Are you a psychiatrist looking for your next career move? Get access to the latest psychiatry jobs, whether you're a consultant, resident trainee, specialty doctor or SHO. Through IMG Connect you can receive the very latest psychiatry jobs straight to your inbox, create your own account and job preference email alerts with just a couple of clicks.  IMG Connect specialises in a huge variety of psychiatry vacancies, including jobs in child & adolescent, general adult, old age, perinatal, learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and forensic psychiatry. You will find a range of jobs covering inpatient, outpatient and other community services.  Review & apply for the latest Psychiatry & Psychiatrist Jobs - with a range of new jobs added every week, you will find jobs that match your skills, career goals and location preferences in the UK. Register now to receive NHS jobs by e-mail to view new posts to suit your job search.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Are you an overseas pathologist preparing for FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam? Overseas doctors often wonder how to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 examination, especially when so much content and advice online appears geared towards UK applicants and trainee. So what study courses, resources and support is available to an overseas histopathologists looking to take the test? Here we have compiled some of our advice and resources available to help you prepare for the exam, whilst we also address some of the changes in availability of test centres and upcoming exams as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. What is FRCPath Part 2? First a quick reminder of what the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 is. The Part 2 exam consists of six components which are taken over two days. Each component comprises a different number of cases provided in 20-minute stations or slots. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with the examiner where candidates should demonstrate and discuss both clinical & practical knowledge as well as complex diagnoses and special techniques. This is done through elements of interpreting and writing reports, interpretation and OSPE. If you want to have a more detailed overview of the FRCPath exam then take a look through the article published in our online IMG Library here, or take a look through the Royay College of Pathologists website here.  So how do I get started with my preparation? Starting is often the hardest thing to do, and as there are many resources available online, it's hard to tell where the best place is to start. After discussing this with consultants who've passed (both UK trainees and IMGs), most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have posted some useful resources on their website to aid in your preparation. Curriculum: The exam questions are based on the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology. As a first step, we recommend becoming familiar with this curriculum as early as possible to reinforce your knowledge and to provide a solid foundation for your study plan. Knowing the curriculum is key - as this is what you will be tested on. Regulations and guidelines: Ensure you have read both the general regulations and guidelines and the specialty specific regulations and guidelines. Social Media study groups: There are many social media study groups available across various platforms. These include Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp and to a lesser extent LinkedIn. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 and 2 exams - these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world into one constructive, communicative and moderated space where you can share exam tips, stories and woes, and the opportunity to buddy-up with similar colleagues looking to pass the test.  If you think you would be interested in joining either the IMG Connect FRCPath 1 or Part 2 Study groups, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to the histopathology specialist and request your admission. Online Courses for FRCPath Histopathology: There are a few online courses which provide preparation, from full mock exams to individual component courses. We've spoken with some IMGs to understand which courses they favoured, and below we have summarised a few of these. With all courses, it is advised that you register your interest as early as possible as they are in high demand. Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology Full Mock Exam This is a complete mock exam course with interactive live discussion sessions and individual feedback for each participant. Sessions will be delivered by UK based pathologists with extensive experience of teaching for the FRCPath exam. Participants will be provided with the mock exam for all the 7 components of FRCPath 2 under strict timed conditions closely simulating the real exam. Mock exam will include: Cytology, Short surgical cases, Long cases, Frozen section, Macroscopic examination, OSPE 1 Viva and OSPE 2 Written. Live sessions will include: Exam format and tips on how to prepare with a structured study plan, Review and discussion of all mock exam answers, Group performance summary, Common pitfalls in exam and how to avoid them, and Tips on answering technique for exam. Duration  3 days Cost  £270 (£70 registration fee and £200 payable 8 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  www.pathologyonlinehub.com/full-mock-course   Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Mock Course This is an online 2-day practical course with both a mock examination and seminars preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination. This is a unique course giving trainees that all important pre-exam Mock (under exam conditions) with the papers individually marked and scored in line with the actual exam. The course speakers have knowledge of the Royal College exam - some of them are examiners, and all are experienced teachers. Duration  2 days (Day 1 = mock exam | Day 2 = review and preparation) Cost  £300 (£75 registration fee and £225 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  http://oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-mock-course-20th-21st-september-2021/   Oxbridge Medica - FRCPath Part 2 Surgical Course This is an online 2-week Surgical Revision Course preparing trainees for the FRCPath Part 2 Examination and is exam oriented and includes surgical and cytology mock tests, live-streamed lectures and feedback. The course aims to provide an approach to the part 2 examination, and to cover common exam cases, whilst the trainers have been selected for their expertise within their disciplines, both in their clinical acumen but also their teaching skills. The format of the course is intense and demanding but also rewarding. Duration  2 weeks, intensive Cost   £800 (£75 registration fee and £725 payable 4 weeks prior to course start date) Next start date  TBC Website  oxbridgemedica.org/product/frcpath-part-2-surgical-course-1st-14th-september-2021 IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course This is a tailored FRCPath Histopathology course for overseas pathologists sitting the Part 2 exam. This course offers weekly sessions which provide an approach to the FRCPath exams for IMGs specifically, guiding them through the preparation for the exam, delivered by an experienced NHS consultant pathologist and specialist histopathology recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on FRCPath and other registrations, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Histopathologists FRCPath Part 2 Course by joining the Facebook group here. What other helpful FRCPath 2 resources are out there? 1. What I wish I'd known - A series of YouTube videos produced by the Royal College of Pathologists. The videos are interviews and advice from four pathologists sharing their experiences of the FRCPath Part 2 exam and what they wish they’d known before taking the exam. 2. FRCPath Part 2 Past Examination Surgical Cases – These are from Virtual Pathology at the University of Leeds. The slides can be magnified, and each case comes with a diagnosis. 3. How to Survive and Thrive in the FRCPath Part 2 - This is a detailed breakdown of the complete exam with advice and marking guidance, created by Dr James Henry, Consultant Cellular Pathologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. How has COVID-19 affected FRCPath UK and Overseas test centres & upcoming exams? The Spring session was postponed for international candidates in response to the pandemic, but discussions are taking place on the possibility of the FRCPath exam taking place at an overseas centre in Autumn 2021. Whilst the Royal College will try to accommodate as many international candidates as possible, priority will be given to candidates entering for the January sitting. IMG Advice to FRCPath 2 Aspirants Finding courses can be tricky and mock exams can cost a lot of money, so take your time to consider your options and what best suits your needs, whether that is a paid short course, or free materials which you can access whenever you need them. Speak to peers and supervisors - they may be able to offer advice based on first-hand experience of the courses or general preparation. Of course, if you need further advice on choosing an FRCPath Part 2 online course, or on this stage of qualifying to work for the NHS, don’t hesitate to get in touch with IMG Connect and request to speak to our Histopathology specialist, Marcus Anderson. He'll be happy to help. The team at IMG Connect hopes that this article and has been useful for any overseas histopathologists looking to take the FRCPath Part 2 exam. Good luck IMGs! Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

