United Kingdom. You can think of it as a UK equivalent to the USMLE, which is an American standardised medical licensing exam that you must take if you wish to practise medicine in the United States. If you would like to see our YouTube video summarising the main changes, click [here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCGTJgZJAUM) The idea behind having an exam like this is to ensure all medical graduates qualify to the same standards. This is because currently, medical schools are otherwise allowed to set their own finals exams, and to some extent, curricula, which means there can be slight variance in what you study and how you are assessed depending on which medical school you go to. The UKMLA will align all medical schools to the same curricula and provide a consistent style and form of examination. The UKMLA is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of medical graduates to ensure that they meet the required standards for safe and effective practice as doctors. It is a new exam that the [General Medical Council (GMC)](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment) has introduced from 2024 onwards, and this post goes through what the exam is, who has to take it and how to prepare for it! Who Takes the UKMLA? The UKMLA is taken by all medical graduates who wish to practise medicine in the UK, regardless of whether they trained in the UK or abroad. This includes international medical graduates (IMGs), and those who are completing their medical degrees in the UK. For medical students in the UK, you will sit the UKMLA around the time you have your finals exams. Some medical schools implemented a ‘pilot’ UKMLA exam in the 2022-2023 academic year to give students an idea of what the exam will be like. For International medical graduates, it will eventually replace the PLAB (estimated to take place in early 2024) and you can consider the terms interchangeable for the purposes of this blog post, especially when we get to the format and content of the exam, whereby the PLAB blueprint will be replaced by the UKMLA content map. Exam Format The UKMLA consists of two main components: the **Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)** and the **Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).** For UK-based medical students, these are the equivalent of ‘Finals’ and ‘OSCEs/OSLERs’ respectively. For IMGs, these are very similar to PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 respectively. The AKT is a written exam that assesses your knowledge of **medical science, clinical reasoning, and professional practice.** For UK medical students this will be two 100 single best answer (SBA) question exams, taken on a computer, with each exam lasting 2 hours long. This would be the equivalent of PLAB 1 and you will see that the content maps reflect that. The two papers will examine clinical topics in the following [format](https://www.medschools.ac.uk/media/3103/ms-akt-sampling-grid-updated-2023.pdf).  On the other hand, the CPSA evaluates your clinical and professional skills through a series of practical assessments. This part of the exam can take place at various clinical sites and is designed to reflect real-life scenarios. You will be given time to read a brief which will lay out a clinical scenario and ask you to perform a certain task(s). In most UK medical schools this is referred to as an OSCE/OSLER, or PLAB 2 for IMGs. Content The GMC have produced a [content map](https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/mla-content-map-_pdf-85707770.pdf) covering each specialty that will be examined in the UKMLA AKT and CPSA, consisting of core presentations and conditions for each. Although a long document, please don’t be alarmed - in the UK this is very much aligned with your medical school curricula and similarly if you have trained abroad this is likely to be the case too. The content map is based on the [GMC’s ‘Outcomes for Graduates (2018)’](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/outcomes-for-graduates), the [GMC’s ‘Generic Professional Capabilities Framework (2017)](https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/generic-professional-capabilities-framework--2109_pdf-70417127.pdf)’, and lastly, common scenarios you may face as a Foundation Doctor working in the UK. The Outcomes for Graduates refers to three themes which helped shape the UKMLA content map: 1. Readiness for safe practice 1. Managing uncertainty 1. Delivering person-centred care Additionally, the content map is then organised into six main domains: 1. Areas of clinical practice 1. Areas of professional knowledge 1. Patient presentations 1. Patient conditions 1. Clinical and professional capabilities 1. Practical skills and procedures Here’s an example of what you can find in the content map. At Quesmed, our knowledge library is aligned to the UKMLA, covering exactly what you need to know for the exam:  Exam fees In terms of cost, for UK medical students this cost is covered in your tuition fees. For IMGs, the cost of taking the UKMLA may vary, so it's important to check the GMC website for the most up to date information. Resits The UKMLA is a pass/fail exam. If you don't pass the UKMLA on your first attempt, you can resit the exam. However, there may be limitations on the number of resits allowed, and you'll need to meet certain eligibility criteria. UKMLA Preparation Having a quick read of some of the official guidance on the UKMLA that we have referenced in this post will help familiarise yourself with the format and content of this exam. When you see the list of conditions and presentations you need to know, on a first-read, this may seem quite overwhelming - however, don’t be alarmed - it is very likely your university curriculum is already largely aligned to the UKMLA content map. Cover/uncover method When approaching SBA questions, let’s first start with the cover/uncover approach. With this method you should cover the answers first, and this will allow you to break things down a bit more in the question. Have a look at the question below, we have deliberately covered the answers:  Here you can see that you have someone with an ejection systolic murmur loudest on expiration at the left intercostal space which radiates into the carotid arteries, and without looking at the answer you can probably tell that it's most likely to be aortic stenosis. Then when you uncover and then you find that AS is one of the options you can select it with confidence knowing you are probably right.  Let’s look at a harder question - have a look at the question below:  So this is a question that asks a lot and the point here is that if you look at the answers first you may freak out because there’s quite a bit of text so what I suggest is that you cover once again. Read through the question - this person has weight loss, a cough, bloody sputum and he's a smoker - could this be lung cancer? They are also feverish, sweating, more thirsty than usual, finding it difficult to pass stool and confused. Could this be lung cancer with something else, like a complication of lung cancer? So in this scenario the latter group of symptoms is suggesting hypercalcemia - the patient is passing more urine, they’re constipated and confused, and the clubbing goes hand in hand (pun intended) with lung cancer.  The answer here is hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy, which is associated with squamous cell lung cancer.  This is a hard question so don't worry about it if you didn't get it but it's important to recognise that if you break things down, you may first come to the conclusion that this is probably lung cancer and it could be that it's related to something else. You could also figure out that it's related to hypercalcemia and then if you have all the information you will know B is the answer. Here you require a lot of steps to get the diagnosis but if you break it down and cover the answers first, you can take a bit more time to think about it without being stressed by lots of wordy different answers. Location – GP v Emergency Emergencies are very important and the emergency curriculum is important for examiners to assess your practice so if on day 1 an emergency happens you escalate accordingly. There's lots of guidelines that are very helpful such as ALS guidelines but also the back of the Oxford handbook I've always found very useful and as a junior doctor I used to look into it in my first couple of months as an F1 doctor. It’s important to understand what's in the question and the clues that will help you to answer it correctly. If you are in an outpatient or GP clinic that is different from the emergency department. For example if you're in the clinic the question will test knowledge of long term treatments, when you need to escalate and when you need to do things a bit more urgent. Whereas in the emergency department it will focus on A-E, and making sure that the important complications are dealt with early. The other aspect of demographics is knowing who the patient is so if it's a 70 year old you will have a different differential diagnosis to a 20 year old, so make sure that when you're looking at the presenting complaint you consider your differentials first and then which features are those that help make the diagnosis because lots of questions will ask you to weigh between different things, some of which could be completely unrelated. Investigations Investigations form quite a big chunk of most exams and you’ll often be asked to differentiate between definitive investigations to confirm the diagnosis or, the next best or initial investigation. For example a tissue biopsy in coeliac disease is the best or gold standard investigation, however if you were in primary care the initial investigation you may do is a panel of bloods including anti-tTg antibodies. Sometimes it's helpful to use guidelines for that however sometimes you have to use your clinical judgement. The other way to approach these questions is thinking ‘what will harm the patient most severely’ in the first instance. What you're doing here is trying to make sure that you can tell the examiner that you know what's safe and you know what you need to rule out early in terms of complications and that you are safe to manage patients on your own, and with help and escalating appropriately. A framework mnemonic I use for investigations is BBBII - not the catchiest but it helps me remember that the first thing to do is to check the background: history and examination, then bedside tests like ECG or blood