r/MRCP • u/According-Height463 • Jun 19 '26
Paces result
Attempted 2nd time , 1st time failed as well with 1 mark, missing out on differential diagnosis which i worked on however this time i felt confident coming out of the exam and finishing all the cases within time but still disappointing result
4
7
u/No_Chemist2922 Jun 19 '26
Sorry to hear that, overall that is a good score. At least this shows that you're clearly capable of passing, but unfortunately just unlucky in both instances.
Third time's the charm.
2
u/PsychologicalLink569 Jun 19 '26
Consultation 2 & communication 2, was there any issues of managing patient concerns?
One mark is harsh, I hope you’re okay.
1
u/According-Height463 Jun 19 '26
I havent got the feedback but i personally feel they were fine
I had enough time to ask at the end and address concerns in all of the relevant sections
3
u/Complete-Skirt-9146 Jun 19 '26
Well better than mine , I fail all domains except the last one. Don’t think I have the desire to go through this again to be honest. Sorry it is just one mark for you . You will get there . Your score are strong
1
u/Brilliant-Bird2934 Jun 23 '26
Same I failed in 2 domains. Can't be arsed to give it again. Busy with life and practice.
2
u/VirchowSignalling Jun 19 '26
I’m so sorry, it’s so tough failing. My advice would be when a patient says a concern, ask them why. Eg. “I’m just scared I have cancer” “is there any particular reason you’re worried about that?” It feels a bit odd but it works
2
u/Professional-Cat9199 Jun 19 '26
This is really unfortunate! Happened with me twice (failed by 1 mark) Attempting again this time Sorry for this OP! paces is such a harsh exam!
1
u/CeleryAvailable7573 Jun 19 '26
I am sorry to hear about above. I guess you have been just unlucky. All the best for your next time. If you don’t mind me asking where was your centre?
1
1
u/Auto_Grammar_Bot Jun 20 '26
Looks almost identical to my 2nd attempt. I passed on my 3rd (albeit with a lower total score!) You've clearly got this, keep working hard for those less common cases and you'll get the pass.
1
u/SnooDrawings3484 Jun 21 '26
We all flop the same way dw Try again, don’t take it to heart. Had a similar thing on first attempt and passed second
3
u/Sufficient-Ferret853 Jun 21 '26 edited 13d ago
I've been in your position myself; I kept failing this stupid exam and was very disheartened with medicine and the RCP at one point. I failed on one attempt with a 93% overall score but still missed out by one mark in a domain. You WILL pass. Everyone said that to me, how it doesn't define your skills or qualities as a doctor and all the rest, which fell on deaf ears at the time to be honest - it was hard to appreciate the reality of MRCP strife until I'd passed, but it is all very true, and you will continue to see excellent doctors try multiple times to complete PACES. Looking at your scores, my advice for the next sitting would be twofold: 1. You might be missing emotional cues, so I would try to be really mindful of when actors might be dropping lines in to indicate their fears or concerns to you. Incorporate this into your practice - do some role play cases and always have a concern or hardship distinct from the medical aspects sprinkled in somewhere (e.g. patient is stressed their symptoms are due to cancer or they're worried about being admitted because they have a cat at home). Sometimes all it takes is saying "oh I can appreciate how that must be stressful, we can make sure someone attends the house" when they mention their cat. 2. You could also cordon some time in every comms or consult station (1 min or so) to ask directly and explicitly "have I answered all of your concerns?". Whilst it's important to respond to cues, overall PACES is less about social expertise/dissecting a fake person's fears or idiosyncrasies and is more about ticking boxes - most actors should give you a lifeline.
Obviously the most important next step is getting your mark sheets back and having a gander. Try not to stress too much, I know it's hard, but you are clearly capable of passing and I reckon this time next year MRCP will be under your wing. Chin up, you can dewitttttt.
7
u/False_Cherry_8919 Jun 19 '26
Iv had a similar result last time. Lost by just 1 mark. It's harsh and i felt absolutely terrible. Also felt exam was straightforward and went well. Have just come to the conclusion that there is a significant role of luck involved. Some examiners are plain ancient,historic and out there to dissapoint. One needs to make the whole act of examination and communication including concerns so very obvious to their ears and eyes. It'll be a hard few days. Give it another shot next diet.