FRCR Part 2A and Part 2B are the final exams in the FRCR qualification. Completion of all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification results in eligibility for GMC registration, once the English language component has also been met.   The FRCR examinations are key to an international oncologist being able to secure senior oncology jobs in the NHS and can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. In this article, we take a closer look at the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: An overview of FRCR (oncology) What are FRCR (oncology) Parts 2A and 2B? Am I eligible to sit these exams? How are the exams structured and marked? As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams? How much will the exams cost? How do I apply for these exams? What is the best way to prepare for the exams? I’ve passed the FRCR oncology exams, what’s next? FRCR oncology, consultant posts and CESR An overview of FRCR (Oncology)  FRCR (Oncology) are the set of three postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test candidates’ knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology.   The exams are as follows:  FRCR Part 1 – CO1  FRCR Part 2A - CO2A   FRCR Part 2B – CO2B  You can read an overview of the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite here via our IMG Resources section.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB or other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, such as UMSLE or FRANZCR (radiation oncology) which you can find out more about here.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement of NHS job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for Clinical Oncology, so this route allows candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  What are FRCR (Oncology) Parts 2A and 2B?  FRCR Part 2A and 2B form the final two parts of the FRCR examination suite. These assessments expect candidates to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care of patients with cancer. Whilst the focus is on drug therapy and radiotherapy, there is also the expectation of a good understanding of other key areas such as general medicine, surgery and gynaecology.  Am I eligible to sit these exams?  Eligibility for FRCR Parts 2A and 2B are as follows:  Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):  Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)  Acquired at least 24 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination  Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):  Passed the first FRCR examination (CO1)  Passed the Final FRCR examination Part A (CO2A)  Acquired at least 36 months of training in a clinical oncology role by the date of the examination  How are the exams structured and marked?  All parts of the examination suite are assessed against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. A new curriculum has been implemented as of summer 2021, and all trainees are expected to have transferred to this curriculum by August 2022. Further information on this can be accessed on the curriculum webpages.  Final FRCR Part A (CO2A):  This exam comprises two papers which include 120-question single best answer (SBA) questions each. The time limit for the exam is three hours and ordinarily, candidates are not allowed more than six attempts at FRCR exams.   CO2A Paper 1 Tumour Type  Number of Questions  Respiratory  24  Urology  24  Head and neck  24  Skin  12  CNS  12  Gynaecology  24  CO2A Paper 2 Tumour Type  Number of Questions  Breast  24  Lower GI  24  Upper GI  12  Haematology  12  Miscellaneous*  38  Image-based  10  *The miscellaneous section will contain questions on sarcoma, thyroid cancer, unknown primary, palliative care, regulations, and a few questions which do not belong to any define site specific category.  Each individual SBA question has a stem (a question or statement) and five answers, and candidates must decide which of the five best represents the answer to the stem question. Essentially, this is a multiple-choice exam. One mark is given for each correct answer and zero marks for incorrect answers. As the exam is not marked negatively, candidates are encouraged to provide an answer all the questions.  Final FRCR Part B (CO2B):  This exam has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test different aspects of the candidate’s oncological skills, necessary elements for effective and safe practice. The format allows the for the assessment of skills which are not as easily addressed in a written format.  CO2B Clinical Examination: This component is practical and involves the use of real patients to increase authenticity in attempts to reflect situations that may present in a clinical setting. The cases are selected for the exam to test common tumour types. The examination itself has five strictly-timed clinical assessment ‘stations’ where certain core clinical skills are tested by a pair of examiners. The use of an objective marking system aims to minimise bias and ensure consistency across examinations for all candidates.   Candidates are assessed on their ability to:  Detect important clinical signs using effective exam techniques  Provide a rational differential diagnosis  Order and interpret appropriate investigations  Identify the main treatment options  Select and appropriate, safe, and sensible management plan  Recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, know the likely outcomes, and side effects  Recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule and know their likely outcomes and side effects  Discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented  Demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity  CO2B Oral Examination: This examination assesses in depth issues related to radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making, and case management. Communication skills and ethical problems are also addressed.   This element of the FRCR Part 2B exam is designed to mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings which feature heavily in the workload of an oncologist. This section is designed to test the depth of a candidate’s knowledge and higher cognitive skills. There are several slides per question and a candidate’s answer may lead to further questions on subsequent slides, with each question building on from the previous ones.  The Royal College of Radiologists states that a fair, valid and reliable assessment is made possible due to:  Uniformity in the questions asked to candidates  The pairing of examiners (junior and more experienced)  Four independent judgments of the candidate performance  Prior choosing of the competencies to be assessed  The exam having been blueprinted against the curriculum and necessary skills for competent oncologists  An objective marking scheme  For more information on the components and assessment of these examinations, read the Purpose of Assessment which can be found on the College’s website in the exam section.  As an international oncologist, where can I sit the exams?   The exams are held twice a year, normally in February and in either August or September. Applications are normally open for just under two weeks, several months before the exam. Please refer to the examinations page for up-to-date information on application dates. The current UK venues for the exams are Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Bridgend Wales. Overseas centres for now are India and Malta.  How much will the exams cost?  The cost breakdown for each of the final exams is as follows:  FRCR(Oncology) Part 2A:  Members - £464 Non-members - £591 FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B:  Members - £663 Non-members - £844 How do I apply for these exams?  UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by those who have had exams deferred over the last year due to cancellations. The remaining places are offered to all other candidates through a ballot system following the close of priority applications.  All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here. More detailed information can also be found here in relation to preparation for the application.  What is the best way to prepare for the exams?  There are many resources available online to aid in preparation for the FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. We always recommend that the best place to start your preparation is the Royal College’s website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus.  Using this as a blueprint for your preparation is the best way to ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials. These can be accessed here.  Other useful resources to aid your studies include:  Learning hub: available to members through the Royal College website and contains many useful learning resources. The learning hub can be found here. Clinical Oncology Curriculum Implementation Tools: a range of tools compiled by the RCR to support the implementation of the new curricular which all candidates should have transferred to by summer of 2022 at the latest. Access this here. Sample Questions: sample oral questions for FRCR Part 2B. These are provided with answers and can be found here.  Examiners' Reports: a guide for candidates for future sittings, based on the experiences of examiners with previous applicants, found here.  Trainees' experiences: a two-part audio series compiled from the experiences of candidates in preparation for and sitting the final exams which is available here.  Demonstration films: clinical and oral demonstration videos for FRCR Part 2B which can be accessed here.  Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos which can be used for training and informational purposes on their YouTube channel.  IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I’ve passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What’s next?  Firstly, congratulations - passing these exams is a massive achievement! With all parts of the FRCR Oncology complete, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. With this application approved, you can work as a doctor in the NHS. Nice one. We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media, we love to hear from you.             

