Neurology for MRCP Dot Com's Official Blog!

Neurology Teaching Videos

2010-12-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleagues,

I started posting clinical neurology teaching videos through youtube. This link is my channel.

You will find internuclear ophthalmoplegia, chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, pseudoseizures, epilepsia partialis continua, Chvostek and Trousseau signs, nystagmus, mucormycosis, tongue fasciculation,...etc.

I hope you will find these vids useful to you. These vids will help you pass your Neurology and Internal Medicine Board Exams as well as MRCPI, MRCPUK, FRCPC, FRACP, AMC, PLAB, and TRAS exams.

Good luck with your exams! And, don't forget to pay us a visit every now and then at Neurology4MRCP.com .

Osama SM Amin MD, MRCPI, MRCPS(Glasg), FCCP, FACP

2010-04-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Mock Papers for MRCPI part I, Self-Assessment for MRCP(UK) part I, and Self-Assessment for MRCP Part II books can be found in this Storefront at LuLu.
Together, they form a bank of 1085 questions; e-books and a paperback!
The publication process of "Self-Assessment: Neurology" has almost been finalized by Colen Publishing in Michigan.
"Get Through MRCP part 1:BOFs" can be found in the website of the Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd. This book (as well as additional MRCP part I books) has been added to ExamDoctor.co.uk ; if you want to assess yourself online, go there. The latter is the online educational arm of the RSM in London.
Good luck with your exams!

Osama SM Amin MD, MRCPI, MRCPS(Glasg), FCCP, FACP

Self-Assessment for MRCP part II E-book!

2009-11-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

The MRCP part II written exams test the clinical orientation of candidates in terms of diagnostic approach and treatment as well as the prognostic outlook of various diseases. This E-book has 135 best of many questions with some photographic materials.
Start by reading the question and its stems, choose the correct answer, know what is the objective behind writing the question, skim the explanation, and finally verify what you have chosen. You will also find some resources and citations for further reading. Try to fill up the gaps in your knowledge. Remember, always read accredited textbooks, journals, and guidelines.
In writing this mock test, I tried to include the most important examination themes and some of the up-to-date topics in internal medicine.

To download the book, click here.

Good luck to all MRCPUK and MRCPI candidates, current and future!

Osama SM Amin

Self-Assessment for MRCP(UK) part 1

2009-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

Self-Assessment for MRCP(UK) Part 1 tests the candidate's level of knowledge with respect to internal medicine (and its sub-specialties) by providing 650 questions with their comprehensive explanation. This book helps doctors prepare for the membership diploma of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom. The book can also be read by anyone interested in post-graduate examinations in internal medicine. Printed and distributed by LuLu Inc.

Many thanks to LuLu Inc.; without their help, this book would have not been published.

ISBN: 978-0-557-08578-1.

Printed: 531 pages, 6" x 9", perfect binding, black and white interior ink.

To buy the book, click here.

Osama S. M. Amin MBChB MD MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg) FCCP

An Update from Neurology4MRCP.com

2009-07-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Neurology for MRCP has been running since 2005. From July 2009, most of our publications will no longer be free.

Our books and mock tests were re-edited and updated thoroughly. "One Year of Hard Work" neurology book becomes "Self-Assessment in Neurology" and will be available soon as a paperback book, mainly in the United States.

"Teaching Best of Five Questions" were re-edited comprehensively and has been replaced by "Self-Assessment for MRCP(UK) Part 1" (ISBN 9780557085781), again as a paperback book.

The Irish MRCP part 1 mocks were updated and re-edited and have included questions from recent examination diets; they are now called "Mock Papers for MRCPI Part 1" (ISBN 9781615842933). It can be downloaded as an E-book from here.

Dr. Amin's "Get Through MRCP Part 1:BOFs" (ISBN 9781853158230) belongs to the RSM Press. You can buy this paperback from here.

Our website is updated regularly; so, pay us a visit every now and then.

Mock Papers for MRCPI Part 1!

2009-07-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

Mock Papers for MRCPI part I tests the candidate’s level of knowledge in internal medicine and helps him/her get through examinations of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland by providing 3 mock tests with comprehensive explanation. The questions are distributed equally among the branches of internal medicine, from
cardiovascular medicine and through clinical sciences and finally to toxicology and therapeutics.

ISBN 9781615842933

To download the book, click here.

MRCP part 1 at ExamDoctor.co.UK!

2009-03-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

For MRCPians!

The MRCP part 1 content (more than 1200 best of fives) of the great great online teaching website ExamDoctor has been updated. There, you will find excellent quality questions with comprehensive up-to-date explanation. Many questions are from past examination themes. Doing ExamDoctor is a very good way to assess your level of knowledge and to fill up the gaps.

ExamDoctor is the online teaching arm of the Royal Society of Medicine, an educational organization based in London, UK. As a post-graduate trainee, you may also be interested in joining the Society; you will get a 15% discount at Examdoctor as well as attending many post-graduate preparatory courses for the MRCP examinations!

Good luck with your exams!

Osama SM Amin

Teaching Best of Fives, Internal Medicine, 4th Edtion

2009-02-23T08:54:00.000-08:00

Our "Teaching Best of Fives Questions for MRCPUK/MRCPI part I Examination," 4th Edition is coming soon as a free PDF from our website, www.Neurology4MRCP.com/tbfq.html.

Pay us a visit every now and then to get your free copy!

Osama SM Amin MBChB MD MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)
Director of Neurology4MRCP.com

One Year of Hard Work, 3rd Edtion 2009!

2009-02-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

One Year of Hard Work, 3rd Edtion 2009 has been re-edited and updated to included about 1000 questions (when subquestions are included).

