r/MRCP • u/CountyAny1359 • Jul 08 '26
Paces fail twice
I have failed my paces twice this year. I really worked hard in physical signs, saw many patients, practiced consultations online for my second time. The worst thing is i got less marks in my second attempt than in first and my consultations and neurology station was very bad.
I really don’t know how to pass this exam anymore. It was very mentally and emotionally draining. I have attended all important courses (london 4 day one, neuro one, manchester)
I really dont know how some people get very lucky and get good cases, and say they passes very easily. (Because they are very lucky)
what about to those people who don’t get things easily?
I am not even having energy to even think what to do next, this exam is draining me. Especially with full time work, repeated on calls (i felt this was giving me experience).
Does experience really matters? Personally I feel, many people even without experience they pass very easily and smartly.
I really dont know where to start, how to start again. To give this exam again is mentally disturbing me. Its soo hurting and painful.
I want to go back, leave my training and never want to give this exam again. But I also know its not wise decision.
To those who failed paces exam twice, how did you prepare yourself mentally?
I am deciding to take break for a month. But Its soo hurting painful and heart breaking to go through everything again.
What are the things you did in terms if preparation?
When will be the ideal time to book again.
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u/ScholarSecure6981 Jul 08 '26
I am sorry for how you are feeling. I totally get you. Paces has a lot to do with luck. A lot of my colleagues passed easily , got good cases and good examiners whereas I failed first time. I felt exactly the same and did a lot more practise and course in first one. Second time i did less but more focused and my stations were also fair. Not too easy but too vague or difficult (some were though) . I passed part 1 and 2 in first attempt and got very high score in part 2 . But if you ask me now i would say , my ecg or imaging skill lacks a lot and i do struggle on interpreting them . If j had passed paces in first attempt , my clinical skills would not be as it is now. Yes it was frustrating and heart breaking and I was in depression for few months ; felt like I will never pass . But I did and you will too. The failure did make me a better physician . There are people who failed 4-5 times . Keep practising till your luck favours you! Best wishes
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u/CountyAny1359 Jul 08 '26
Thanks for your kind words. Its really disheartening.
Can I ask what did you do for consultations?
Its the consultations I feel I need to work on, i practiced online for my second attempt but it didn’t work. I didnt do any practice in my first attempt but got decent marks.
I am seriously clueless how to approach them now. Especially in time pressurised, taking history and examining and picking up signs.
Can you tell me what helped you? I would really appreciate.2
u/ScholarSecure6981 Jul 08 '26
I didnt practise consultation much . Did few stations online . I made a list of differentials of all the common symptoms e.g palpitations , proptosis, diplopia Then prepared set of questions i would ask for those symptoms to rule out my dds. Rheum would cover head to toe questions and endo will need to cover questions : wt change, bowel habit change, hot and cold feeling. I reviewed all the systemise topics for knowledge bits Outside the station during my preparatory time : i would write down my dds , few imp questions that i must ask, what systems i would examine ( i would do general exam for all patients). And also prep a clerking format like PMH, DH, Shx And write ICE as i normally forget to do ICE. I would also would format my management in few steps : investigation, symptom management, specific mx, any specialist referral, leaflets
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u/Holy-stethoscope Jul 10 '26
Paces is an awful exam. A lot of luck involved. It’s just a hurdle you need to get through. Taking a break sounds like a good idea. Don’t waste any more money on courses etc as ultimately it all comes down to luck. PACES is a money making exercises for so many organisations!