Overseas oncologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 1 and 2 exams. With so much online content geared towards UK clinical oncology trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiation oncologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we'll cover the following - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B? How do I get started with my preparation? What online resources are available? How have the exams been affected by COVID-19? Consultant posts and CESR #IMG Tips What are FRCR (Oncology) CO2A and CO2B?  As a quick reminder, Final FRCR (Oncology) are the final two exams in the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The full set, CO1, CO2A and CO2B are required by overseas clinical or radiation oncologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.  For the final exams, candidates are expected to have a wide knowledge of subjects related to the care of patients with cancer and the investigation of malignant disease.   CO2A includes two written papers of 120 single best answer (SBA or multiple choice) questions.   CO2B has two components (clinical and oral) which are designed to test the oncological skills of the candidate which are relevant to safe and effective practice.   The clinical element is assessed in a mock clinical setting with real patients to increase authenticity.   The oral exam assesses clinical decision-making, radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging, and case management. It is made to mirror elements of a day-to-day clinical setting, including discussions and MDT meetings.  A full breakdown of the Final FRCR (oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams can be found on our website here.  How do I get started with my preparation?  After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR (oncology) exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR (oncology) exam is based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the Clinical Oncology syllabus. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.  Helpful Royal College Resources include:  Learning hub: the learning hub is available to members and contains many useful learning resources. This can be found here.  Implementation tools: this is a range of tools which have been compiled by the College to support the new curricular which all students should have transferred to by August 2022 at the latest and can be accessed here.  Guidance: a guidance document from trainees who have already sat the exam, on behalf of the Oncology Registrars’ Forum, found here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for FRCR CO2A and CO2B have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Examiners’ reports: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Trainees’ experiences: the two-part series has been compiled from the experiences of candidates in sitting their final exams, found here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Royal College YouTube: several helpful videos to be used for training and informational purposes on the RCR YouTube channel.  Other online resources There are a couple of online courses which provide preparation for the exam, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.  Leeds – TMA Final FRCR Single Best Answer (SBA) Course - FRCR Part 2A  This is a four-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CO2A. The course offers daily mock SBA exams, question review with site specific experts, coverage of all tumour sites and a deep dive into exam technique.   The course is delivered live virtually, via Microsoft Teams.  Duration  4 days  Cost  TBC  Website  www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/leeds-cancer-centre/education/events/    Oncopaedia – Cardiff FRCR Part 2 Course  This is a web-based revision course for the FRCR part 2. The course allows candidates to revise SBA questions by individual tumour site, timed mock exams (including a leader board), access to Cardiff Course teaching materials and lecture slides, focused tutorials and a user forum.  Duration  On demand  Cost  £50 for 6 months’ access  Website  www.oncopaedia.com/moodle/moodle/enrol/index.php?id=2     FRCR Clinical Oncology Preparation - F.O.R.O. (The Forum of Radiation Oncology)  A handy hour-and-a-half video filled with useful information covering all aspects of the FRCR exam, from revision resources to guidance a breakdown of the format of the exam.   The YouTube video can be found here.  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  Final FRCR are still taking place in person, but as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of test centres has decreased. Currently, test centres are available in Belfast, Birmingham, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Bridgend Wales. For now, the only overseas test centres for the exam are India and Malta. For advice on preparation before applying for the exams, see the Royal College website here.   Consultant Posts and CESR  FRCR Oncology forms a key part of the application for international doctors looking to attain specialist registration in Clinical Oncology through CESR. For doctors with more senior level experience, this could also allow you to work as a locum consultant clinical oncology post, whilst you are not yet accredited as a specialist in the NHS.   #IMG Tips  Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum  Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!  Join the IMG Connect study and support group – join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  For news and updates on the Royal Collges, the GMC, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK, join us online:             

The final exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...  International specialists in histopathology, cellular pathology or anatomic pathology looking to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath Histopathology by examination only.   The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended for international pathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.   The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: An overview of FRCPath Histopathology What is FRCPath Part 2? Am I eligible to sit this exam? How is the exam structured and marked? As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost? How do I apply for the exam? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next? An overview of FRCPath Histopathology  The FRCPath Histopathology exams are administered by the Royal College of Pathologists to test a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Histopathology.   The exams are as follows:  FRCPath Part 1  FRCPath Part 2  To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via out IMG resources, please click here.  Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route. Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and licensing exams such as USMLE. You can find out more about alternative routes here.  For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCPath is the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will have FRCPath as a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register. In most cases, and FRCPath qualification will help you to attain a locum consultant role.  What is FRCPath Part 2?  FRCPath Part 2 is the last exam in the FRCPath qualification. It is designed to recognise candidates who are close to the end of their training who can demonstrate an appropriate approach to independent practice. The assessment consists of six components which are take over a period of two days. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with an examiner where candidates are expected to demonstrate both clinical and practical knowledge as well as special techniques and complex diagnoses. Every section assesses a distinct set of professional skills which are all essential to effective performance ad an independent histopathologist and cytopathologist.  Am I eligible to sit this exam?  The FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology exam is open to candidates from every country, provided they have met certain criteria. This includes the expectation that most trainees will sit the Part 2 exam after at least 3 years of specialty training in Histopathology. There should also normally be a 12-month wait between passing the Part 1 exam and attempting Part 2.   For full details, please see the Royal College website here.  How is the exam structured and marked?  The six stations of FRCPath Part 2 are detailed below:  Surgical Histology   Format: 20 x 20 mins stations, 20 cases over 3 hours and 20 minutes.   This will include twenty cases presented in H&E stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3 hours and 20 minutes. The cases are selected according to a blueprint and include a balanced mix of neoplastic and non-neoplastic material, drawn from a wide range of organ systems. The cases will vary in difficulty from straightforward cases to cases not capable of diagnosis through a single H&E, prompting the use of further techniques and specialist opinions.  