You will find multiple choice Questions, best of fives, best of many, and single line questions in neurology. Chapter 3 has photographic materials (CT scans, MRIs, MRVs, Plain X-ray films, patient's photos, echocardiography, ECG, and EEG). The answers have comprehensive up-to-date explanation. The questions covers most of the MRCPUK/MRCPI examination syllabus (and its most commonly encountered themes), both for part I and II.

It is the only free neurology self-assessment book on the web, not just for MRCPUK/MRCPI examinations, but also for any neurological/medical written exam (e.g., Neurology or Internal Medicine Boards, FRCPC, FRACP, USMLE, PLAB, TRAS...etc). The book is freely downloadable as a zipped PDF, with 400 pages and 13 MB file size.

To download "One Year of Hard Work, 3rd Edition", please here.

Good luck with your exams!

Dr. Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin MBChB MD MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)
Director of www.Neurology4MRCP.com

MRCP Part 2 written Neurology Mock Test with Photographic Materials!

2009-01-01T04:40:00.000-08:00

Many MRCP candidates are "afraid" of the so-called "photographic materials," especially the neurology ones. I agree that the resources for neurology are somewhat limited and this is understandable. In writing this mock test, I tried to cover the most important themes and "images" that can be encountered in the MRCPUK/MRCPI part II written examinations. The idea was to write 100 questions, as I have many neurology pictures and images, but, finally, I contracted the number down to 40; I think that the cancelled ones are beyond the MRCPians, as the latter group is not a pure neurology one!

These questions will be integrated as part of the 3th edition of my "One Year of Hard Work" neurology book, which you can download freely from our website. The latter book will contain 1000 questions. It will take some time before finishing it. For any feedback or a suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

You may download this mock test from our official website.

Wish you a very happy new year 2009 and wish you all the very best.
Good luck!

Dr. Osama S.M Amin MBChB MD MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)
Neurologist and Director of Neurology4MRCP.com
January 1st 2009

Get Through MRCP Part 1: BOFs

2008-10-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank the Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd for publishing my new book, Get Through MRCP Part 1. I'm grateful to Sarah Burrows, Sarah Vasey, and Hannah Wessely at the RSM press for their kind help.

Thanks to Dr. David Misselbrook, the Dean of the RSM, for eloquently writing the Foreword page of my humble book.

I'm indebted to Nora Naughton, Aileen Castle, and Mandy Sancto at the Naughton Project Management for their marvelous work.

Special thanks go to Lucy Gardner, the copy-editor, who did excellent work.

And last but not least, I'm grateful to Bell & Bain Ltd, Glasgow, for printing the book, and to Techset Composition, the typeset, Salisbury.

Without the kind help and contribution of all of the above, this book would have not been published.

I'm intending to donate my royalty to support the educational activities of the RSM. I encourage other writers to follow the same path; medical teaching is NOT a business, it is a FREE flag that should be handed to others! A world full of knowledge and science will be a better place for all.

My free website, www.Neurology4MRCP.com, will continue its journey of helping the MRCP candidates get through this examination...

Dr. Osama SM Amin MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)
Director of www.Neurology4MRCP.com
October 2008

Our Second MRCPI Part 2 Mock Test....

2008-09-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the second Mock Test for MRCPI part II written general medical examination from Neurology4MRCP. I tried to include some of the themes that appeared in the recent examinations. Read the questions well and write down your answers. Finish the Mock within 3 hours. I would suggest starting with the best of fives paper (as it has the bulk of the score; 150 points). Then, you may solve the case histories or data interpretation paper (each one has a score of 40-60 points). Verify your answers and try to fill the gaps in your knowledge. Remember, practice makes perfect!

You will find BOFs, case histories, and data interpretation papers with photographic materials.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any query.

All the best to the current and future MRCPI candidates…

Osama Amin

Dr. Osama SM Amin MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)

Director of Neurology4MRCP.com

September 2008

MRCPI Part 2 Mock Test; The Irish Part...

2008-07-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

I've been busy for the last 6 months trying to finish 2 things. The first is a self-assessment book for MRCPUK/MRCPI part 1 examinations. It is in the way of printing by a publishing house and will be available soon. The second is this MRCPI part 2 written mock test. It is the first whole mock test for that examination and it's free to download from our official website.
Thanks for all visitors.

Osama S.M Amin MRCPI MRCPS(Glasg)

Reforming for Excellence! The RCPI changes...

2008-06-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

The RCPI launched its second newsletter with a message from Dr. John Donohoe, the president of the RCPI. This is a quotation for collegiate members:

Benefits and Services Pack for Collegiate Members

Collegiate Membership entitles doctors to a range of services and benefits including:

Recording and monitoring of CME

Eligible to participate in the Collegiate Members Committee

Eligible to receive the College newsletter "RCPI Today"

Access to The RCPI Online Medical Education Centre and Resource Centre

Eligible to enter academic competitions

Eligible to participate in Case Study Review Panel

20% discount on room hire of College’s conference and events centre, No. 6 Kildare Street. (20% discount on first booking; 10% discount on all bookings thereafter)

10% discount on College training courses

50% discount on Fellowship admission fees

Use of meeting rooms at College’s administrative centre, Frederick House

Free access to the Dun's Library for historical and genealogy research

Listed in the College Directory of Collegiate Members

Eligible to attend College formal events (Conferring and Admission Ceremonies, etc.)

From December 2008, Collegiate Members will also be provided with:

Access to the RCPI Online Medical Education Centre
Access to the RCPI Online Resource Centre
The provision of a College email address - yourname@physicians.ie

The RCPI Online Medical Education Centre and Resource Centre will provide Collegiate Members with targeted on-line educational and training resources in the form of live and recorded webcasts, scientific meetings, tutorials and recommended reading, designed to promote self-directed learning.

Collegiate Members will also have access to the RCPI Online Medical Education Centre a private resource allowing online notification of Collegiate Members Committee meetings, distribution of minutes, meeting material and a tailored stream of related news and events (available in late 2008).

The College is committed to the further development and enhancement of these services.

