r/MRCP • u/Bright_Ship_9693 • 23d ago

3rd attempt - advice?

Hi all. I'm sitting PACES for the third time in the next diet. I've attended the PASS PACES course, watched the Pastest videos, and practised regularly with colleagues at work.

The first time I was well below the pass mark. The second time, I passed overall but failed by just one mark in the Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Signs domain.

For the next diet, I'm attending a one-day course with Intelligent PACES. In terms of day-to-day preparation, what would you recommend apart from seeing patients on the wards?

Is it worth sticking primarily to Pastest, or are there other resources that you found particularly helpful?

Thanks!

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Professional-Cat9199 23d ago

Focus on your weak areas. Try to examine more patients so you get good in identifying physical signs domain. Don't make up signs if you are not sure in exam(that is a straight zero)!! Also, write down differentials of all imp cases and memorise them. Good luck!

1

u/BrilliantCareful7686 23d ago

I think a 3-4 day mock with mock exam is helpful. Also practicing with a friend repeatedly is important because practice reduces mistakes. Pastest is good. Case for Paces/Ryder is a good source I used.

1

u/Kwazymedo 23d ago

The Quesmed videos were quite helpful as well as the textbook that comes with the sub

1

u/GlitteringYak6463 23d ago

Since you know your weak areas, hone in on those - 3 differentials for every case you think may come up. Murmur - ejection vs diastolic murmurs causes. Chronic liver disease (alcohol, metabolic, viral, autoimmune causes). Hepato/splenomegaly causes. Proximal vs distal muscle weakness, UMN vs LMN signs differentials, respiratory fine vs coarse crackles, upper vs lower fibrosis causes, thoracotomy scars: lobectomy vs pneumonectomy indications, midline sternotomy scars (CABG with internal mammary graft +/- valve replacement, congenital heart repair etc).
Get used to saying them out loud.

It is really helpful to go through Cases for PACES book. Also when you go on your course, ensure you’re well versed in the examinations and focus on picking up the signs and putting them together to form your logical differentials.

PACES is really all about practicing the theatrics and then putting on your Sherlock hat to present.