Cytopathology   Format: 8 x 20 mins stations, 16 cases  Eight non-gynaecological cases in pairs, in 20-minute slots and will be marked according to pre-determined criteria.  Macroscopic Pathology  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 4 cases; 20 mins discussion  Candidates will be provided with photos of 4 cases in the form of gross pathology specimens. Candidates will be provided with clinical information and asked to prepare responses to specific questions and mark on the photos where they would take blocks. There will be two 20-minute slots given to view two cases per slot, followed by a 20-minute discussion with two examiners. The exercise is designed for candidates to show their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in relation to the RCPath Minimum datasets.  OSPEs  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations  The objective structured practical examination (OPSE) includes two 20-minute stations, one of which is a written exercise and the other is conducted face-to-face with two examiners. Topics may include management/ clinical governance type and MDT-type cases, amongst other topics.  Long Cases  Format: 4 x 20 mins stations  Four 20-minute stations of cases which cannot usually be covered by a single H&E section, requiring additional stains. These may include histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, among other cases.  Frozen Sections  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 6 cases; 20 mins discussion  Six cases for review in two 20-minute stations where candidates should make notes, including a ‘bottom line’ diagnosis only, before discussing these with a pair of examiners in a face-to-face 20-minute station.  Exam marking   Each section of the exam is marked against a pre-determined specimen answer with a pass or fail awarded per section. Due to the importance of cellular pathology in medical practice, only a small margin of inaccuracy is allowed. Failure to distinguish across the benign/ malignant boundary (or other similar errors of equal significance in terms of affecting patient outcome) in 15-25% of cases in any section of the exam will result in a failure of the entire exam, regardless of performance in other areas with no leeway to compensate. Final marks will be approved by the Examinations Committee.  Candidates attempting the FRCPath Part 2 exam have four attempts within which to pass the exam, and 7-years between each sitting to pass the full qualification.  As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam?  The exam currently takes place twice a year in Spring and Autumn and are held in the UK and in one overseas centre in Irbid, Jordan.   For up-to-date information on exam centres, visit the Royal College website here.  How much will the exam cost?  The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,416. A breakdown of the cost of the 2019 sitting of the exam can be found on the Royal College website here.  How do I apply for the exam?  Applications for each sitting of the exam open months in advance and are currently closed for the Autumn 2021 sitting. Applications for the Spring 2022 sitting will open in late 2021. Late applications are not accepted. Keep an eye on the Royal College website for up-to-date information on applications here.  What is the best way to prepare for the exam?  There are several resources available to help you prepare for your Histopathology FRCPath exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum so familiarising yourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chance for success.  Other helpful resources for your study include:  Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:  General Regulations and Guidelines Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines Social media study groups – there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 2 – these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and supporting international histopathologists.  If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 2 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to our histopathology specialist and request your admission.  Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to mock exams targeting specific sections of FRCPath Part 2 and YouTube videos. You can find a full list of these here, through our IMG resources library.  FAQs - there is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College have compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.  #IMG Tips  Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.  Speak to your senior colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?  Food and drink – there are multiple stations on both days of the exams so make sure you’re prepared with lots of fuel for the day as there may be no access to food.  Hire a microscope – for applicants for the UK sitting, examination centres will not have microscopes for you to use so you will need to hire one in advance. There are a few companies who rent microscope and you can find these through a quick web search!  Join the conversation – for news and updates on all things histopathology for IMGs, click here follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! The FRCPath exams are not easy so this is an incredible achievement. Once you have passed both passed of the FRCPath in Histopathology, your postgraduate qualifications satisfy the requirements for GMC registration. You can now apply for full registration with license to practice.  Get in touch with our IMG Connect histopathology specialist to discuss your options for specialist jobs in the UK or to find out more about where you fit into the NHS as a histopathology specialist with FRCPath.   FRCPath also plays a big part in the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) application, the alternative route to the Specialist Register for overseas doctors who did not complete their training in an approved UK training programme. You can find out more about CESR in our guide for international doctors here.  The team at IMG Connect hope you find this article helpful and wish you the best of luck in your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam!  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

IMG Stories is our series introducing you to international doctors who we have helped to relocate to the UK - sharing their personal journeys from working overseas to securing a new job as a doctor in the NHS.  Today we introduce you to Rehan Qureshi, a brilliant general medicine specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Saudi Arabia with his wife, children and his mother in 2020. Having passed the MRCP and English language exams, Rehan received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Scarborough General Hospital in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   A specialty doctor’s journey to the UK When I was first contacted by Marcus at IMG Connect about an NHS general medicine specialty doctor job opportunity at Scarborough General Hospital, I was a little nervous about where to start, and what lay ahead. We were moving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is a very lively city, and I was going to quit my permanent job to relocate to the UK. I have always been keen to work for the NHS, but I wasn’t sure what it’d be like to start my first NHS job in a small coastal town. What would the hospital be like? How would I be treated? Would it be wet and dark like you hear about online? Would the hospital be supportive in my career progression, or would I be simply thrown into the wards to struggle? As an ethnic Muslim minority, would we struggle to find Asian, vegetarian and Halal foods and mosques? All these questions were going through my mind, and after working through these together with Marcus and the team at IMG Connect, and with only a few more fears remaining, I decided to take up the challenge and proceed.     "Ruaidhri put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me."   During my recruitment process, the biggest challenge was getting my mother’s visa. This was absolutely crucial for me as my mother has always lived with us and is such an important member of our household. We have also been her primary carers. Ruaidhri at IMG Connect put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me. During the process, it was a real team effort from IMG, and I’m also thankful to the MP for Scarborough and Whitby who responded to Ruaidhri’s request and supported our efforts in this matter. Needless to say, my mother is now very happy and settled into life in Scarborough!   