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All the best to our wonderful RCPI...

Dr. Osama S.M. Amin

American Academy of Neurology Fall Conference

2008-06-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the American Academy of Neurology:
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2008 AAN Fall Conference Online Registration Goes Live

Online registration for the 2008 AAN Fall Conference in New Orleans is now open. Early registration and hotel discounts are available, so be sure to register on AAN’s online registration page before the early registration deadline of September 18, 2008.

Set for October 10 through 12, the 2008 Fall Conference will feature the latest updates in neurology from experts in the field-all designed to help you provide better care for your patients. You'll also discover tips on how to code correctly and receive the compensation that you deserve, as well as how to recognize and proactively avoid financial or legal pitfalls.

In one short weekend, the Fall Conference provides an excellent opportunity to earn up to 19.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. The intimate atmosphere of a smaller conference allows for one-on-one networking with some of the top experts in your areas of interest.

Discover the newest updates in Neurology in the new New Orleans—register today!

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All the best...

Osama S.M Amin

ExamDoctor.Co.UK

2008-06-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

The Royal Society of Medicine launched its online educational arm for trainees, with the MRCP part 1 and 2 examinations are included.
From the ExamDoctor website:
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examdoctor is a fully interactive, high-quality revision website designed to help prepare you for exam success. RSM Press has used its wealth of experience and expert authors to produce the best possible preparation resource for Royal College and specialist assessments.

examdoctor offers you:

High quality questions with full explanatory answers
Mock timed tests
General revision and topic specific Q&A sessions
Ask an Expert
Revision advice and exam skills
Assessment against your peers and your own past performance
Continuous updates and ever growing question bank
Subscriptions from 1 month upwards

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We wish the RSM all the best...

Osama S. M. Amin

Free MRCP(I) Mock Tests; The Irish Diploma!

2008-01-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

Neurology4MRCP.com has combined its newest MRCP(I) part I mock tests into a PDF E-book that can be downloaded from its website. You will find 3 full mock tests, 6 papers, with 300 questions (paper I-MCQs, and paper II, BoM), and sample answer sheets at the end to mark.
You may download from here.
We wish you all the best.

Osama Amin

Two Years of Hard Work; Girl with Pearl Earrings!

2007-12-29T10:27:00.000-08:00

After 2 years; what has been happening in Neurology4MRCP;

Hard work continues, and many things has changed.

1- Our Orgfree domain is outdated and is replaced by our new full domain. Thanks for orgfree for hosting our website efficiently in the past. The new domain was launched in mid-July.

2- Re-editing our books. "One Year of Hard Work" has a 2nd edition and "Teaching Best of Five Questions with Clinical Scenarios" has reached a 3rd edition.

3- We are concentrating on MRCP(I) Mock papers as they are not available as such in the web. Three mocks, 6 papers, and 300 questions were added. Answer sheets were included to make them perfect. Be familiar with the examination environment!

4- Notes for clinical examination and "Neurology Themes" were written.

5- Although 3 clinical courses were conducted freely by us in 2007, we are planning to increase this number in the year 2008.

By 31st of December 2007, you can find almost 2000 questions for MRCP(I) and MRCP(UK), part I&II, with free clinical courses at times.

Thanks to our visitors.

Happy New Year

Osama SM Amin
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The picutre above is by Johannes Vermeer; Girl with Pearl Earrings.

MRCP(I) Mock Test; Enough is Never is Enough!

2007-12-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

This is the third MRCP(I) part I mock test. I hope that the previous 2 mocks were helpful. I’ve been asked about “how to calculate the final score after answering the mock test?” The MCQs paper has 50 questions, one score for each option; that would result in 250 scores. The BoM paper has 50 questions, one score for each option; that would be 50 scores. The sum of both is 300. The pass mark is usually around 70%, and that is 210/300 correct answer.

As I said previously, always start with the MCQs paper, as it has the bulk of the final score, and is easier to “navigate”. Please read the questions well, mark the answer sheets within 3 hours, and finally verify your answers and calculate your score. Don’t leave any question unmarked, as there is no penalty for wrong ones. During the last quarter of hour, rapidly review your answers and check them carefully on the answer sheets.

I received many email suggesting the addition of online interactive questions with a computerized scoring system to our website. Personally, I discourage such “a process of practicing”; the MRCP examination is neither computer based nor internet based; it is paper based. Many candidates simply fail because of unfamiliarity with the examination environment and wrong way of answering and marking the answer sheets. Try to imagine yourself in the examination hall, print this mock and solve it.Please, do not hesitate in contacting us for any query.

Happy New Year…

I wish you all the best and good luck…

Dr. Osama S. M. Amin MBChB MRCP(I) MRCPS(Glasg)

Head of Neurology4MRCP.com

MRCP(I) Mock Paper, The Day Before Examination!

2007-12-23T02:32:00.000-08:00

This is the second MRCP(I) part I mock test. I tried to include some of the commonest and most important examination themes. I also included some rare ones. I did not include photographic materials, which are usually few in number.
Please read the questions well, mark the answer sheets within 3 hours, and finally verify your answers and calculate your score. The pass mark is usually around 70%.
Don’t leave any question unmarked, as there is no penalty for wrong ones. Always start with the MCQs paper as it has the bulk of the score (250/300) and is easier to “navigate”. During the last quarter of hour, rapidly review your answers and check them carefully on the answer sheets.
I received many email suggesting the addition of online interactive questions with a computerized scoring system to our website. Personally, I discourage such “a process of practicing” the MRCP examination is neither computer based nor internet based; it is paper based. Many candidates simply fail because of unfamiliarity with the examination environment and wrong way of answering and marking the answer sheets. Try to imaging yourself in the examination hall, print this mock and solve it.
Eid Mabrook, Merry Xmas, and Happy New Year…
I wish you all the best and good luck…

Dr. Osama SM Amin MBChB MRCP(I) MRCPS(Glasg)
Head of Neurology4MRCP.com

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Launches its New Website...

