Nocturnale

MRCP – it teaches more than it tests. Ah… the famous adage which forms the title of an excellent online tutorial site for the MRCP(UK) PACES clinical exam. Conducted by a dedicated cardiologist from Hong Kong, this website represents a nontrivial effort in bringing to life the cogent teachings of physical examination techniques relevant to PACES.

Here is a snippet:

One extremely common mistake for the junior clerk and PACES beginners is they do not do the chest inspection at the end of the bed.  To force them to do this, I usually will stand right at the end of the bed when we start our first chest tutorial, waiting for them to say “excuse me, may I stand there for chest inspection please?”

There are two reasons for this obsession.  Firstly, every signs in chest examination is a left-right comparison.  You will be biased if you are not standing right in front of the patient.  Secondly, ptosis is the commonest missed sign in this station. It can only be picked up by standing at a distance making patient’s gaze towards you naturally.

Brilliant stuffs, I am inclined to say.

The author dispenses advice on the website like a diligent golf coach instructing her apprentice, move by move. A treasure trove of valuable information, there is more than sufficient content to fill up a decent textbook on PACES. This is an absolute MUST-READ for all PACES candidates.