The hospital was also very supportive and did not push me to start by any given date. They were very accommodating and gave me ample time to sort out my relocation process. While some of the other international doctors I knew were struggling to travel before the deadlines set by their NHS trusts, I never felt this pressure. I was supported throughout, knew where to turn for answers and ultimately it was such a big relief that my mother was able to come with us.  When we arrived at London Heathrow Airport, the UK was in a lockdown due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. We had to quarantine on our arrival, and during this time, we were very well taken care of. Our groceries were paid for, and Ruaidhri checked in with us often to see how we were and if we ever needed anything. All my queries were promptly answered by Ruaidhri and the hospital’s recruitment team.  The very next working day after our arrival in the UK, I received an email from the medical recruitment team at Scarborough General Hospital, and the process for opening my bank account was promptly initiated. I know a number of people who have also struggled with opening their first bank account in the UK, however mine was just set up for me by the recruitment team, who put me in touch with the bank representative. All I had to do was visit the branch for 15 minutes for an ID check once our quarantine had finished and everything was set up!   At work, I found everybody to be very helpful. I received a tremendous amount of help as I struggled to get used to the new system. Whenever I got stuck somewhere, there was always someone to offer a helping hand by my side.   Initially we struggled with accommodation - finding suitable housing in Scarborough was challenging, especially when we had no previous tenancy history in the UK. However, with some help we were able to get our first accommodation which was a lovely fully furnished apartment. We enjoyed our stay there for a month before moving to a long-term let property.   There are two types of institutions, I believe: those that hire people, use them and lose them, and those that hire people, explore their interests and goals, help them progress in their careers as per their interests and preferences, and turn them into effective and happy members of staff. Scarborough Hospital is definitely the latter. Very soon after I started, my consultant sat with me and discussed my goals and personal development plan. I had always been interested in teaching, so he presented me with a number of teaching opportunities in the area. I received great support from him in my career development and with his support, I was appointed an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Hull York Medical School within only 2 months of my joining. Not only this, but he assured me of his full support in my career progression, which is very encouraging for me. When I meet other IMG doctors in the hospital, the thing that is quite noticeable among them is a great deal of professional satisfaction, no matter what grade they are working at.  Scarborough Hospital has a very friendly, multicultural environment and people work together with mutual respect and support for one another. Scarborough Hospital implements and fully supports the SAS charter of NHS and provides every possible opportunity to SAS doctors for their career progression and growth.   As a town, Scarborough is a lovely place to live in. It’s beautiful, peaceful, lively and even at night, the streets are very well lit, and the town is not dark or dead at all. It has all the amenities to cater for a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and we faced NO difficulty whatsoever at finding some Asian, vegetarian and Halal food to eat. We also love Scarborough’s local fish ‘n’ chips!   Scarborough has plenty of entertainment options for children. A forest on one side, seacoast on the other. Boating, hiking, cycling, parks, children’s train ride, the sea life aquarium, and castles with so much more to explore.   The town also has an Islamic centre where prayers are regularly offered. At the hospital, there are separate prayer rooms for both males and females, as well as a Chapel where Friday prayers are offered. I was very impressed when I first saw the Chapel being offered for prayers, which is a great gesture of inter-faith harmony at the hospital.   "I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri" I am glad that I made the decision to come to Scarborough. It is a wonderful place to live, and people are genuinely nice and welcoming. Scarborough General Hospital is an excellent place to work. We got settled here very quickly and we have fallen in love with this place. My family and I are enjoy living here and have started to consider Scarborough our new home.  I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri at IMG connect and everyone else who played a role in my recruitment, relocation, and induction processes. I really appreciate all their efforts to make the entire process as swift and smooth as possible for us – they gave me the confidence to move to the UK with my family to work as a general medicine specialty doctor in the NHS.  Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications and research. Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG Connect family.   

Here we take a closer look at the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examinations (MRCP) for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medicine, including exam dates, fees and eligibility.  International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is MRCP(UK)? Eligibility for overseas doctors MRCP(UK) Part 1 MRCP(UK) Part 2 MRCP(UK) PACES How to prepare and what resources are available How to apply Fees Venues Dates of Exams Passed? What next?  The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Amongst many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession. What is MRCP(UK)? The MRCP examinations assess: knowledge of basic medical sciences  clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease.  The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.  Completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward (ST3+), with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience. MRCP is one of two routes an overseas doctor can take full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route).  For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCP would be the best route to take.  MRCP (UK) is a prerequisite to anyone wishing to go on to a specialist training post as a physician in the UK. The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:  MRCP Part 1 – two written papers MRCP Part 2 – two written papers MRCP PACES – practical assessment in a clinical setting Eligibility for overseas doctors: Part 1: To be eligible you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment. Part 2 & PACES:  To be eligible you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years. Whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so.  To support this, pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2. MRCP(UK) Part 1:  The entry-level examination is accessible to doctors with a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.  It consists of:  one-day examination two three-hour papers 200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions  no imagery sat in an examination hall A more detailed look at Part 1 can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. MRCP(UK) Part 2 Part 2 can only be taken if you have passed Part 1 (building on the knowledge already assessed).  The format at a glance: two papers taken on one day papers last three hours 200 multiple choice questions questions include images sat in an examination hall A more detailed look at Part 2 can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees and advice to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. MRCP(UK) PACES: PACES applicants must have passed MRCP Part 1. However, we echo the Royal College guidance and strongly advise our doctors to take both Parts 1 & 2 before taking PACES. PACES is based on a format that is similar to OSCEs, a practical assessment in a clinical setting. There are five clinical stations with either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates).  The format in brief: half-day examination takes place in a clinical setting (hospital or clinical skills centre) assesses seven core skills five stations  eight patient encounters two independent examiners at each station each candidate is assessed independently by a total of 10 examiners A more detailed look at PACES can be found here. This will include examination centers, dates, fees to give you the best chance to pass at first attempt. How do I prepare and what resources are available?  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, and using it as a road map for your study plan.  MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here. These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing. Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below: Part 1 Part 2 PACES content: prepare and practice example questions on the topics and skills covered in the PACES exam Preparation Sample scenarios PACES marksheets For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation  How do I apply? Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account. You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application. Application videos from the Royal College can be found below: Part 1 & 2 PACES Please note, the application process is a little different for those looking to sit the exam in Hong Kong. Further information can be found on the Royal College website here. Fees for 2019: Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres Part 1 £419 £594 * Part 2 £419 £594 * PACES £657 £1202 * *the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres are different and applicants are encouraged to submit their application directly to the administration team for this centre. Venues: Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres Part 1 & Part 2 Edinburgh Glasgow London Bahrain Bangladesh Egypt Ghana Hong Kong Iceland India Iraq Jordan Kenya Kuwait Malaysia Malta Myanmar Nepal Oman Pakistan Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan United Arab Emirates United States of America West Indies Zimbabwe PACES England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Brunei Egypt Hong Kong India Kuwait Malaysia Myanmar   Malta Oman Qatar Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan United Arab Emirates * Please note, exact locations change from each diet of PACES. Dates of Exams: Upcoming dates for the exams can be found using the following links: Part 1 Part 2 PACES Passed? What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  For further information on MRCP exams including structure, content, preparing, procedure, dates, locations and fees, see the following articles:  MRCP(UK) Part 1 – a closer look MRCP(UK) Part 2 – a closer look MRCP(UK) PACES – a closer look IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

In this article we look in more detail at an alternative route for overseas Anaesthetists looking to work in the UK – the European Diploma of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC). International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the EDAIC examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is EDAIC?  Content and structure Am I eligible?  Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations How should I prepare and what resources are available? Passed? What next? What is EDAIC? EDAIC is a multilingual, end-of-training, two-part examination covering the relevant basic sciences and clinical subjects appropriate for a specialist in anaesthesiology.  Doctors with full EDAIC will simply require a pass in IELTS or OET for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK. The questions are set against the Syllabus for Anaesthetic and Intensive Care training, set by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The exams aim to assess your knowledge of the following: Basic sciences relevant to anaesthesiology & intensive care Clinical Anaesthesiology inc. obstetrics, anaesthesia & analgesia Resuscitation & emergency medicine  Intensive care  Management of chronic pain To find out what grade a successful completion of full EDAIC will allow you to work as in the UK contact your IMG consultant for more information.  Content and structure of EDAIC: EDAIC comprises two mandatory components:  Part 1 – two multiple choice question papers Part 2 – oral examination In addition, there are two optional components: On-line Assessment (OLA) – computer based online test In-training Assessment (ITA) – multiple choice question paper Part 1 Examination: Pat 1 of EDAIC consists of two multiple-choice papers, each with sixty questions. Each paper is two hours in duration. Paper A concentrates on the basic sciences of Anaesthesia. Paper B concentrates on internal and emergency medicine, general, regional & special anaesthesia including pain and intensive care medicine. Part 2 Examination: Part 2 is held over one day and consists of four 25-minute oral examinations that each embrace the same range of basic sciences and clinical subjects covered in Part 1. The oral examinations consist of ‘Guided Questions’ -where candidates are given a brief written presentation 10 minutes before meeting the examiners.  Two of the examinations will concentrate on basic sciences whilst the other two on clinical topics.  X-rays, CT Scans, MRI and Ultrasound images are also used during the oral examinations. Am I eligible? Eligibility for EDAIC Part 1 simply requires a medical degree.  Eligibility for Part 2 requires:  a pass in EDAIC Part 1 AND certification in anaesthesia in any country  OR Applicants to be in the final year of training in anaesthesiology, in one of the European member states of the World Health Organisation Please note the following exceptions: If you graduated as a specialist in Pakistan, you must have the FCPS or equivalent to be eligible for EDAIC Part 2.   Diplomas in anaesthesiology issued in Pakistan and with a curriculum of a shorter duration than FCPS (such as MCPS) can be accepted for EDAIC Part 1, not Part 2. Holders of FCPS (or equivalent) are not exempt from EDAIC Part 1. Holders of the FRCA or FCAI / FCARCSI are exempt from Part 1 examination.  Dates, Fees and Venues for the EDAIC examinations: Examination Fees Exam Dates & Venues EDAIC Part 1 €340 (inc. 1-year ESA membership) *Part 1 reduced fee €150 (inc. 1-year ESA membership) EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here EDAIC Part 2 €550 first attempt €340 following attempts (€650 for Part 2 Brazil – Sao Paulo) EDAIC Part 1 – full list of dates, venues can be found here On-line Assessment €50 EDAIC OLA – full list of dates, venues can be found here In-training Assessment €100 EDAIC ITA – full list of dates, venues can be found here Authentication of EDAIC by external institution €50 n/a Total (at first attempt) €1090 €900 reduced fee*   Part 1 registration fee will include a free 1-year ESA membership which starts on 1st January of the year following registration for Part 1 Exam.  Please note, those applying for Part 1 examination in a country where the exam is mandatory or has official recognition (Argentina, Austria, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Turkey) AND who are registered on the national medical register of said country, are entitled to a reduced Part 1 fee.  This also includes 1-year free ESA membership. How should I prepare for the examinations and what resources are available? We have discussed this at length with IMGs who have recently passed the exam. With so much material available for free on the European Society of Anaesthesiology website we suggest the following as a great foundation for your preparations.  ESA offers several supporting tools to help candidates prepare for the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC) Part I and Part II Examinations, including: Syllabus  EDAIC aims at covering the Syllabus to Postgraduate Training Programme of the European Board of Anaesthesiology.  We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  Diploma Guide The EDAIC diploma guide includes information on regulations, structure and various sample examination papers and example report forms.  The Basic Sciences Anaesthetic Course (BSAC):  This is a 3-day course, aimed at improving your understanding of different areas of basic science. Register here.  ESA E-Learning Platform:  This includes helpful E-Learning modules to help you prepare for examinations, go to the ESA Academy to start your learning.  EDAIC Webinars:  The ESA have created a series of webinars to support your learning, these can be accessed on the eLearning platform.  On-line Assessment (OLA) and In-training Assessment (ITA):  You can use these helpful tools (On-Line Assessment (OLA) and In-Training Assessment (ITA)) to test your knowledge and identify which subjects require further study.  Sample questions:  The ESA have created sample questions in different languages to help you prepare for all sections of the EDAIC exams:  Part 1 Part 2 Please note, the links above provide these sample questions in English. All other languages can be found here. Part 2 explainer video:  This is a useful sample exam video, helping you understand what to expect on the day so you can focus on the task at hand.  The ESA have also produced a guide to preparing for your exam and a recommended reading list to support the curriculum.  Passed? What next? First of all, congratulations! Once you have passed both parts of your EDAIC examination you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS anaesthetics jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.             