2007-11-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Congratulations. The RCPI has just launched its new website. Please click here.

Wishing them all the best.

Osama

MRCP; UK or Ireland?

2007-11-15T02:10:00.000-08:00

The most recently uploaded E-book from Neurology4MRCP.com is the "MRCP(I) part I Mock test"; a real imitation! Here, you will find paper one and 2, with photographic materials, and at the end there are 2 answer sheet samples to mark. Verify you answers by reading separate chapters.

You may also review the E-book Neurology Themes & Syllables for MRCP(UK)/MRCP(I).

Reaching the no. of five, our publications will continue the journey of knowledge spread, and with out the moral support of our visitors, Neurology4MRCP would not have been continued.

Feel free to dowinload free MRCP books from our official website.
Learning shall be free to all! All the best to all MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I) candidates.

O Amin

New Online Self-Assessment Examination in Clinical Neurology Offered by AAN

2007-10-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the American Academy of Neurology:
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The AAN has launched a new online product called the Self-Assessment Examination in Clinical Neurology.

The examination is designed to help neurologists meet the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) self-assessment and lifelong learning requirement for Maintenance of Certification. The content outline is based on the one used by the ABPN for its Maintenance of Certification Examination in Neurology.

Features of the AAN Self-Assessment Examination in Clinical Neurology include:

100 Multiple-choice questions in 20 specialty areas to help you determine your strengths and areas for improvement
Take online on your own schedule, as a timed test or at your own pace
Receive immediate or delayed feedback by subspecialty area and suggestions for further reading
Compare your performance to other neurologists
Print and/or save the entire examination, including responses, correct answers, and critiques
Access to examination questions and responses for up to eight months after the date of purchase
$99 for AAN Members and $149 for non-members

For more details, please click here...
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Best wishes
Osama Amin

Internal Medicine 2008

2007-10-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the American College of Physicians:
============================================

Welcome to the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2008

Washington, DC hosts this year's premier scientific meeting for internal medicine on
May 15-17, 2008. Meet internists from around the globe and around the corner, take advantage of special networking and social events, experience the culture of America’s Capital, and leave with a new sense of excitement about internal medicine.

Click here for more details...

============================================

Best wishes

Osama Amin

MKSAP 14 by the ACP...

2007-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

For those who are preparing for the MRCP(I) and MRCP(UK) part II written examination, I would recommend reading this superb teaching book. Although being Non-British in origin and target, It will lead you the way towards the MRCP diploma.

Click here to know more...

Best wishes to future MRCP candidates

Osama Amin

The Business of MRCP and the Fresh MRCPians!

2007-10-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

"The man who reads nothing at all is better than educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers"

"When wrongs are pressed because it is believed they will be borne, resistance becomes morality"

President Thomas Jefferson

Every now and then I receive an email or a phone call or even a formal letter from friends, colleagues...etc saying that they are intending to be physicians and they are about to start reading and studying for the MRCP examination. Many are standing dazed and confused in the center of a circle of disorientation. What book(s) to choose, what website(s) to to subscribe with, do I need more than a few months, what questions to anticipate?...etc.

Few years ago, the net was some what defective in providing the required information about the horror of the MRCP, and the resources composed almost entirely of small books and 1 or 2 websites offering an "online" form of teaching. Now a days, the net is overflowing with information, resources, websites, personal blogs, forums...etc. But, should we believe and trust all of them? Do they really reflect the real examination? Are they counterproductive in reality? Do they deserve the cost?

I've conducted a small and short listed questionare for those who are preparing for part I examination. The out come:
a. Difficulty: 87% think that it is a "very difficult" examination". 11% said that it is "somewhat" difficult", and the remaining wrote " not that difficult". No one ever said that it is an easy one.

b. Reason for difficulty (for someone who did not participate in that examination): 83% said that they have a friend or a colleague who was successful in passing part I examination after at least one trial. 9% had read the "stories and advices" about past examinations in the net and they construct a foggy picture about what to face. 8% said that the questions are being put by the royal college, so the examination "must" be difficult.

c. Areas of weakness: 93% think they are defective in immunology. 89% said they are confused when reading neurology. 88% for pharmacology and toxicology. Other subspecialties were below 40%.

d. Duration of studying and preparation for part I: 78% said that they were "advised" to study for 4 months only. 15% from 4 months to a year. 6% for more than a year. Only 1% said that they don't know how much time do they need to fill in their areas of weakness.

e. Resources: The options were multitude;
1- Medical textbooks: 62% for Kumar. 36% for Davidson's. 2% only read other textbooks (Harrison's, Cecil's...etc). Additional 43% add Kalra book with their main textbook.
2- MCQs and Best of Five books: The percentages were scattered somewhat equally throughout many books available in the market.
3- Websites:
a. Only 36% had subscribed for an account in one of the non-official MRCP websites.
b. Why that website specifically: 70% said that it is "mentioned too frequently" in the MRCP forums. 10% "suggested" by a colleague or friend. 10% through web search". 10% no specific reason.
c. Cost: 96% agreed to be to "much expensive for such a short period". 3% not that expensive. 1% only think that its cost is fair.
d. The interactive "thing": 40% "enjoyed" the active participation. 40% Don't care. 10% did not like this time consuming process.
f. Is it better than reading a "real BOF/MCQs book"?: 100% said no.
The comments were (some of them): My internet line is slow, I don't like "PC studying", I pay too much for "something that I will not have eventually", I have no other choice, It is a way of spending time while studying.

Any way, long time ago, I noticed that almost all MRCP candidates read only "small" best of five commercial books, and some do non-official MRCP websites, and they depend heavily on them to "finish" the preparation "quickly".