glucose. Then you have blood tests, imaging, and invasive investigations - the point is we're usually opting for the least invasive stuff early which causes the least amount of harm and then the more invasive stuff later on. Similarly with management. After taking into account urgency, you are always trying to make sure to do the conservative stuff first then consider medical options and then surgical and that's how we think about management options in clinical practice too e.g. in emergencies again A-E first and then everything else. Exam technique As for the best practises for answering SBA there is a lot to say about exam technique and the key is to make sure that you are prepared so that on the day you have come through this many many many times so that you are not stressed. You probably will still be stressed in any case but this hopefully will give you a bit more about how you can minimise that on the day. Time management You have about a minute to answer each question and you have to balance between trying to answer questions quickly but also reading them properly and considering your options appropriately. What you should be doing early on in your revision is taking your time with questions, trying to think through the answers thoroughly, and then closer to the exam you should be going through timed quizzes to simulate the exam environment. Balancing between time management and taking in the question will come with practice and if you're not getting it early on that's fine it will come after a few weeks or months of work, so make sure you have enough time to make that transition from very slow reading to slightly faster and trying to work within exam conditions. Demographics For medical exams it’s quite useful to have some rules of thumb in your mind about different demographics because it allows you to raise your index of suspicion for certain diseases. So if the question mentions ‘a 22 year old athlete collapsing’ the first thing you are or hopefully will be thinking is ‘is this hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy’ because it's something you may have come across before. It's fine to have that initial thought in your head but you need to make sure that you are thinking about the rest of the question and whether or not it supports or doesn't support your diagnosis. Conclusion So that’s everything that I wanted to cover on the UKMLA exam and how to approach answering the questions you will be encountering in the AKT part of it, thanks for listening and if you have any further questions our email is in the description. With over 12,000 AKT questions and 250 practical CPSA stations, Quesmed is the single best resource for preparing for the UKMLA and your medical school finals. Our SBAs and CPSA stations cover all of the core presentations and conditions in the content map. We have 4 brand new UKMLA mock exams with input from students who sat the pilot UKMLA last year. Look out for lots more content from us which will help you with your UKMLA preparation and follow our socials for updates. We wish you the best of luck here at Quesmed! References * [General Medical Council (GMC). UK students' guide to the MLA.](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment/uk-students-guide-to-the-mla) * [General Medical Council (GMC)(2020). Outcomes for graduates, plus supplementary guidance.](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/outcomes-for-graduates) * [British Medical Association (BMA)(2021). The UKMLA: change is coming, what you need to know.](https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/the-ukmla-change-is-coming-what-you-need-to-know) * [UKMLA AKT: Everything you need to know for UK Graduates and IMGs - YouTube video (UKMLA vs PLAB)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCGTJgZJAUM)
Top 5 tips for approaching your final year at medical school
Congratulations on getting through to your final year of medical school! After many years of studying medicine, the thought of starting your first job as a doctor can be quite daunting. Add to that your day-to-day clinical attachment, UKMLA AKT and CPSA exams, and additional exams such as the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) and Situational Judgment Test (SJT); it can get a bit too much to think about! That's why we've set out the top 5 tips to help you get through your final year and take you one step closer to being a doctor! Tip 1: You are only expected to know the basics by the time you graduate  In the past few years, you have come across a lot of medical knowledge through seeing patients, reading and attending lectures. However, one of the main issues of 'drinking from the fire hose' of medical knowledge is that you're never quite sure which information is important to remember for your day-to-day life as a doctor. Do you need to know that a common cause of osteomyelitis in sickle cell disease is Salmonella? Or that neuromyelitis optica is associated with aquaporin-4 antibodies? The truth is that the more niche material you'll come across is essentially just 'good to know' rather than 'need to know'. This sort of information sometimes comes up in your written exams, but you will not need to know about it during your time as a foundation doctor. At a professional level, your seniors will expect you to do the basics: be on time, bring up results, order and review investigations and generally ensure that any concerns are fed back in a timely manner. In terms of knowledge, you will be expected to know and practice the core aspects of medicine that relate to commonly encountered scenarios and emergencies: * Principles of emergencies (the first steps to do prior to involving your seniors, like taking bloods, or performing an ECG) * Principles of advanced life support (including administering good CPR) * Interpreting blood tests, ECGs and chest x-rays * Understanding the rationale of requesting investigations and prescribing treatments for your patients * Procedural skills like bloods, cannulas and catheters * Communicating effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. That's it. You're not expected to make a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria at 3am on a night shift (although that would be quite cool to see!) All you need to do is engage with the curriculum to understand the above key principles, and you will be more than fine to start as an effective, useful member of the clinical team! Tip 2 Remember that where you do your foundation training doesn't matter in the long term  Applying for foundation jobs can generate a lot of anxiety for medical students in their final year. There is just so much uncertainty about where you will be placed and whether this will impact your career in the long term. The truth is that it really doesn't matter where you go for foundation training. All foundation programs in the UK are regulated by the GMC and provide similar clinical experiences. In all programs, you will have six different rotations in various medical or surgical specialties (including a community placement in F2). The main focus is to develop competence in basic clinical and non-clinical skills such as communication and teamwork. At the end of the two years, all doctors will be expected to achieve the same competencies. Sometimes you might like to choose specialties that you might like to pursue as a career. If you don't manage to do those specialties during your foundation years, don't worry! You can always do them during an 'F3 year' (a commonly-taken "year out" after F2) and during your core training. In summary, it doesn't matter where you end up for foundation training. Clinical training is very long (!), and there will be many opportunities to pursue your interests during and after your foundation training, wherever you end up for the next two years! Tip 3 Be aware of key deadlines for the year  There is much to keep up with in final year, let alone the extra assessments you must pass! Make sure to familiarise yourself with the key deadlines on the UKFPO website so you can prepare in advance for the application forms you need to fill in and the exams you need to sit. Generally speaking, you can sit the Situational Judgement Test either in December or January. Delivery of the Prescribing Safety Assessment exam is usually decided by your individual medical school, so it's worth checking in beforehand to see when you'll be sitting it. Tip 4: Focus on active learning for your written/OSCE exams At this point in your medical school career, you've likely come across a study method that works for you! Final year is about bringing together all the information you've learnt throughout your years at medical school and focusing on any gaps in your knowledge so that you can graduate as a competent foundation doctor! That said, there's a lot to do in final year, so it's important to use your time wisely. Active learning is the most efficient way to revise and review lots of information in a shorter period of time. Many studies have shown that 'active learning', where you engage deeply with the material, is the quickest (and most long-term) form of learning in many different fields. The most well-established way to test yourself is through a question bank, for example, Quesmed's [QBank](https://quesmed.com), which allows you to work through relevant clinical scenarios to understand which differentials, investigations and management plans are appropriate for a wide variety of presentations. Another powerful way to revise is by going through spaced repetition flashcards, which help you drill down the key facts you need to remember to aid your problem-solving. For CPSA/OSCEs, practice is absolutely key. We recommend investing time in finding a reliable study partner or group to practice scenarios, examine patients and gain feedback on your performance. You can also use our dedicated [OSCE/CPSA platform](https://quesmed.com) as a source of interactive mark sheets, progress tracking and videos to familiarise yourself with tricky OSCE stations! Tip 5: Enjoy your last year as a student!  Becoming a doctor is a long journey with many hours spent revising or working unsociable hours. It's worth remembering that this is your final year as a student, where you are very much in control of your own schedule. Therefore, it's important to focus on your mental health by taking regular breaks, seeing friends, going on holiday or doing whatever helps you relax. Additionally, if you have any particular medical (or non-medical) interests, now is the time to explore that interest!
