I am training in medicine in Canada. I will be sitting the PACES exam in London, England this fall. I have a quick question for anyone here that has taken the PACES exam.
In North America, we are taught to talk as we examine our patients during any OSCE-type exam (like a "running commentary"). For example, as I inspect a person's hand, I will specifically say aloud, "I see evidence of splinter hemorrhages, and clubbing, but no Osler nodes, nor Janeway lesions." On both Canadian and American exams, if we do not speak aloud as we examine the patients, we are not awarded marks.
My question is, in the UK, will I be expected to speak aloud as I examine the patients? Or, do I simply examine the patients quietly, and then tell the examiners my findings afterwards? (This is the impression I get from reading preparation books for the MRCP PACES).
I am training in medicine in Canada. I will be sitting the PACES exam in London, England this fall. I have a quick question for anyone here that has taken the PACES exam.
In North America, we are taught to talk as we examine our patients during any OSCE-type exam (like a "running commentary"). For example, as I inspect a person's hand, I will specifically say aloud, "I see evidence of splinter hemorrhages, and clubbing, but no Osler nodes, nor Janeway lesions." On both Canadian and American exams, if we do not speak aloud as we examine the patients, we are not awarded marks.
My question is, in the UK, will I be expected to speak aloud as I examine the patients? Or, do I simply examine the patients quietly, and then tell the examiners my findings afterwards? (This is the impression I get from reading preparation books for the MRCP PACES).
Please advise. Thank you! Alex
No running commentary is required in MRCP PACES
An occassional candidate has been asked to give one by an inexperienced examiner but this is frowned upon by the college
As the exam format is changing in the autumn ( new station 5 and new marking scheme) it would be advisable to make yourself familiar with these changes
The MRCP ( UK ) website has frequent updates on this and I have included some advice on the ACES for PACES website
I have another quick question. In terms of equipment for the PACES exam, apart from a stethoscope and reflex hammer, will I be expected to bring any other equipment with me, or will it be supplied for me (e.g. tuning forks, red pin for vision, pins for sensory testing, tongue depressor, ophthalmoscope)?
I have another quick question. In terms of equipment for the PACES exam, apart from a stethoscope and reflex hammer, will I be expected to bring any other equipment with me, or will it be supplied for me (e.g. tuning forks, red pin for vision, pins for sensory testing, tongue depressor, ophthalmoscope)?
I'm very grateful for your help.
Alex
Everything else will be available
However, it may be a good idea to take your own ophthalmoscope
You will be used to it and I have heard of people who have had problems with the ophthalmoscope given to them at the exam
Older examiners are also thought to think that a person who has his or her own ophthalmoscope is more likely to have been doing more clinical work ( this is hearsay)
Although station 5 has changed the college has specifically said that ophthalmoscopy could still appear as part of the new station 5 scenarios
Thanks for your help on this forum. I have used this forum, your website, and Aces for Paces, and I have successfully passed all the components of the MRCPUK exam now!