The first thing to drag attention is the title; like MRCP questions, rapid preparation course for MRCP, MRCP best of fives...etc. Second is the "British" origin of the book, whether the publisher or the writer or the website. Very very few candidates "read" non-MRCP entitled books and non-UK based books or websites during the journey of the MRCP. Third is the price! A small booklet may cost you 40 USD!

The "fresh" MRCP candidate thinks that an MRCP book reflects the real examination, always! They don't know that many "MRCP books" and "non-official MRCP websites" are a "business", that is a way of making profits! The word MRCP is being abused every day and by many to sell few pages or questions to new candidates (who are frightened and having an MRCP phobia).

Now a days there is a propaganda describing the MRCP examination as being a very hard and expensive examination with a very high rate of failure, and that the candidate should be equipped with "certain" materials. These materials need to be purchased! An example is to pay about 200 USD to subscribe for an online written course covering only few months (while Harrison's needs about 80 USD!!!). Another example is to pay more than 1000 GBP for a 5-day clinical course!

Some may advertise about themselves in a cleaver way; a great example is posting in the MRCP forums (a previous epidemic, burnt out now) where someone posts a message saying that:

1- How I managed to get 85% in part I (and mentioning the name of a book or a commercial website, over a period of 2-4 months only!).

2-I did this "commercial" website and got 80% and I recommend it.

3-I'm new to MRCP, I'm doing this website, any one to study with?

4- I have a password of this website account valid for 2 months, any one to buy it?

5- This MRCP book is for sale?

6- Who appeared in this examination diet (or I appeared in this examination diet)? Please post what you remember ( a way to know about the current examination questions and themes and to make questions covering them, and to draw a gloomy picture that no one was good and he should have done this commercial website in order to make a fair pass!).

7- What do you think about this website or book? Any one?

8- And many other ways...

I understand that those writers and their websites and courses "run a business", and they spend money to maintain servers, pay salaries, advertise, pay taxes...etc. But unfortunately, it is becoming out of control, like a stock market!

I can assure you that:

1- The failure rate is some what high simply because of lack of preparation. What do you expect from someone who has a poor background and tries to be efficient after 2-4 months of reading superficial things!? I think it is an easy one, cheap, and no need for such distracters and this money scattering.

2- Not every MRCP book or website is trustworthy; some might be yes, but some are purely commercial with many scientific and clinical mistakes. Better is to read trustworthy well-known textbooks (which may have a self-assessment booklet).

3- Don't be fooled by what is published as "stories and experiences" in the MRCP forums. Almost all are fake and destructive, and are a way to create a propaganda. You will notice that someone appears in the forum, makes many posts ( actually a propaganda) and then disappears all of a sudden! Take the story from your friend, colleague, or a famous journal article.

Best wishes to all future MRCP candidates

Osama Amin

Occam's Razor versus Saint's Triad!

2007-10-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Occam's Razor versus Saint's Triad
Published in the New England Journal Of Medicine Feb 5th 2004, this article had impressed many physicians and trainees. I've read it many times, and every time I get something and learn a hidden tip. I would recommend the future MRCP(UK) MRCP(I) candidates to read it "thoroughly" and to learn the lessons from it. "Always think of a double pathology"

To read the article click here.

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Dr. O Amin

Neurology Themes ans Syllables for MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I)

2007-10-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Preface:
Reading neurology comprehensively for the MRCP examination is a valuable method of getting and securing a full mark in that branch; yet, many MRCP candidates are still reluctant to it. Neurology and neurosciences may have some overlap with psychiatry and basics and extending the studying to many subspecialties at once may distract the student and have a counterproductive effect.

Many MRCP candidates depend heavily on commercial MRCP BOF books, rely on past examination syllables, and avoid textbooks. Although this might be of help in passing the examination (usually on the verge of failure) and making the preparation time shorter, I think this method will not make the candidate practically efficient during every day practice after clearing the examination parts.

I would like to stress that the MRCP examinations do not concentrate on rare subjects and topics, like details of hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias, or the treatment options of high grade gliomas, or the clinical features of congenital muscular dystrophy. Instead, they cover important clinical scenarios that are likely to be seen during every day practice.

MRCP(UK) part I consists of 2 papers; 3 hours for each, in a best of many question format, 100 questions in each, with an hour of rest between them. Around 5 questions in total do not count to the final score.
MRCP(I) part I consists of 2 papers; 3 hours for BOTH in combination, NO rest between them. Paper I has a multiple choice question style format (50 in no.), and paper II is covered by a best of many question format (50 in no.) with 6-8 photographic materials (ECG, CXR, genetic tree…etc). The latter is not present in the UK counterpart.
MRCP(UK) part II written consists of 3 papers in a best of many style format, 3 hours for each, 90 questions for each, distributed over 2 days (2 in the first day and the 3rd is in the second day), with many photographic materials.
MRCP(I) part II written consists of 3 papers to be completed in one session over 3 hours, NO rest between them. The first 2 are Data Interpretation and Case History, in the form of single line completion. Paper 3 is the best of many one with computer marked answer sheet to be completed in pencil. Photographic materials are included.

My book "One Year of Hard Work" covers all the "styles" mentioned above but only in the subject of "neurology". This book also covers the most important examination themes and syllables in neurology. You may download it or browse it for free from:

http://www.neurology4mrcp.com/mrcpneurology.html
I hope that this work is helpful to you by making you more orient about what to "see" in the real examination.
Best wishes to all future candidates.

Dr. Osama S. M. Amin MBChB MRCP(I)
Head of Neurology4MRCP.Com

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Freely download this book ( a zipped PDF) from our official website http://www.neurology4mrcp/. Click to download.