The Quesmed Complete Guide to MRCP Part 1
So you want to start your MRCP diploma journey but aren't quite sure where to start? Continue reading for a full guide on everything you need to know about MRCP Part 1, the first of three exams that need to be passed in order to achieve the MRCP diploma. What is the MRCP Part 1? MRCP Part 1 is a written exam taken by doctors who have completed a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate medical experience. This includes both UK-trained doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs). The purpose of MRCP Part 1 is to evaluate a candidate’s understanding and knowledge of common and important disorders, as well as clinical sciences relevant to medical practice at a level appropriate for entry to specialist training. Who undertakes the MRCP Diploma? MRCP Part 1 is the first exam on the journey towards the MRCP (UK) Diploma. You must have at least 12 months of postgraduate medical experience before applying to sit the exam, which usually means waiting until completion of FY1 in the UK before applying. The MRCP Diploma is a post-graduate diploma designed to test the skills, knowledge, and behaviours of a doctor who wishes to undergo medical speciality training in the United Kingdom. Many doctors - within the UK and abroad - undertake the MRCP diploma even if it is not a training requirement in order to provide additional value to their portfolio, but also to develop their skills and knowledge further. In order to achieve this qualification, you have to sit and successfully pass three exams: * MRCP Part 1 * MRCP Part 2 Written * MRCP Part 2 Clinical , also known as PACES Any doctor who wishes to start specialist registrar training in the UK within a physician or medical training programme must have completed all parts of the MRCP diploma in order to enter the relevant specialist training. The specialities where MRCP is a requirement are reproduced below:  Exam Format - MRCP Part 1 The MRCP Part 1 examination is designed to test the doctor’s knowledge of clinical science as relevant to their medical practice. The aim is to ensure the candidate understands common and important disorders that they may come across during their specialist training, at an entry level. The exam is currently completed electronically and is comprised of two papers, each with 100 questions in a best of five format, where one answer will be the single best answer. There is no negative marking, and each correct answer is awarded a single mark. If taken in the UK, you will sit the exam at home and will be monitored remotely whilst doing so; if taken internationally, the exam will be sat at a test centre. What is the style of MRCP Part 1 Questions? In the MRCP Part 1 exam, the questions are usually single-step logic with succinct stems; the focus of the question is usually on immediate next steps or basic sciences. This is as opposed to the two-step logic with more complex clinical reasoning and longer stems where more information is provided for the candidate to integrate and synthesise in order to come to a conclusion; this is the type of question you will encounter in the MRCP Part 2 written exam. Therefore, the questions tend to ask one of a handful of things: * What is the most likely diagnosis? * What is the next step in management? * What is the best or next treatment? * What is the best investigation? * Or some basic sciences question, such as drug mechanism of action or mode of inheritance There will always be 5 options, and one option will be the best answer, though the other 4 options will often be a close match and possibilities, hence single **best** answer. Here are some example exam questions to help you understand the format a bit better! In the question below, you can see the question mainly asking about the most appropriate treatment for ESBL. This question is testing the candidate’s understanding of clinical microbiology and drug resistance.  This next question illustrates how a question that wants to test core sciences principles, such as genetics, may be phrased. Here, through the past medical history and background, the candidate is expected to determine the underlying diagnosis as MODY3, and use this to answer the question about the gene that is most likely affected. The logic in this question is more two-step, and as such this may be considered a more difficult question, however the core of the question remains basic sciences and has less of a clinical focus, making it more similar to what may be encountered during the MRCP Part 1 exam.  Finally, the question below is an example of a question aiming to test a candidate’s ability to put together limited clinical information to come to a reasonable best diagnosis.  At Quesmed we have worked closely with the best physicians who have taken and successfully passed the MRCP exams in order to develop over 4500 questions as part of our [MRCP Part 1 Question Bank](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-1-question-bank/) that are based on themes from previous papers. What Specialties are covered in MRCP Part 1? The subject of the questions is based on a careful blueprint designed to ensure that an appropriate range of medical knowledge is tested. Therefore, each speciality or subject area being tested is given a rough proportion of the total number of questions available across both papers, as displayed in this table. For example, across both papers, one would expect to answer approximately 14 questions on Cardiology, and 8 questions on Geriatric Medicine.  MRCP Part 1 Exam dates and Fees Plan ahead as there are only fixed dates when you can sit the exam, published by the Royal College of Physicians. Application deadlines are usually several months in advance of the exam itself, so it is imperative to check ahead of time so you do not miss out on your desired date.  You should check the current fees directly on the [RCP website](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/exam-dates-and-fees) as it may be subject to change. Results and unsuccessful attempts Results are published online, 1-2 months after completing the exam. The results release dates are available on the Royal College of Physicians website, so you have an idea of when to expect to hear if your attempt has been successful or not. The pass mark for the MRCP Part 1 examination is 540. Most candidates will score between 200-800; the minimum score is 0, and the maximum score is 999. This score is scaled, such that it is calculated by taking into consideration not only the number of questions the candidate has correctly answered, but also the relative difficulty of the question and the exam. Once MRCP Part 1 has been passed, the candidate then has 7 years to complete the remaining sections of the MRCP Diploma - MRCP Part 2 written, and MRCP Part 2 PACES. If unsuccessful, candidates are permitted a maximum number of 6 attempts. If the exam has not been passed after 6 attempts, then the candidate will need to be supported in additional training with appropriate evidence before further attempts are allowed. How to prepare Everyone prepares differently, and there is no single right or wrong answer, but here are some tips that may help you as you plan your revision strategy! At Quesmed, we have worked closely with expert physicians to develop over 4700 Questions as part of our [MRCP Part 1 Question Bank!](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-1-question-bank/) These are based on themes and topics that have appeared in previous exams. Alongside our questions, we have generated a dedicated reference textbook that you have access to as part of your subscription. This textbook covers all the key topics that you will need to know about prior to sitting your MRCP exams, and has been developed carefully with the MRCP blueprint in mind. Here are some useful tips to get you started with your revision: 1. Start early. - Don’t underestimate the depth and breadth of topics covered in this exam. Starting well in advance gives you a buffer for unexpected hurdles. 