How to Pass the MRCS OSCE Exam from a Successful Candidate
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The Membership Examination of the Surgical Royal Colleges of Great Britain and Ireland (MRCS) is designed for surgical trainees and is a crucial milestone in a surgical career; it determines whether a surgical trainee possesses the correct knowledge, skills and attributes to complete basic training and to progress to higher levels of specialist surgical training.
We caught up with Dr. Mohammad Ekhalsur Rahman, graduate from Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, who passed the Edinburgh MRCS OSCE exam which was held in New Delhi in March this year.
1. What did you think of the exam and what motivated you to take it?
Taking my MRCS with Edinburgh was as enjoyable experience, it was a high quality but fair test of my surgical knowledge. I have always dreamed of pursuing my career in the surgical field in UK. MRCS is a worldwide recognised post-graduate degree and I knew that passing the exam would provide me with the opportunity to work as a surgical trainee doctor in UK. This vision motivated me to take the exam and I started preparing for it as soon as I completed my internship.
2. How did you prepare for the exam and what tips would you give to anyone preparing for it?
It took me a lot of hard work and perseverance to prepare for the exam. In addition to organising preparation groups with a couple of my colleagues, where we practiced important clinical cases in the hospital ward, I also took the MRCS OSCE Prep Course. The course provides exam simulations through a combination of lectures and mock stations. The one I attended was held in Pune, India but it is also held in various other locations around the world (forthcoming diets coming up in Myanmar and Pakistan). It helped me improve my communication skills as well as learn how to manage my time in final exams and practice the basic steps that we may miss in each station.
3. What benefits does the completion of the exam bring you?
I have greatly benefited from this exam. Firstly, it helped me improve my knowledge and clinical skills. Secondly, it has broadened my idea of doctor - patient relationship, I now feel I can communicate better with my patients. Finally, the exam gave me a big confidence boost. Overall the process helped me evolve as a doctor as well as a person.
4. Would you recommend the exam and who would you recommend it to?
Yes, I would warmly recommend this exam to my fellow surgical doctors who are keen to work in the UK.
5. What advice would you give anyone considering sitting the exam?
I believe the key to success is practice, practice and practice. Anyone considering the exam should be focused and well prepared - allow at least 4 months for preparation and revision. I wish all the best to future candidates.
The MRCS examination is intercollegiate, meaning that it is common to all Colleges. By choosing to sit your MRCS examination Part B with us, you will be joining our membership network of more than 26,000 professionals and benefit from a wide range of membership services, as well as receive our support through every step of your career.
Find out more about the MRCS OSCE exam here.