Multiple Sclerosis Convention-Manchester 2008

2007-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of the UK:

Welcome to MS Life 2008 (29th - 30th March)...
MS Life 2008 will be the biggest ever event in Europe for people affected by MS.The inaugural MS Life in 2006 (see bottom of the page) attracted over 2,700 visitors and MS Life 2008 will build on the success with an enhanced delegate offering.Reasons for attending?...
To hear the latest in development in research from leading world experts on issues such as stem cells, cannabinoids and fatigue...
There will be over 100 exhibitors showcasing products and services headlined by the MS Society and central government...
Live demonstrations and other services such as a supervised creche so the whole family can attend...
Fashion show and evening social event, including an inclusive club night appealing to all age groups...We will be including further information in the next few months, however, if you would like to register your interest now, please complete the following form.

Please visit http://www.mssociety.org.uk/convention/register_msl08.html .

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As a member of this society I wish them all the best, and I hope that you spend a few minutes surfing the website. Why dont you become a member?

Dr. Osama S M Amin MRCP(I)

MRCPI Part II General Medical Clinical Examination!

2007-09-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

MRCPI Part II General Medical Clinical Examination:

I've received many emails and letters asking about the MRCPI Part II General Medical Clinical Examination tips and notes, methods of conduction, examiners, examination centers, rate of success, cases...etc.

It does not differ much from that of UK (PACES) and is composed of 2 parts: long case and short ones.
The examination is usually conducted over a 3-4 day period, according the examination center and number of candidates participating. Each day is divided into a morning group and an afternoon one (7-10 candidates in each). The 7-10 candidates are distributed into "batches" (like batch1, 2, and 3). The morning group candidates should reach the examination department (a medical ward) according to the time set by the Royal College; usually between 8 to 8:30 AM (may differ a little between centers), while the afternoon ones should be there around 11 to 11:30 AM. Don't forget to bring your RCPI examination ID card. You will find there a list, with the names and code numbers of the candidates, their examination date, time, and "batch", and examination number.
You may start with the long case or the short ones (according to your batch).
Suppose you start with the long case.

1- The long case:
You will be escorted to the patient's bed. You have 45 minutes to talk and to examine him thoroughly. You will be given a clipboard to write down your notes and findings. In addition, you must come up with a list of differential diagnosis, or if the case is clear cut, a complete diagnosis. There is bedside table provided with some medical instrument (a sphygmomanometer, ophthalmoscope, tongue depressor, torch…etc) but I would suggest using "your" own instrument (a minimum requirement is to bring a stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, and patellar hammer, but I would suggest the addition of tuning forks, tape measure, red head pin, a piece of cotton wool, and a pocket Snellen's chart; these are extremely invaluable during the short cases; note that, for example, you may be given a "strange" ophthalmoscope that you are inexperienced with!).
There is clock near the bed that will ring after 45 minutes indicating that you must stop everything, and someone will take you to sit near a room where the examiners (2 in no.) are awaiting. After a short moment of greetings, start telling the story. You should deliver the overall clinical picture in a short time, fluently, professionally with compacted sentences. Don't try to talk to much, like saying no headache, no tremor, no diplopia, no…no.. no...etc; it is a postgraduate examination! Give a provisional diagnosis, a list of differential diagnosis, and what is supposed to be done then (investigations, treatment…etc). At each step, sentence, or a phrase, they may interrupt you by asking something. Expect anything to be asked, even a mortality figure, or a result of a large clinical trial (related to your case). Regarding the ethical issue and communication skills, one of the examiners may act a patient and may ask for example to explain his hepatitis B status in the long term after being exposed to an infected patient sexually!
You have 10 minutes to express your case and 20-30 minutes of discussion. The long case has a maximum score of 6.

2- The short cases:
After that, you will be taken to a room before the short cases. The interval to start them may take an hour or two depending on the examination center. Then you will be taken to short cases. Another 2 or 3 examiners will greet you. The number of cases differs, but generally from 4-6 in numbers. Expect any combination of cases, not necessarily all systems would be met. For example, you may not face an endocrinology case or an eye fundus one; the most important 4 systems are cardiology, respiratory, abdomen, and neurology. The other 2 may be any one of these: eye, endocrinology, on spot leg case, dermatology, hand…etc. At each bed, there will be small paper demonstrating a short history and what you should do next. For example: "this young girl has double vision. Examine her", or "this old man has palpitations, assess his cardiovascular status". Sometimes the order is vague, like this one: "this middle-aged man has leg edema. Examine him and try to find out why?".
A clock will be in the hands of the examiners to ring after 30 minutes. There is no "time limit for each case" (unlike UK PACES); so you should conduct you examination rapidly, smoothly but efficiently and professionally, and your answers should be short and fluent. Don’t spend more than a few minuets at each case.
Honestly, I think this is more difficult than the UK PACES as you don’t know how much time has elapsed and how much is left! Just imagine that you are examining the 3rd case and bell rings! How much did you score! God knows! The short cases have a maximum score of 6. Combined marks of 10/12 (i.e. long + short cases) and more are required to get a pass. 9 and less is a fail. Needless to say, it is better to bring and use your own instruments, and to wear a white coat. Again, don’t forget your RCPI examination ID card. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Ryder's book is an excellent aid, and Baliga's is useful for the "discussion notes".