2. Plan your revision. * Set timelines and goals. * Be aware of the range of topics covered by the exam as discussed above, and ensure your revision strategy covers these specialities 3. Do as many practice questions as possible * Practice questions should be the core of your revision, especially questions that cover previous exam themes * Take time to read detailed explanations on why your answer is correct or incorrect to further guide your revision and fill in any gaps 4. Diversify your study materials. - Don’t rely on one single resource - Obtain a good reference textbook or get access to a detailed online knowledge library to synthesise your revision notes 5. Take mock tests - Taking tests in timed conditions can help you replicate the exam experience and get used to the time pressures you may face in the exam 6. Use official resources where available. - The Royal College of Physicians publish sample questions on their website. - These are a great way of getting used to the types of questions asked and can also be used as mock tests. 7. Study groups and flash cards. - Join or create a study group! - Discussing topics and testing each other can provide different perspectives and help in clarifying doubts. - Flash cards can be an invaluable resource to allow you to test yourself on key topics quickly. 8. Breaks and Health - Remember to take regular breaks and maintain your health. - This is a marathon, not a sprint. We normally recommend 3-6 months of target revision, depending on your clinical commitments. References - [MRCP Part 1 Examination Overview](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1) - [MRCP Part 1 Exam Dates and Fees](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/exam-dates-and-fees) - [How to Complete Your MRCP Part 1 Application](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/how-complete-your-application) - [MRCP Part 1 Exam Format](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/format) - [MRCP Part 1 Sample Questions](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/part-1-sample-questions)
The Quesmed Complete Guide to MRCP Part 2
Well done on getting through MRCP Part 1! This was your first step towards achieving the MRCP Diploma and may have also been your first post-graduate examination since qualifying as a doctor. Continue reading as we go through everything you need to know about the second part of the MRCP Diploma, MRCP Part 2. What is the MRCP Part 2? MRCP Part 2 Written is an exam taken by doctors who have completed MRCP Part 1 successfully. This includes both UK-trained doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs). The purpose of MRCP Part 2 is to evaluate a candidate’s ability to integrate clinical presentations alongside test results in order to determine diagnoses and management plans. Who undertakes the MRCP Diploma? MRCP Part 2 is the second exam on the journey towards the MRCP (UK) Diploma. It is completed after MRCP Part 1, which candidates are eligible to attempt after having had at least 12 months of postgraduate medical experience (which usually means waiting until completion of FY1 in the UK). The MRCP Diploma is a post-graduate diploma designed to test the skills, knowledge, and behaviours of a doctor who wishes to undergo medical speciality training in the United Kingdom. Many doctors - within the UK and abroad - undertake the MRCP diploma even if it is not a training requirement in order to provide additional value to their portfolio, but also to develop their skills and knowledge further. In order to achieve this qualification, you have to sit and successfully pass three exams: * MRCP Part 1 * MRCP Part 2 Written * MRCP Part 2 Clinical, also known as PACES Any doctor who wishes to start specialist registrar training in the UK within a physician or medical training programme must have completed all parts of the MRCP diploma in order to enter the relevant specialist training. The specialities where MRCP is a requirement are reproduced below:  Exam Format - MRCP Part 2 Written The MRCP Part 2 Written examination is designed to test the doctor’s knowledge of clinical medicine as relevant to their practice. The aim is to ensure the candidate understands common and important disorders that they may come across during their specialist training, at an entry level. The exam is currently completed electronically and is comprised of two papers, each with 100 questions in a best of five format, where one answer will be the single best answer. There is no negative marking, and each correct answer is awarded a single mark. If taken in the UK, you will sit the exam at home and will be monitored remotely whilst doing so; if taken internationally, the exam will be sat at a test centre. What is the style of MRCP Part 2 Questions? In the MRCP Part 2 Written exam, the questions are usually complex, with long stems requiring the candidate to integrate several pieces of clinical information, including the results of investigations, in order to come to the correct answer. The questions may require the candidate to apply two-step logic frequently, for example by first coming to the diagnosis based on the information given, but the question being about treatment rather than the underlying diagnosis. These more complex question stems are designed in order to mimic clinical reasoning and clinical medicine as may be experienced in clinical practice; this is in contrast to Part 1, where the stems are usually shorter, with single-step logic, and a greater focus on clinical sciences. Therefore, the questions in MRCP Part 2 Written tend to have a slightly more clinical focus, asking the candidate to either make a diagnosis or identify the next best step in management, treatment, or investigation. There will always be 5 options, and one option will be the best answer, though the other 4 options will often be a close match and possibilities, hence single **best** answer. Here are some example exam questions to help you understand the format a bit better! In this question below, the candidate is expected to integrate the patient’s history, including social history, alongside examination findings, in order to first come to the underlying diagnosis of enterobiasis. The question, however, requires two-step logic; rather than asking what the diagnosis is, it asks what the definitive treatment would be for the patient.   This next question illustrates a more complex stem. The candidate is provided with a clinical history but also investigation test results. The candidate must use this information in order to answer the question, which again relies on two-step logic; first, coming to the conclusion that the underlying diagnosis is most likely Coeliac disease, and then using this to answer the question itself about the most likely long-term complication.   At Quesmed we have worked closely with the best physicians who have taken and successfully passed the MRCP exams in order to develop over 2000 questions as part of our [MRCP Part 2 Question Bank](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-2-question-bank/) that are based on themes from previous papers. What Specialties are covered in MRCP Part 2? The subject of the questions is based on a careful blueprint designed to ensure that an appropriate range of medical knowledge is tested. Therefore, each speciality or subject area being tested is given a rough proportion of the total number of questions available across both papers, as displayed in this table. For example, across both papers, one would expect to answer approximately 9 questions on Haematology, and 19 questions on Infectious diseases.  MRCP Part 2 Exam dates and Fees Plan ahead as there are only fixed dates when you can sit the exam, published by the Royal College of Physicians. Application deadlines are usually several months in advance of the exam itself, so it is imperative to check ahead of time so you do not miss out on your desired date.You should check the current fees directly on the [RCP website] (https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/exam-dates-and-fees) as it may be subject to change.  