I attended a PACES preparatory course over the weekend in Penang. One of the highlights of the course is a lecture given by Professor Raymond Ali on ‘How to Pass MRCP PACES’.
I believe the lecture was originally intended to be delivered by either Dato’ Kew or Dato’ Zaki Morad. But the replacement in the caliber of Professor Raymond was no shoddy work. Many who were present would agree that it was enlightening to be a part of the audience that morning.
Professor Raymond’s sense of humor was immediately palpable once he took to the stage. We all listened attentively to his address, which can be summarized as relevant, incisive and spot-on. He gave us an insight into the thinking of college-appointed examiners, what is expected of the candidates and how best the candidates should ‘play the game’.
In my opinion, he nailed it perfectly when he explained PACES is about slipping into THREE different roles in flawless succession and carrying them out proficiently:
- Examine the patient like a detective.
- Present the findings like a lawyer.
- Discuss the case like a doctor.
- Deadpan like Dr. Gregory House.
It’s like a light bulb moment. Three very simple philosophical approach but highly instructive and effective as a strategy of play (it’s a game after all). I am going to try and make this work for me. You should too!
How to pass PACES? Practise and perfect these three skills to a jeweler’s precision and you are on your way to MRCP glory.