An example of a Mock Examination:
A- Long Case:
A 67-year-old retired sales executive who was reasonably well and fit presents with a 1-hour history of left sided weakness. The weakness was noticed after awaking in the morning as an inability to get out bed at 8:30 AM. His wife helped him to sit in bed, and called for medical help. He arrived to the A/E department after 1 hour, where he was examined by a senior house officer, undergone a battery of investigations, and accordingly he was admitted. He denies being on medications, including illicit drugs. The patient neither smokes nor drinks alcohol, nor his wife who lives with him in a 2-story house, and there is no family history of note. The patient denies any head trauma, but admits to the presence of occasional bouts of palpitations for which he is unconcerned since 3 months. No history of chronic illnesses was obtained with no past history of surgical procedures. He is right handed.
Examination reveals an old man, not in apparent distress. His blood pressure is 110/85 mmHg, with the left radial pulse being 110 beat per minute irregular in rate and volume, a respiratory rate of 16 cycles per minute. His axillary temperature is 36.7 Co. He is fully conscious and oriented with normal speech apart from slight slurring due to a problem with labial constants caused by left sided upper motor neuron facial palsy. There is left sided hemiplegia of grade 3-pyramidal type and upoging planter, with hemianesthesia and homonymous hemianopia. His precordium is unremarkable apart from rapid heart beats with variable intensity of heart sounds. Other parts of examination were unremarkable.
My provisional diagnosis is cardio-embolic ischemic stroke to the right main stem of the middle cerebral artery causing this devastating stroke in a patient with undiagnosed chronic atrial fibrialltion. However, I would like to exclude other causes having a similar clinical picture, like right sided subdural hematoma and brain tumor, by ordering brain imaging starting with brain CT scan.
The questions that might be asked: management of AF, managing him in the medical ward, long term management and prognosis, eligibility for cerebral thrombolytic therapy, role of anticoagulants in ischemic stroke, general nursing (diet, swallowing, prevention of DVT and bed sores, bowel and bladder...etc), trials of stroke, medications of AF, various drugs interactions, secondary prevention . You may be given a CT scan or an ECG to read. The examiner may act as the patient's wife and asks you to explain his long term prognosis; in addition he (she) may say that he (she) is unpleased because the CT scan result was delayed and this is the cause of not receiving rtPA.

B- Short Cases (you may have any 4-6 combinations):
1- This young lady has progressive exercise intolerance, examine her cardiovascular system (?mitral stenosis).
2- This old man has severe shortness of breath, examine his chest anteriorly (?right sided lung collapse).
3- This middle aged man has abdominal discomfort, try to know why (?massive splenomegaly).
4- Look at the hands of this old lady; come up with a differential diagnosis (bilateral hand muscles wasting-?causes).
5- Look at this old Chinese lady (having a strikingly tanned face); where would you like to examine further (?Addison's disease).
6- Have a look at both eye fundi and give a complete diagnosis (?proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with panretinal laser therapy).
7- This young man has this skin lesion, what is it? Ask him few questions to know why? (?erythema nodosum-?causes).

Note that stations 2 and 4 in the UK counterpart are covered in the long case.
I can assure 100% that if you are "well-prepared" then you will pass from the first trial! Note that the failure rate from the first attempt is high, simply because of lack preparation and unfamiliarity with examination's "environment"; a common "belief" is that the examiners are tough and trying to fail every one or the RCPI is looking at high standers! No; many candidates simply fail to impress their examiners, or to conduct the examination efficiently. Being well-informed in theory and written books does not mean that you are clinically efficient! Another thing is that many failed candidates say that this or that examination center is a disaster or tries to fail everyone or has poker-faced examiners…etc. Again, lack of preparation explains the end point.

Hope that these notes are useful. Good luck to all future MRCPI candidates.

Dr. Osama S. M. Amin MBChB MRCPI

What you see is what you get ! The Journey of the MRCP!

2007-08-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce the launching of our new domain www.neurology4mrcp.com , which covers both Neurology and Internal Medicine in 1500 best of five and multiple choice questions for MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I) part I and part II written with photographic materials. Many thanks go to our visitors who supported us all the way while we were in the OrgFree and Ueuo servers. The contiuous input and feedback from MRCPians enlightened and encouraged us about how to make many steps forward and to progress in our job. Tow E-Books are now online, totally free, and without even a simple registration that can be downloaded in zipped PDFs and can be browsed online:

1- "One Year of Hard Work":
2nd edition; a pure neurology book for MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I), part I and part II written. Clinical scenarios, data interpretations, case histories, and photographic materials are included. Best of Fives, Best of Many, MCQs, with papers for MRCP(I) part II written can be seen. This is the only MRCP E-book with 810 questions that can be obtained for free. For example, you may buy a small book with 300 BOFs for 30 Sterlings (i.e. 60 USDs!). You may also browse its chapters online as separate papers. At the end you will find Answer Sheets to fill in and to calculate your scores.

2- "Teaching Best of Five Questions with Clinical Scenarios":
3rd Edition, for MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I) part I. Covers all aspects of internal medicine but neurology. You can download it as a zipped PDF. Again, at the end you will find an answer sheet for you to assess your performance. Needless to say, this is the only MRCP (internal medicine) book that is free.

Within few minutes, you will get 1500 MRCP questions! No need to stay for hours or days "online"!

Thank you for visiting our new website.
Dr. Osama S. M. Amin MBChB MRCPI
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCP

American College of Physicians/ Diabetes Portal!

2007-07-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Clinician Resources from ACP Diabetes Portal:
This site contains a comprehensive collection of resources that are designed to assist the entire clinical team in implementing a team-based system that will deliver care of the highest quality. The primary sources of material are listed to the right under the "Legend" and include ACP publications as well as external sources. The majority of the interactive "Enabling Tools" have been developed for ACP Diabetes Care Guide: A Team-based Practice Manual and Self-Assessment Program, created through the Diabetes Initiative project funded by an unrestricted grant from Novo Nordisk.
View the Neurological Complications.

NeuroPat Dote Hu

2007-06-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

NeuroPat is the largest collection of neurology links with excellent quality studying materials.
Check out, for example, these Neurology Quizzes: No.1, No.2, and No.3, and these Neuro-Anatomy structures Slides.
Find out more here...

RCPI STATEMENT ON ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

2007-06-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE Immediate Publication 27th June 2007

RCPI STATEMENT ON ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

Three candidates will go forward for election to the position of President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, which takes place on Friday, July 6th 2007. These are:

Dr. John Donohoe Dr. Kathleen (Kate) McGarry Dr. Frank Murray

Balloting takes place simultaneously in four locations at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6th 2007: Belfast - Ramada Hotel; Cork - The Kingsley Hotel and Residence; Dublin - RCPI, 6 Kildare Street; Galway - The Ardilaun House Hotel.