Results and unsuccessful attempts Results are published online, 1-2 months after completing the exam. The results release dates are available on the Royal College of Physicians website, so you have an idea of when to expect to hear if your attempt has been successful or not. The pass mark for the MRCP Part 2 Written examination is 454. Most candidates will score between 200-800; the minimum score is 0, and the maximum score is 999. This score is scaled, such that it is calculated by taking into consideration not only the number of questions the candidate has correctly answered, but also the relative difficulty of the question and the exam. All components of the MRCP diploma must be completed within 7 years of the candidate’s first successful attempt at the MRCP Part 1 examination. If unsuccessful, candidates are permitted a maximum number of 6 attempts. If the exam has not been passed after 6 attempts, then the candidate will need to be supported in additional training with appropriate evidence before further attempts are allowed. How to prepare Everyone prepares differently, and there is no single right or wrong answer, but here are some tips that may help you as you plan your revision strategy! At Quesmed, we have worked closely with expert physicians to develop over 2000 Questions as part of our [MRCP Part 2 Question Bank](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-2-question-bank/]! These are based on themes and topics that have appeared in previous exams. Alongside our questions, we have generated a dedicated reference textbook that you have access to as part of your subscription. This textbook covers all the key topics that you will need to know about prior to sitting your MRCP exams, and has been developed carefully with the MRCP blueprint in mind. Here are some useful tips to get you started with your revision: 1. Start early. - Don’t underestimate the depth and breadth of topics covered in this exam. Starting well in advance gives you a buffer for unexpected hurdles. 2. Plan your revision. * Set timelines and goals. * Be aware of the range of topics covered by the exam as discussed above, and ensure your revision strategy covers these specialities 3. Do as many practice questions as possible * Practice questions should be the core of your revision, especially questions that cover previous exam themes * Take time to read detailed explanations on why your answer is correct or incorrect to further guide your revision and fill in any gaps 4. Diversify your study materials. - Don’t rely on one single resource - Obtain a good reference textbook or get access to a detailed online knowledge library to synthesise your revision notes 5. Take mock tests - Taking tests in timed conditions can help you replicate the exam experience and get used to the time pressures you may face in the exam 6. Use official resources where available. - The Royal College of Physicians publish sample questions on their website. - These are a great way of getting used to the types of questions asked and can also be used as mock tests. 7. Study groups and flash cards. - Join or create a study group! - Discussing topics and testing each other can provide different perspectives and help in clarifying doubts. - Flash cards can be an invaluable resource to allow you to test yourself on key topics quickly. 8. Breaks and Health - Remember to take regular breaks and maintain your health. - This is a marathon, not a sprint. We normally recommend 3-6 months of target revision, depending on your clinical commitments. References - [MRCP Part 2 Examination Overview](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2) - [MRCP Part 1 Exam Dates and Fees](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/exam-dates-and-fees) - [How to Complete Your MRCP Part 2 Application](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/how-complete-your-application) - [MRCP Part 2 Exam Format](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/format) - [MRCP Part 2 Sample Questions](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/part-2-sample-questions)
The Quesmed Complete Guide to MRCP PACES
Well done on getting through MRCP Part 1 and MRCP Part 2 written! You will have no doubt worked hard to get to this point and you are one step closer to achieving the full MRCP diploma. One final obstacle stands in your way - MRCP Part 2 Clinical, or PACES - and this is your guide to conquering the last hurdle! What is the MRCP Part 2 Clinical (PACES)? MRCP Part 2 clinical, often referred to simply as PACES, is a practical exam taken by doctors who have completed MRCP Part 1 and Part 2 written successfully. This includes both UK-trained doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs). The purpose of PACES is to test the candidate’s ability to perform clinical examination and consultation skills to determine underlying diagnoses and synthesise management plans. Who undertakes the MRCP Diploma? MRCP PACES is the final of three exams on the journey towards the MRCP (UK) Diploma. It is completed after MRCP Part 1 and MRCP Part 2 Written, which candidates are eligible to attempt after having had at least 12 months of postgraduate medical experience (this usually means waiting until completion of FY1 in the UK). The MRCP Diploma is a post-graduate diploma designed to test the skills, knowledge, and behaviours of a doctor who wishes to undergo medical speciality training in the United Kingdom. Many doctors - within the UK and abroad - undertake the MRCP diploma even if it is not a training requirement in order to provide additional value to their portfolio, but also to develop their skills and knowledge further. In order to achieve this qualification, you have to sit and successfully pass three exams: * MRCP Part 1 * MRCP Part 2 Written * MRCP Part 2 Clinical or ‘PACES’ Any doctor who wishes to start specialist registrar training in the UK within a physician or medical training programme must have completed all parts of the MRCP diploma in order to enter the relevant specialist training. The specialities where MRCP is a requirement are reproduced below:  Exam Format - MRCP Part 2 Clinical (PACES) The aim of PACES is to ensure the candidate understands common and important disorders that they may come across during their specialist training, at an entry level, and how to manage them practically. In order to do this, PACES is designed as a practical, face-to-face ‘OSCE’ style examination designed to test the candidate’s ability to perform essential clinical skills across 5 stations lasting 20 minutes each. In total, you will meet 8 patients across these 5 stations (called ‘patient encounters’). Some of these stations are further broken down into 2 x 10 minute components. Each station is separated by a 5 minute rest, and each station is examined by 2 examiners. This format is referred to as the PACES carousel, pictured below.  The exam consists of the following stations: * 4 Examination stations: * 6 minutes for the examination, where the candidate has to perform a clinical examination of one of the major organ systems * 4 minutes for a structured viva where the examiner asks the candidate, usually, to summarise their findings, present a likely differential diagnosis, and also a management plan * 2 communications stations: * 10 minutes for the entire station, covering a range of possible topics, including difficult consultations such as breaking bad news or health behaviour change, as well as ethical and legal dilemmas * There is no viva - 2 Consultation stations: * 15 minutes for the consultation, where the candidate has to take a focused clinical history and perform a focused clinical examination, followed by an explanation of the likely diagnosis and next steps to the patient * 5 minutes for a structured viva, where the examiner usually asks the candidate to summarise the case, provide a differential diagnosis, and management plan Exam Marking - MRCP Part 2 Clinical (PACES) As you rotate through the carousel, you hand one examiner at each station an envelope containing your marksheets. There are 16 marksheets within your envelope, one for each examiner, covering each patient encounter. A typical marksheet for the examination stations is shown below and the full range can be downloaded on the [Royal College of Physicians’ website](https://www.mrcpuk.org/document/paces-marksheets-sample-2023). The examiner will take out the relevant marksheet at the start of your station and begin assessing you when you start.  At each patient encounter, one of 7 key clinical skills (A-G) are assessed by the examiners. You should note that not every skill is examined at every station, as some of the skills may not be relevant in the station. This is why you may notice some of these skills being absent on some of the marksheets. These skills are as follows:  The examiner has to decide if they have seen the skill demonstrated or not, by scoring each skill as ‘satisfactory, borderline, or unsatisfactory’. The marksheets provide some explanatory text that may help the examiner make their decision; for example, as you can see below, finding clinical signs that are not present may result in an unsatisfactory mark being awarded in the physical signs (B) clinical skill:  MRCP PACES Exam dates and Fees Plan ahead as there are only fixed periods of time (known as ‘diets’) when you can sit the exam, published by the Royal College of Physicians. The exam happens at hospital sites and the Royal College will almost always place you at a site away from your base hospital. You should therefore be prepared to travel, which can sometimes be quite a distance away. Application deadlines are usually several months in advance of the exam itself, so it is imperative to check ahead of time so you do not miss out on your desired date. You should check the current fees directly on the [RCP website] (https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces/exam-dates-and-fees) as it may be subject to change.  