| Tired of Reading? Please listen to the blog  |
Introduction
On July 12th, 2023, esteemed surgeon Dr. Tahoora Tajammul delivered an enlightening webinar, sharing comprehensive insights on “All You Need to Know About MRCS Exams.” This article will summarize the key points discussed during Dr. Tajammul presentation, providing valuable information about the MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) exams.
What is MRCS?
MRCS stands for “Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons.” It is a prestigious postgraduate qualification awarded by the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in the UK. The MRCS is recognized globally and is an essential milestone for surgical professionals pursuing a career in surgery.
The MRCS examination consists of two parts:
MRCS Part A:
Dr. Tahoora Tajammul elaborated on the MRCS Part A exam, which assesses candidates’ theoretical knowledge in basic sciences and surgical principles. He provided insights into the types of questions in Part A, including multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended matching questions (EMQs).
The MRCS Part A exam covers a wide range of topics related to Fellowship in Surgery including but not limited to:
Anatomy: Knowledge of human anatomy, including organs, systems, and structures relevant to surgical practice.
Physiology: Understanding of physiological processes and their application in surgical contexts.
Pathology: Understanding of pathological conditions and diseases commonly encountered in surgical practice.
Principles of Surgery: Knowledge of surgical techniques, wound healing, infection control, and pre- and post-operative care.
Critical Care: Understanding of principles and management of critically ill surgical patients.
MRCS Part B:
The presenter further discussed the MRCS Part B exam, which evaluates candidates’ practical and clinical skills.
He explained that Part B involves Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and other practical stations where candidates demonstrate their ability to handle various surgical scenarios.
Here is an overview of the MRCS Part B exam, including OSCEs and practical stations, along with strategies to excel in this assessment:
- Assessment of Practical and Clinical Skills:
The MRCS Part B exam evaluates candidates’ competence in practical aspects of surgery.
It assesses communication, history-taking, physical examination, decision-making, and procedural proficiency skills.
- Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and Stations:
OSCEs are a vital component of the MRCS Part B exam.
Candidates rotate through a series of stations, each focused on specific aspects of surgical practice.
At each station, candidates encounter various clinical scenarios, standardized patients, or simulated situations that they must manage effectively.
The stations cover different surgical specialties, allowing the examiners to assess various skills.
- Strategies to Excel in Practical Scenarios and Simulations:
Thoroughly Review Key Surgical Techniques: Candidates should understand essential surgical procedures commonly encountered in their chosen specialty.
Practice with Simulated Scenarios: Utilize practice sessions and simulations to enhance decision-making skills and experience handling real-life surgical situations.
Communicate Effectively: Demonstrating clear and empathetic communication with patients and colleagues is crucial for successful performance.
Master Time Management: The MRCS Part B exam is time-sensitive, and candidates should practice managing their time effectively during simulations to complete tasks efficiently.
Maintain Professionalism: Examiners assess professionalism, ethical conduct, and patient safety during the exam, so candidates should prioritize patient care and safety.
- Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Utilize feedback from mentors, supervisors, or previous exam candidates to identify areas for improvement.
Engage in regular practice and mock OSCEs to refine practical skills and boost confidence.
Overall, success in the MRCS Part B exam requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, effective communication, and professionalism. Candidates should embrace the opportunity to showcase their abilities and demonstrate their readiness for the challenges of surgical practice.
Who can appear for MRCS?
The MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) examination is open to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the general requirements for appearing for the MRCS exam:
Individuals who have completed their MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and postgraduate training in disciplines such as General Surgery, ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), and Orthopedics are eligible to appear for the MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) examination.
During the webinar, the speaker emphasized the significance of the MRCS examination as a significant milestone for aspiring surgeons. He highlighted that this esteemed exam occurs three times a year, specifically in January, April, and September, allowing candidates ample time to plan and prepare effectively.
MRCS Part B Exam:
Part B of the MRCS examination typically has 18 stations, and each station is allocated 20 marks. These stations are designed to assess candidates’ clinical problem-solving skills, practical abilities, and application of surgical knowledge.