MRCP Part 2 is the second of three exams to attain full MRCP UK.  This article is written for overseas doctors taking the MRCP route to GMC registration, written to help you prepare fir & sit the Part 2 examination. We consider the following topics: What is MRCP Part 2? Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2? What is the exam content & format? Where I can take the exam?  When is the exam sat and when can I apply? How much does it cost? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is MRCP Part 2? Building on the knowledge assessed in Part 1, the exam tests your acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge, skills and behavior as specified in the UK Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training.  It is designed to test your application of clinical understanding and capacity to make clinical judgments, including: prioritisation of diagnostic or problem lists investigation planning selection of a plan for immediate management selection a plan for long-term management assessment prognosis Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 2? You are eligible if you have passed the MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination. A reminder that to be eligible for Part 1, you require 12 months experience and a recognised Primary Medical Qualification.  The Part 2 written examination moved to a single day format at the beginning of 2018. The new examination consists of two, three-hour papers each with 100 questions. What is the examination format and content? A good understanding of the examination format is a great foundation for your exam preparation, so below we have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 2 examination format and content. Format: The exam consists of two-papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall. Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format (200 questions in total). Composition of the papers are as follows: Specialty Number of questions * Cardiology  19 Dermatology  9 Endocrinology and metabolic medicine 19 Gastroenterology 19 Geriatric Medicine 9 Hematology 9 Infectious diseases and GUM 19 Neurology 17 Nephrology 19 Oncology and palliative medicine 9 Ophthalmology  3 Psychiatry  3 Respiratory Medicine 19 Rheumatology  9 Therapeutics and toxicology  18 Total 200 *This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary by up to 2%. A proportion of the questions will be on adolescent medicine. Question Content: Questions are centred on the diagnosis, investigation, management and prognosis of a patient. They usually have a clinical scenario and may include results of investigations and images such as: clinical photographs pathology slides inheritance trees ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms. In addition to testing core knowledge & comprehension, the exam assesses your ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems. Best of Five question format and marking: There will be five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.  The four distracters will be closely related to the preferred option but less correct, therefore acting as plausible alternatives.  Each correct answer is awarded one mark and there is no negative marking. A more detailed explanation of the marking system used can be found here on the exam pass mark page of the Royal College website in MRCP(UK) Regulations. Where can I take the exam?  MRCP(UK) Part 2 can be taken in the UK and overseas, see below: *Please note these differ slightly from MRCP(UK) Part 1 examination centers ** UK test centres dependent on availability Exam UK Test Centres  Overseas Test Centres   MRCP(UK) Part 2 Edinburgh Manchester Newcastle Glasgow Belfast Birmingham Cardiff London Bahrain (Manama) Bangladesh (Dhaka) Egypt (Cairo) Hong Kong Iceland (Reykjavik) India (Chennai, Kerela, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi) Iraq (Baghdad, Erbil) Jordan (Amman) Kenya (Nairobi) Kuwait (Kuwait City) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) Malta Myanmar (Yangon) Oman (Muscat) Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore) Qatar (Doha) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh) Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan (Khartoum) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai) United States of America (New Jersey) West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad) When is the exam sat and when can I apply? Exam dates and their application periods can be found here. It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Application made outside the designated period will not be accepted. How much does the exam cost? UK applications cost £419 International applications cost £594* Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre. How can I prepare for the exam? With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core-Medical Training. We recommend getting to know this as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan. MRCP(UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here. These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing. Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, found herePart 2 sample questions For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation. Passed? What next? Now you have passed your MRCP Part 2 you can apply to take PACES - the practical and final examination within the MRCP set of examinations.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live specialist medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK or Acute and General Medicine jobs here. IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss specialist medicine job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

In this article we will explore the MRCP Part 1 exam in more detail, including advice on eligibility, dates, centres, preparation and fees.  Designed to help you prepare and sit the exams, we consider the following MRCP topics:  What is MRCP Part 1?  Am I eligible to sit MRCP Part 1? What is the examination content & format? Where can I take the exam?  When is the exam sat and when can I apply? How much does the exam cost? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exam? Passed? What next? What is MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam?  Part 1 is the entry-level examination accessible to doctors with a minimum of 12 months' postgraduate experience in medical employment. It covers a broad range of topics appropriate to physicians at the beginning of postgraduate training. Part 1 is the first component of a sequence of assessments intended to match the progression of trainees undertaking the Core Medical Training programme in the UK, adding unique information and building on previous assessments Am I eligible to sit MRCP (UK) Part 1 exam? Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCP Part 1 Examination providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  As an overseas candidate you are eligible to sit MRCP Part 1 if you have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment. What is the examination content & format? At IMG Connect we advise that understanding the examination format is a great foundation for exam preparation. We have summarised the Royal College’s guidance on the Part 1 Examination format below:  The exam consists of two papers, sat over the course of one day in an examination hall. Each paper is 3 hours in duration and contains 100 multiple choice questions in ‘best of five’ format. From the five options provided, one answer is correct. The other four are plausible however you will only score a point from the correct answer. There are no negative marks and questions do not include imagery.  MRCP (UK) Part 1 is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the clinical sciences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.  Candidates will be tested on a wide range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the JRCPTB Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training and the composition of the papers is as below: Specialty Number of questions * Cardiology  15 Clinical haematology and oncology 15 Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology 16 Clinical sciences ** 25 Dermatology 8 Endocrinology 15 Geriatric medicine 4 Gastroenterology 15 Infectious diseases and GUM 15 Neurology 15 Nephrology 15 Ophthalmology 4 Psychiatry 8 Respiratory Medicine 15 Rheumatology 15 Total 200 *This should be taken as an indication of the likely numbers of questions – the actual number may vary ** The clinical sciences components comprises the following: Specialty Number of questions * Cell, molecular and membrane biology  2 Clinical anatomy 3 Clinical biochemistry and metabolism  4 Clinical physiology 4 Genetics 3 Immunology 4 Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine 5 A detailed explanation of the marking system adopted for the MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination can be viewed in the MRCP(UK) Regulations. Where can I take the MRCP Part 1 exam? MRCP (UK) Part 1 can be taken in the UK and overseas as below:  Exam UK Test Centres Overseas Test Centres MRCP Part 1 Edinburgh Glasgow London Bahrain (Manama) Bangladesh (Dhaka) Egypt (Cairo) Ghana (Accra) Hong Kong Iceland (Reykjavic) India (Chennai, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi) Iraq (Baghdad) Jordan (Amman) Kenya (Nairobi) Kuwait (Kuwait City) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) Malta Myanmar Nepal (Kathmandu)   Oman (Muscat) Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore) Qatar (Doha) Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh) Singapore Sri Lanka Sudan (Khartoum) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) United States of America (New Jersey) West Indies (Jamaica, Trinidad) Zimbabwe (Harare) When is the exam sat and when can I apply? It is important to note that you must apply for each MRCP exam during the specified application period. Applications made outside of the designated period will not be accepted. Exam dates and their application periods can be found here.  