Results and unsuccessful attempts Results are published online, 15 working days after the last exam within the diet. The results release dates are available on the Royal College of Physicians website, so you have an idea of when to expect to hear if your attempt has been successful or not. In order to pass the MRCP PACES exam successfully, the candidate must: * Obtain a minimum score of 130 out of a possible 172 * Not fail any single clinical skill (i.e. a minimum score needs to be achieved for each clinical skill) It is therefore possible to fail an entire station and still pass PACES if the overall score and each individual clinical skill has been passed. Your results will be summarised on a matrix provided to you after the exam when results are announced. As you can see in this example matrix below, each encounter is scored, but the overall pass mark is determined by the candidate meeting the minimum mark across each individual clinical skill, plus an overall score of at least 130.  All components of the MRCP diploma must be completed within 7 years of the candidate’s first successful attempt at the MRCP Part 1 examination. If unsuccessful, candidates are permitted a maximum number of 6 attempts. If the exam has not been passed after 6 attempts, then the candidate will need to be supported in additional training with appropriate evidence before further attempts are allowed. How to prepare The PACES revision materials at Quesmed are a great place to start your revision; with over 100 simulated clinical videos of typical encounters you may come across in the exam, as well as a dedicated reference textbook, it is a great place to get a sense of what you may come across and to kick-start your revision. But PACES is a difficult exam and your approach should be multi-faceted. To help you on your journey, we spoke to some top-performing doctors who completed the MRCP diploma for their tips and tricks when it comes to preparing. Here is what they advised: * Leave plenty of revision time * Ideally, you want to spend at least 6 months preparing for this exam * This will give you plenty of time to not only learn the theory, but also start putting into practice what you have read * Make sure you plan your revision strategy at the start so that you cover everything you need to in the time you have allowed for your revision * Practice makes perfect * Practice, practice, practice! * Practice on real patients that you see on the medical take - approach them as you would a PACES patient by being systematic and thinking, ‘What else would I do if I were to encounter this patient in the exam?’ * This allows time spent at work to be effective revision also * But you don’t need to practice on patients alone; patients are a great source of clinical signs but it can be difficult to perfect your systematic, seamless examination skills on hospital patients * Therefore, don’t hesitate to practice on your friends, family, and teddy bears! Getting your examination slick and effortlessly under 6 minutes is all about repetition, and healthy individuals (or teddies!) are a great way of perfecting this * Seek out a PACES teaching group at your local hospital, and if there isn’t one, meet up with your colleagues regularly to go and see relevant patients on the wards * By performing examinations or consultations as part of a group, you will gain confidence in performing in front of others and remaining calm and collected when being observed * Watch Videos * The Quesmed PACES revision tool will allow you to see a lot of the clinical signs and presentations that you will encounter in the exam from home * It also provides a detailed reference textbook, which can help you learn the theory that will underpin your exam performance * Obtaining a subscription to an online revision tool like this will help you take your revision to the next level and allow you to reinforce the signs and presentations you are seeing on real patients in hospital * Don’t neglect the theory * Good practical skills as well as the ability to formulate diagnoses and synthesise management plans depends on a good understanding of the underlying medicine * So, don’t depend on in-hospital learning alone * Find a good PACES textbook and learn the theory as well * Then, put the theory into practice every day at work * Time yourself * Whether that’s through a formal mock test set up at your hospital, or through roping in friends and family - you should practice your skills under the time limits that you will face in the exam * Remember, 6 minutes is a very short time to perform a full examination, and you need to be able to perform the examination effectively with minimal effort or much thought; this is so that you can really focus during the limited time on the clinical signs you are seeing, rather than what the next step would be in your examination * Breaks and health * Remember to take regular breaks and maintain your health * This is a marathon, not a sprint * Seek support from your friends, family, and colleagues at work if you are struggling Getting ready for exam day Here are some checklists for you to go through before and on the day of the exam to ensure you are ready for the day! Before the exam day: * Review the [rules and regulations] (https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/regulations) of the PACES exam * Print and check your admission documents sent to you * Plan your route to the exam centre and ensure you leave plenty of time for transport delays * Ensure your photographic identification is ready to come with you - this needs to be an appropriate ID with your full name, signature, and photograph * Ensure the name on your admission document matches the name on your ID, and contact the RCP if not as soon as possible * Ensure you have leave arranged from your hospital to attend the exam On the exam day: * Arrive in advance of the exam start time - an hour before the reporting time on your admission document * Be aware that your bags, coats, and devices will have to be stored in a separate room * Make sure you are dressed appropriately in a smart manner as you would for work, in clothes that allow you to move freely to examine patients (avoid tight or excessively flowing clothing) * You can bring your own stethoscope but other equipment will be supplied if required; if you have any other medical equipment with you, you should let the lead examiner know and they can advise whether or not you should take it in with you * Be aware of anything that might make it more difficult for you to demonstrate empathy and understanding in stations that require communication skills, for example a facial veil or dark glasses. If you do not clearly demonstrate these abilities, examiners will mark the corresponding skills as unsatisfactory References - [PACES exam format](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces/format-0) - [PACES exam dates and fees](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces/exam-dates-and-fees) - [How to prepare for PACES](https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/paces/preparation-0)
Quesmed MLA Content Map | UKMLA
