Nocturnale

Clinical commitment and exam preparation have really taken its toll on me. Hence, a quick post on the MRCP(UK) PACES exam. I know, I am morbidly obsessed with PACES right now, which I hope is a good thing leading up to the exam proper. 

I chanced upon this article from Postgrad Med J 2006;82:145–149. And it should interest those candidates planning to travel to and partake in the MRCP(UK) PACES exam in the United Kingdom. 

This study examines the factors which predict success of the real PACES exam of candidates taking a PACES course (PASTEST) in the UK. 

The White Candidates Reign Supreme

Results: Of 483 candidates who took the examination immediately after the course, 219 (45.3%) passed. UK graduates were more likely to pass (67.0%) than overseas graduates (26.2%) (p = 0.003, odds ratio 5.72). For UK graduates, pass rates were higher for white candidates (73%) than for ethnic minorities (56%) (p = 0.012, OR 2.15) and for those who passed at the first attempt in the MRCP (UK) part 2 written paper (p = 0.003, OR 2.90). For overseas graduates, those who had been qualified for less than eight years were more likely to pass (p = 0.001, OR 2.78). More overseas (45.7%) than UK (30.8%) graduates were confident that they would pass, but confidence did not predict success.

Conclusion: Among candidates taking a revision course, UK graduates are more likely to pass the PACES examination than non-UK graduates. Ethnic minority UK graduates seem to have a significantly poorer success rate, although this requires confirmation in an independent sample. If confirmed, these differences merit further investigation to assess whether they reflect genuine differences in ability.

Fly to UK or Stay Put?

My two cents: firstly, the statistical data is relatively old, having been collected way back in 2002. I am convinced the quality of Non-UK candidates, have improved by leaps and bounds since then. I am not sure how these data can be extrapolated to reflect the performances of our local candidates taking the exam in Malaysia or Singapore. My guess is: the chances of passing in the local familiar soil should be much higher than in alien distant environment. But do not let these findings deter you from your plans to enter the exam in the UK. With a solid preparation and a correct mindset, taking the exam in centers like London, Edinburgh or Glasgow is not an act of futility. Besides, traveling, seeing and meeting new people and visiting new places can be both a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

What say you?