Brunei doesn't have advanced specialty training, so eventually I would need to apply overseas for training. Naturally, I'm more used to the EU/UK system so I opted for the MRCP (UK) pathway. Passed Part 1 on first attempt in 2020; sat for it in Singapore.
I've used Passmedicine and Pastest --- completed the question banks and practise tests.
It is extremely important to understand the concepts behind the questions that they've asked. Personally, I like passmedicine's format better as they provide relevant information beneath the questions, but I do find pastest's questions are more similar to the actual exam's.
Was preparing for Part 2, and then covid happened in 2020. Borders were closed, and I couldn't fly off to other countries to sit for the exam. Back then, everything was paper form. Eventually, in 2022, MRCP introduced online exam for Malaysian candidates and I immediately applied and sat for it. Passed Part 2 in 2022, Malaysia online centre, on my first attempt as well. I remembered using my laptop and the exam ended around 11pm.
Moving forward, I was preparing for MRCP (UK) PACES in 2023. Went to one of the preparatory courses in Terengganu in Feb 2023, hoping to get a slot soon. However, due to the covid backlogs, I did not get any PACES slot after applying for 5 times!! There's lots of hiccups throughout my journey. My hospital was trying to negotiate some slots with Malaysia side and asked us not to apply for the December 2023 slot and hence I missed out the opportunity. The memorandum of understanding did not work out as well, and so I decided to apply myself for the first diet in 2024. Thankfully, I got a slot for diet 1 at Kuala Lumpur -- Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar / International Medical University (HTJ/IMU) Seremban. Went for multiple courses - at Kuching, KL, Terengganu, Batu Pahat ; I think I flew to Malaysia at least 6 times including the exam itself. MC went to Batu Pahat with me and we even missed the morning flight T____T Had to spend $550 BND each for last minute RBA flight from KL back to Brunei! There's no direct flight to Batu pahat, so we actually have to fly to KL and use a bus to Batu pahat.
I did not pass PACES the first time. I failed differential diagnosis and clinical judgment component. When I knew my results, I was devastated. I remembered crying inside the toilet while my parents were outside at the living room. I had to hold my tears when they're around. I was upset for nearly a week. I was demotivated and I often questioned myself. It was indeed a huge blow towards my self esteem.
I didn't get a slot for the 2nd diet in 2024. When diet 3's application started, I immediately applied and thankfully, got it. Did not get my first choice - Kuching / KK, and ended up getting KL again. Exam was in October 2024. I guess everything worked out in the end. As I went to China for a conference after my exam, and had family trip end of December. If my exam was in Kuching / KK, I wouldn't be able to go to those trips as I would be busy prepping for exam.
It was really tough. I broke up from a 3.5 years relationship at end of June.. so it took me nearly 2-3 months to get back to my own routine and get back on track. Went to another course at Terengganu with my study buddy which I find it much more useful the 2nd time round. We both agreed that failing the first time made us better clinicians. The examiners really do try their best to pass us. So, when we didn't pass, it just means that we weren't ready.
Sat for my exam at Sunway medical centre, KL. Went there early, feeling much more prepared. Came out feeling relatively more confident compared to the first attempt.
I was abit worried about my communications stations but turned out I scored almost full marks for both. Surprisingly, my score for my cardio and one of the long case was borderline pass.. but overall, I've passed!!
What did I do differently for my 2nd attempt?
- having a consistent study buddy
- practise 1-2 cases per day, just like the exam --- 6 minutes examination and 4 minutes presentation including Q&A
- try to ask different consultants who are similar to the MRCP (UK) PACES format to observe and provide feedback
- study more!! I joined a Malaysian online study group guided by Dr Em JM and bought his book -- I also write my script according to what the Malaysian consultants would expect the juniors to present
- Sleep well, eat well the day before and arrive at the centre earlier on the day. Dress smart and appear confident.
Common cases are common. I do agree that some centres might have rare cases, that is why it is important to go to courses at your actual exam centre to familiarise the common cases. Classical PACES cases and basic knowledge of the cases are expected from candidates.
The journey was tough, but doable. Took me 4 years to complete MRCP (UK) -- longer than I've anticipated, but 3/4 of the time was wasted due to covid. Medicine is a lifelong journey and passing MRCP (UK) is just the beginning.
Wish me luck!!!