Introduction The UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), also known as MLA, is taken by all medical graduates who wish to practise medicine in the UK, regardless of whether they trained in the UK or abroad. The UKMLA is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of medical graduates to ensure that they meet the required standards for safe and effective practice as doctors. It is a new exam that the [General Medical Council (GMC)](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment) has introduced from 2024 onwards. The UKMLA consists of two main components: the **Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)** and the **Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA).** For UK-based medical students, these are the equivalent of ‘Finals’ and ‘OSCEs/OSLERs’ respectively. For IMGs, these are very similar to PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 respectively. Content Map The GMC have produced a [content map](https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/mla-content-map-_pdf-85707770.pdf) covering each specialty that will be examined in the UKMLA AKT and CPSA, consisting of core presentations and conditions for each. Although a long document, please don’t be alarmed - in the UK this is very much aligned with your medical school curricula and similarly if you have trained abroad this is likely to be the case too. The content map is based on the [GMC’s ‘Outcomes for Graduates (2018)’](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/outcomes-for-graduates), the [GMC’s ‘Generic Professional Capabilities Framework (2017)](https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/generic-professional-capabilities-framework--2109_pdf-70417127.pdf)’, and lastly, common scenarios you may face as a Foundation Doctor working in the UK. The Outcomes for Graduates refers to three themes which helped shape the UKMLA content map: 1. Readiness for safe practice 1. Managing uncertainty 1. Delivering person-centred care Additionally, the content map is then organised into six main domains: 1. Areas of clinical practice 1. Areas of professional knowledge 1. Patient presentations 1. Patient conditions 1. Clinical and professional capabilities 1. Practical skills and procedures Here’s an example of what you can find in the content map. At Quesmed, our knowledge library is aligned to the UKMLA, covering exactly what you need to know for the exam:  Quesmed MLA Content Map At Quesmed, we have carried over all of the areas of clinical practice, core conditions and presentations from the MLA content map and brought it to life with several core features to help make your revision more targeted and effective.  1. Core conditions textbook You can now access our knowledge library entry for each condition directly via the content map by simply clicking the book icon on the right. This allows you to quickly access relevant content when going through the conditions in each area of clinical practice. Our content map is also fully searchable if you want to find exactly where each presentation and condition is located.  2. Question builder Our content map can also be used to build customised quizzes tailored to your exam preparation. You can select individual presentations, and/or conditions across multiple areas of clinical practice, if desired. This gives you maximum flexibility while also ensuring your revision is based on exactly what you need to know.  3. Question tags Our newly introduced question tag feature helps you understand where in the MLA content map each question is relevant to. Questions now have tags demonstrating the area of clinical practice, presentation and condition that they are relevant to, as well as their difficulty. This is particularly helpful for certain conditions which are not explicitly named in the content map, such as Atrial Fibrillation (likely under the umbrella condition ‘Arrhythmias’), that you would definitely need to know for your MLA AKT/CPSA.  Conclusion Thanks for reading this overview of what the MLA content map is and how to get the most out of our content map feature. We hope this has helped shed light on what is a long and daunting document, and will help enhance your MLA AKT/CPSA preparation. If you have any questions about this, or any of our features please contact us at [email protected]. We wish you the very best of luck! References * [General Medical Council (GMC). UK students' guide to the MLA.](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment/uk-students-guide-to-the-mla) * [General Medical Council (GMC)(2020). Outcomes for graduates, plus supplementary guidance.](https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/outcomes-for-graduates) * [British Medical Association (BMA)(2021). The UKMLA: change is coming, what you need to know.](https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/the-ukmla-change-is-coming-what-you-need-to-know) * [UKMLA AKT: Everything you need to know for UK Graduates and IMGs - YouTube video (UKMLA vs PLAB)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCGTJgZJAUM)
The Ultimate MRCP Part 1 Online Revision Resources Guide
If you’re reading this blog post, you are probably trying to plan your revision strategy ahead of your upcoming MRCP Part 1 exam. We have already broken down the exam step-by-step for you in a [previous blog post](https://quesmed.com/blog/complete-guide-mrcp-part-1-exam-7/), but here we will provide a detailed overview of what online resources you can use to prepare for this exam and pass with confidence. How do you revise best? Know your learning style! As you plan your revision, it is useful to first ask yourself, ‘How do I learn best?’ Some people are visual and auditory learners, others like to read and write. Some are very logical, using patterns and systems to develop an approach to learning, or like to work alone, while others like to work with others in groups. In reality, everyone learns differently, and most people are combination learners, moving between each learning style depending on their needs. You will find plenty of free materials online that can target each of your learning needs, where you need them. For example, there are videos available on YouTube or posts on social media such as Instagram, that will explain tricky concepts that you may have always struggled with. There are also many free applications that allow you to generate your own Anki flashcards, which can be useful to support your learning journey, as well as user experiences of the exam shared on Reddit or Twitter, to help you learn from their mistakes and plan your revision strategy going forwards. However, preparation for the MRCP Part 1 exam needs to be systematic, complete, and well-planned. The exam is challenging, with a pass rate of only around 50%-60%. As such, we would recommend using a dedicated online platform that has been designed to specifically walk you through the exam’s [blueprint](https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/part-1/format) and meets all of your learning needs, whatever they are. The Best Online Resources 1. Quesmed.com Quesmed.com offers an all-in-one platform with an online textbook, video library, and extensive, blueprint-matched question bank, online and in a handy offline-ready app. This suits every learning style through its multi-media approach and allows you to revise the entire exam syllabus anywhere, anytime. **Highlights:** **✓ 6200+ Part 1 questions** - covers the entire exam blueprint and allows you to practice the development of pattern recognition skills and logical learning styles **✓ Expanded question explanations** - a detailed explanation works through why each question choice is right, or wrong, allowing you to develop the skills required to perfect single best-answer questions on the day **✓ Questions linked to relevant textbook chapter** - after you finish each question, complete your revision on each topic as you go by reading the linked relevant chapter just below **✓ Customise and target your revision** - online question builder can allow you to build your quizzes in any way you want, from a random selection to mimic the real exam, to targeting individual topics that you feel need more time and attention **✓ Extensive past paper library** - based on previous themes that have emerged in the real exam **✓ Detailed online textbook** - for the learner who likes to read and write, and to provide further detail to deepen your understanding of the exam blueprint **✓ Specialist-taught recorded lectures** - recorded content covering tricky topic areas by specialty, ideal for everyone, and especially auditory and visual learners **✓ Handy app with both offline and online modes** - you can take your revision with you anywhere now by simply carrying your device, so you can revise alone, or with others, and even when you’ve lost signal **✓ Doctor-driven content** - by high-achieving doctors who have aced the exam themselves, for doctors **✓ Competitive and flexible pricing** - pricing is £64.99 for a 3-month plan (compared with a minimum price point of £84.99 at Pastest.com, which is priced relative to a fixed exam date, and so is never cheaper than this - even if you are buying it with less than a month to go to the exam date.) There is also a monthly payment option of £39.99, which is not offered by most leading online platforms, including Pastest.com or Passmedicine.com. This can help you spread out the cost of an online revision resource, or allow you to only buy as much as you need. **✓ Money-back guarantee** - if you use Quesmed.com to prepare for your MRCP Part 1 exam and you fail, you can get the full cost of your subscription refunded. 