Along with the 18 stations, eight focus on applied knowledge, and ten assess clinical knowledge. Here is a breakdown of the subject distribution and the corresponding expected scores:
Applied Knowledge Stations (8 stations):
Anatomy: 3 stations
Pathology: 2 stations
Critical Care: 3 stations
The total marks available for the applied knowledge stations would be eight stations x 20 marks each, resulting in a maximum score of 160. Based on the provided scoring range, candidates should aim to achieve a score between 107 and 111 to meet the expected performance level.
Clinical Skills Stations (10 stations):
Clinical Examination: 4 stations
Communication Skills: 2 stations
History Taking: 2 stations.
Procedure Stations: 2 stations
The total marks available for the clinical skills stations would be ten stations x 20 marks each, resulting in a maximum score of 200. To meet the expected performance level, candidates should aim to score between 127-130.
Applied Knowledge
In the Applied Knowledge stations of the MRCS examination, candidates are typically given around 1 minute to read a scenario, followed by approximately 9 minutes for the viva segment. During this viva segment, candidates discuss with the examiners based on the plan they have read.
In the Applied Knowledge stations of the MRCS examination, candidates are typically given around 1 minute to read a scenario. After that, candidates are generally given around 9 minutes for the viva segment. They are needed to provide an answer to 10-15 questions that require one-word solutions. Candidates should attempt every question, and if unable to answer a particular question, they can pass and move on to the next one.
Examination
In the Examination stations of the MRCS examination, the typical time allocation is around 1 minute to read the scenario, followed by approximately 6 minutes for the examination itself. This includes performing the necessary clinical study or demonstrating relevant practical skills based on the system. After the examination component, candidates are generally provided with around 3 minutes for the viva segment.
During the webinar, Dr. Tahoora discussed the importance of effective communication in surgical practice and how it plays a vital role in a surgeon’s success. She emphasized that mastering communication skills is crucial for aspiring MRCS candidates.
Effective MRCS Part B Communication
During the webinar, Dr. Tahoora discussed the importance of effective communication in surgical practice and how it plays a vital role in a surgeon’s success. He emphasized that mastering communication skills is crucial for aspiring MRCS candidates.Dr. Tahoora specifically addressed the following topics:
Effective Communication in Surgical Practice: He highlighted the critical role of communication in surgery and how it impacts patient care and outcomes.
Patient/Role Player Counselling Speaker provided insights into delivering compassionate and clear messages when obtaining informed consent or breaking bad news to patients. He emphasized empathizing with patients and ensuring they fully comprehend their treatment options.
Throughout the webinar, Dr. Tahoora shared practical tips and strategies for excelling in communication stations, including patient counseling scenarios and SBAR consultations. His expertise and guidance provided valuable knowledge for participants preparing for the MRCS Part B exam.
Preparation materials: –
Tourkey Singh Notes: Dr. Tahoora recommended these comprehensive study materials to cover key MRCS exam topics and concepts.
Acland Videos, McMinn’s Atlas, Netter Atlas: He highlighted the value of these anatomical resources, which provide visual aids for better understanding human anatomy, an essential component of the MRCS exam.
Geeky Medics: Dr. Tahoora acknowledged Geeky Medics as a popular online platform offering clinical skills tutorials and exam preparation resources, including MRCS-related content.
Study Partner: He stressed the benefits of having a study partner for discussions, practice, and mutual support during exam preparation.
RCS MRCS OSCE Course: Dr. Tahoora mentioned this course, likely conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons, which focuses on preparing candidates specifically for the OSCE component of the MRCS exam.
MRCS Bootcamp Course: He also spoke about the MRCS Bootcamp, an intensive course designed to provide candidates with a focused and comprehensive review of MRCS exam topics and practice.
Dr. Tahoora’s expertise and guidance on these preparation materials provided valuable insights for participants preparing for the MRCS exam, equipping them for success in their surgical journey.
Conclusion
In the webinar “All You Need to Know About MRCS Exams” by Dr. Tahoora Tajammul, participants comprehensively understood the MRCS qualification, exam structure, and critical preparation strategies. Dr. Tahoora’s expert insights equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to excel in MRCS Part A and B exams. Aspiring surgeons are now well-prepared to embark on their MRCS journey and advance their surgical careers with competence and success.