How much does the exam cost? UK applications cost £419 International applications cost £594* Please note, the application process and fees applicable for Hong Kong and Singapore centres differ. Applications should be made directly to the administration team for this centre. How do I apply? Applications for all exams are made online via My MRCP(UK) account. You will simply need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application. The application video from the Royal College can be found below: Part 1 application video The Royal College of Physicians recommends making the first attempt at Part 1 within 1-2 years of your graduation. How can I prepare for the MRCP Part 1 exam?  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.  MRCP (UK) mock exams: We suggest registering for the MRCP mock exams here. These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant mock questions to prepare you for the real thing. Sample questions: Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below: Part 1 sample questions For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation  Passed? What next? If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for Paper B. For more information take a look at our blog we will explore MRCP (UK) Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Today is the day! The MRCEM OSCE results have been released...  IMG Connect wishes all emergency medicine specialists good luck with their results today - we hope you all achieve the result you deserve! Whether your passed or failed, here we'll offer some suggestions on what to do next... I passed the MRCEM OSCE I didn't pass the MRCEM OSCE I passed the MRCEM OSCE, what's next? So, what next? First things first, you deserve to celebrate and get some relaxation in! Emergency Medicine doctors who have attained full MRCEM and secured a job in the NHS, all tell us that the MRCEM OSCE is a tough examination and it is an emotional moment when you pass. So much hard work goes into to reaching this stage, so book yourself a holiday! Or at least kick off your shoes and put your feet up :-)  You are now well on your way to being eligible to apply for an Emergency Medicine post in the UK. There are a few key steps before you're ready to go: English language test GMC registration Apply for NHS jobs English Language Test You may be wondering whether you need to take an English exam now that you have passed MRCEM OSCE. This is a requirement for all overseas doctors and is needed for GMC registration. For doctors who have worked for at least 2 years in an English-speaking country, employer references for English can be used to demonstrate a suitable level of competence in English. Passing your English language exams is an important next step for many Emergency Medicine doctors that pass their MRCEM. Take a look at these helpful blogs and articles from the IMG Library on OET, IELTS and preparing for English language exams, including a side-by-side comparison of the two tests. English Language Tests - a library of all our helpful blogs and articles on English Language Testing, written specifically for international doctors. OET - a series of blogs and articles relating to the Occupational English Test (OET) IELTS - a library of articles and blogs and articles centered on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) GMC Registration Armed with your complete MRCEM, you can now apply for full GMC registration with licence to practice. There are a few checks involved in the GMC registration process such as the verification of your medical license and obtaining a certificate of good standing, however, we are more than happy to talk you through the process with little to no worries or effort on your part. Once your application has been approved, you are eligible to work in the NHS. Nice one! Apply for NHS Jobs Now is also a good time to start thinking about the steps you should take in finding the right job for you in the NHS, or wherever you are considering your next role. There may be many questions running through your mind such as, do I need to take an English exam first? What grade will I be eligible for? Or perhaps most importantly, how do I find an A&E job in the UK? To jumpstart your job search, click here for up-to-date NHS Emergency Medicine jobs. As specialists in the recruitment of overseas MRCEM qualified A&E doctors, whether it's preparing your CV for professional representation or finding you a great role with a fantastic salary, IMG Connect is here to help. Register your details with IMG Connect to receive a one-to-one personalised service from one of our Emergency Medicine Specialists. We have a team that helps specifically international Emergency Medicine doctors like yourself in securing work across the UK & Ireland. Register today and one of our team will get back to you immediately! I didn't pass the MRCEM OSCE If you did not pass the MRCEM OSCE - don't worry! The overall pass rate for those that attempt a second time is extremely high (90%+) so your hard work and dedication will pay off very soon! Take some time out to relax and enjoy life and come back stronger. These moments will only make you stronger and a better doctor in the long run so as the British say, chin up and strong upper lip! At IMG Connect we've taken the time to prepare and collate the best preparation resources for the OSCE - and we would be delighted to share these with you. Click on the buttons below to either register with the IMG Connect team, so we can talk you through this or request the MRCEM OSCE resources to help you pass the next time. Getting started  If you have any questions about how to secure an NHS job in Emergency Medicine, please get in touch with us here.   Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

Vacancies for stroke medicine specialists from outside the UK can be found in a variety of ways, which for some doctors can sometimes be time-consuming and confusing. Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for consultants, clinical fellows, registrars, specialty doctors, trust doctors, as well as LAS posts. The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS. View out latest Doctor Jobs in the NHS, here.  Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences  Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.  You can receive jobs updates by E-mail to view new posts to suit your job search every day. Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you! We understand you, and our clients When looking for a stroke medicine job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as: What specialty specific training there will be?  Am I likely to get a training post after taking this role? Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?  What career progression is available for me within the stroke medicine specialty?  What is the job plan and how much time will I spend on the ward?  What is it like to work and live there?  What salary will I get paid, and can I get extra pay for additional shifts?  It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the stroke medicine   department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.  Making an impact We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.  Making it personal  Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Stroke medicine vacancy comes available that you may be interested in. Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.  By registering with IMG Connect, you will: Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you. Find your ideal NHS position among thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to registrar, or specialty doctor to SHO.  Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will professionally represented by international recruitment experts. To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps: Register with IMG Connect Fill in the 'Personal details' section. Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant  Sign up to receive 'job alerts’  Search our live stroke medicine jobs Searching for stroke medicine jobs in the NHS could not be easier If you want to find out more about the many different stroke medicine roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas stroke medicine specialists into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!