2. Pastest.com Pastest.com provides an impressive number of 7400+ questions covering the range of topics you will encounter on the exam, with an offline-ready app that allows you to revise on the go and the ability to filter the bank and build quizzes to target your revision. They also have many past papers that allow you to revise themes that have come up in previous exam sittings. Completing the Pastest question bank will likely expose you to most of the themes you may come across on the day, therefore! Each question is accompanied by an expanded explanation, which can allow you to understand the key learning points better. Their product is bundled into a handy app that is off-line ready. *Drawbacks:* **✖ No online textbook -** Pastest.com do not offer an online textbook. If you want to use their textbook, you have to buy the physical version, which retails at £40. Their questions are furthermore not linked to any relevant textbook chapters. This may limit your ability to deepen your understanding of the relevant topics. **✖ No competitive and flexible pricing -** Pastest.com has no option for a monthly subscription. Their fees are set relative to a fixed exam date, and the minimum price point is quite expensive at £84.99. **✖ No specialist-taught recorded lectures -** Pastest.com do not offer recorded lectures delivered by high-achieving doctors. **✖ No money-back guarantee** 3. Passmedicine.com Passmedicine.com is well-loved by many doctors who have sat the MRCP Part 1 exam. It has a user-friendly, intuitive interface which makes it very straightforward to revise and get to grips with. They have a question builder that allows you to filter the questions you want to see to target your revision. Furthermore, Passmedicine.com is well known for its competitive pricing, with subscriptions starting at £35. Question explanations are provided in greater detail below the main question with key facts about the diagnosis often being summarised. They also offer an online textbook. *Drawbacks:* **✖ Limited question bank size** - Passmedicine.com has 4900 questions on their question bank, which may prevent your ability to cover the full blueprint and develop effective pattern recognition skills. **✖ No past papers** - Though Passmedicine.com does offer 4 mock tests that try to replicate the real exam, they do not offer any past papers. Past papers are essential for you to get comfortable with the themes that have emerged in previous exam sittings. **✖ Suboptimal app** - one of the biggest drawbacks of Passmedicine.com is its app. They have an app-like shortcut that can be added to your phone which provides off-line functionality. This experience is somewhat clunky, however, as its use is not as seamless as having a full app that is downloadable via the relevant application store on your phone. **✖ No specialist-taught recorded lectures -** Passmedicine.com do not offer recorded lectures delivered by high-achieving doctors. **✖ No money-back guarantee** 4. BMJ OnExamination BMJ OnExamination offers 3190 questions including mock tests based on recent exam themes. Their handy app and group study feature allows making your revision flexible and social. You can buy the question bank flexibly on a monthly basis if required as well, which allows you to tailor your access to revision materials, as and when you need them. *Drawbacks:* **✖ Limited question bank size -** with only 3190 questions offered, you are less likely to cover the full blueprint and develop effective pattern recognition skills if you depend on BMJ OnExamination alone. **✖ Specialist-taught recorded lectures -** BMJ OnExamination does not offer recorded lectures delivered by high-achieving doctors. **✖ No online textbook -** BMJ OnExamination does not offer an online textbook. This means that if you want to read about a given topic in more detail, you will have to access additional learning materials to aid your revision. This can make it more difficult to revise using this platform as it does not offer an all-in-one learning experience. **✖ No money-back guarantee** 5. StatPearls A US-based platform that boasts 3900+ questions that have been developed closely to match the style of the exam. With a money-back guarantee in place, they are confident that preparing with them will allow you to pass the exam with flying colours. Actionable intelligence is built into their platform to produce reports to help you target your revision areas. **✖ Limited question bank size -** with only 3900+ questions offered, you are less likely to cover the full blueprint using this platform alone. **✖ No past papers -** no mock tests made up of past papers; this means you are less likely to see previous exam themes, which can be recycled each year. **✖ No specialist-taught recorded lectures -** there are no additional recorded lectures offered for the audio-visual learner. **✖ No online textbook -** no associated online textbook is offered. This can make it more difficult to revise using this platform as it does not offer an all-in-one learning experience. **✖ No app** **-** this can limit your ability to revise on the go. **✖ No money-back guarantee** **✖ Non-competitive price point -** starting at $199 for one month, this is one of the most expensive subscriptions that exists for this exam. 6. Royal College of Physicians The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) does offer a [free sample paper](https://www.thefederation.uk/examinations/part-1/part-1-sample-questions) of 100 questions on their website. Though this is an important revision material that allows you to sample past questions from previous papers and get used to the style of the exam, it is certainly not an exhaustive learning resource. Summary There we have it! The best online revision resources for MRCP Part 1 in a nutshell. If you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that really does have it all, for every learning style, that is matched to the exam syllabus and will support all your learning needs at a reasonable price, you don’t need to look further than Quesmed.com. Here is a summarising table to remind you of all the features of the various online learning resources. | | Online textbook | Past papers | Lectures | App with offline mode | Money-back guarantee | Prices from | |-----------------------------|-----------------|-------------|----------|-----------------------|----------------------|-------------| | Quesmed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | £39.99 | | Pastest | | ✓ | | ✓ | | £84.99 | | Passmedicine | ✓ | | | | | £35 | | BMJ OnExamination | | | | ✓ | | £37.99 | | StatPearls | | | | | ✓ | $199 | | Royal College of Physicians | | | | | | Free | Whatever strategy you choose, we wish you all the best in your exam preparation!
Free MRCP Past Paper Questions
Based on themes from previous exam sittings, we have put together a free past paper made of 100 questions to help you prepare for your upcoming MRCP Part 1 exam. These questions are not only representative of what has come up in the previous exams but are also written to closely match the style of what you will experience on the day. To get started, click [here](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-1-question-bank/) and navigate to the ‘start for free’ button! MRCP Part 1 is a written exam taken by doctors who have completed a minimum of 12 months of postgraduate medical experience. This includes both UK-trained doctors and international medical graduates (IMGs). It is the first exam on the journey towards the MRCP (UK) Diploma which is a post-graduate diploma designed to test the skills, knowledge, and behaviours of a doctor who wishes to undergo medical speciality training in the United Kingdom. Why not sign up for our full range of MRCP products to help you pass MRCP Part 1, MRCP Part 2, and PACES? Click [here](https://quesmed.com/mrcp-part-1-question-bank/) to find out more.