Nocturnale

Medical Masterclass for the MRCP(UK) is an official Royal College sanctioned set of twelve revision books aimed at helping candidates pass all parts of the MRCP(UK) exam. I recently found out the Royal College has introduced an all new edition to adapt to the changes in the exam format.

Being kiasu and kiasi and what not, I decided to grab a copy and see if it is any good. Lo and behold, the package arrived via the TNT courier service yesterday.

I made up my mind that I probably won’t need the other clinical subspecialty modules so I went ahead and ordered only the Clinical Skills Module through the online website and the book popped up at my doorstep five days later.

This is really one-of-a-kind publication from the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom. The book with its glossy pages feels like a prized item from a library, as expected from the high standard of quality exemplified by the Royal College.

As the title suggests, this module mainly deals with the skills required to tackle the MRCP PACES exam. It discusses in a very conversational and easy-to-understand tone what is expected of the candidates during the clinical exam and what a candidate need to accomplish in order to do well and ace the exam.

For example, in no uncertain terms it dispels the false notion about how a candidate should dress him or herself on the day of the PACES exam. I give this particular tip five stars. (I won’t divulge anything here. you just have to buy the book and read it.)

The advice, especially coming from collegiate fellows, is invaluable. It is as if an FRCP examiner is tutoring you by your side and teaching you the ‘insider’ tricks of the trade.

You won’t get this sort of pointers elsewhere. Truth be told.

I was also impressed by Royal College focus on communication issues and skills. They specifically devote a section on each chapter to deal with clinically pertinent issues on communication and ethics. What is even better is that the book teaches you how to tackle potential questions and triggers with actual dialogues from the surrogate patient during the PACES Communication Skill station.

I have had only a couple of hours going through this book and I must say this book, in terms of content and quality is better than I thought.

I may be biased towards the PACES but I think the entire collection of books suits the PACES candidate very well as every single chapter routinely discusses history taking, communication skills and physical examination scenarios on every medical subspecialty. It gives very exam-like examples and I can see how these books are going to be such a hit with MRCP aspirants.

If you don’t mind spending loads of money, you should definitely consider getting the complete set. As the authors say it rightly, candidates who spend serious time studying this material are in good positions to impress the examiners.