The elected President will take up the position immediately following the announcement of the result.

ENDS

InterActive Atlas of Neuro-Oncology...

2007-06-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

Aims of the Atlas of Neuro-oncology
Thanks to the possibilities offered by the Internet, the simplified presentation of this atlas aims not only to facilitate access to information on the neuropathology of central nervous system tumors but also:
* to encourage use of a common morphologic language by all concerned specialists (neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, oncologists, etc.)
* to serve as a useful and original teaching tool thanks to integration of modern information technology in the daily routine of physicians, teachers, and medical students
* to be a rapid source of initial assistance , providing a description of basic principles for regular or occasional practitioners of neuro-oncology
* to promote further development of the atlas by "interactive" participation of other teams.
This atlas currently consists of a "permanent reference collection" of 197 images illustrating the major anatomopathological features of CNS tumors and the essential criteria for their diagnosis. In a future stage, neuropathologists will have the possibility to suggest the addition of other documents to enrich the basic iconography.
In addition, a "neuropathology forum" , which will be annexed to the atlas, will permit users to present exceptional cases, submit difficult cases for evaluation, and participate in discussions on certain documents of the atlas. While this interactivity will be spontaneous and left up to individual initiative, invitations to participate may be issued by one of the authors of the atlas. The authors will serve as the "editorial board" in charge of checking the quality of the documents that will be published on the site under the responsibility of their authors.
In the near future, the scope of this atlas will be expanded to include neuroradiology along with neuropathology . As a means of emphasizing the necessary close cooperation among neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, neuropathologists, and neuroradiologists, the latter will be able to propose characteristic images of each tumor entity. Following approval by the "editorial board", these images will be progessively incorporated in the atlas under the responsibility of their authors.
The authors are grateful to the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis , and in particular the Medical School , and the ANOCEF (Association of French-speaking Neuro-oncologists) for their assistance in preparation of this atlas, which is accessible in English, French and Spanish.
End

RCPI Public Meeting Series 2007...

2007-06-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland's annual programme to inform members of the public on key healthcare issues and to provide an opportunity for the public to communicate their concerns to the RCPI.

Is our relationship with Alcohol causing more pleasure or pain?

Healthcare-associated infection - Microbiological facts and public perception

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Dr.Osama Amin MRCPI

2007-06-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

From Sign.ac.UK :
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Diagnosis and management of headache in adultsWednesday 5th September 2007Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
10.00 Registration and coffee
10.30 Welcome and introduction to SIGN guideline developmentMember of SIGN Council
10.40 Chair’s introductionDr David Watson, General Practitioner, Aberdeen and Chair of the SIGN GuidelineDevelopment Group on the Diagnosis and Management of Headache in Adults
10.50 The patient’s and carer’s perspectiveMs Heather Wallace, Chairman, Pain Concern
Session One: DiagnosisChair: Dr Roger Cull, Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
11.00 Signs and symptomsDr Callum Duncan, Specialist Registrar in Neurology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
11.10 T oolsDr David Watson, General Practitioner, Aberdeen
11.15 InvestigationsDr Anne Coker, General Practitioner, Dundee
11.25 Panel discussionincluding Dr Murray Fleming, General Practitioner, Clydebank
11.40 Coffee/Tea
Session Two: Management of migraineChair: Dr Gillian Smith, Oral Medicine Consultant, Glasgow Dental Hospital
12.00 Treatment of acute migraine headacheMs Arlene Coulson, Principal Clinical Pharmacist, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
12.10 Preventive treatmentDr Alok Tyagi, Consultant Neurologist, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow
12.20 Panel discussionincluding Dr Roger Cull, Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Western General Hospital,Edinburgh and Dr Anne Coker, General Practitioner, Dundee
12.45 L unch
Session Three: Management of headacheChair: Dr Murray Fleming, General Practitioner, Clydebank
13.45 Cluster headache and other autonomic trigeminal cephalgiasDr Alok Tyagi, Consultant Neurologist, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow
13.55 Chronic headache and medication overuse headacheDr Callum Duncan, Specialist Registrar in Neurology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
14.05 Panel discussionIncluding: Ms Arlene Coulson, Principal Clinical Pharmacist, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee andDr Anne Coker, General Practitioner, Dundee
Session Four: Other therapiesChair: tbc
14.30 Lifestyle factorsDr Gillian Smith, Oral Medicine Consultant, Glasgow Dental Hospital
14.40 Psychological therapiesMs Penelope Fraser, Lead Clinician and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Ninewells Hospital,Dundee
14.50 Physical and complementary therapiesMs Suzie Scott, Physiotherapist, Glasgow Royal Infirmary
15.00 Headache and hormonesDr Roger Cull, Honorary Consultant Neurologist, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh
15.10 Panel discussionincluding Ms Heather Wallace, Chairman, Pain Concern
Session Four: Feedback, questions and conclusionsDr David Watson, General Practitioner, Aberdeen and Chair of the SIGN GuidelineDevelopment Group on the Diagnosis and Management of Headache in Adults
15.30 General discussion and response to written questions
15.50 Concluding remarks
16.00 Close of meeting
PDF versions of this programme and registration form can be downloaded here.
Diagnosis and management of headache in adults. Programme
Diagnosis and management of headache in adults. Registration form

End

PACES MRCP UK Blog...

2007-06-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's been long time since I've visited PACES MRCPUK Blog , really they are doing a good job after a relatively long period of silence. For those preparing for MRCP(Ireland) Clinical Examination or PACES (UK), i would recommend spending extra time reviewing this blog. Few clips were added. All the best from me and my team.

Dr. Osama Amin

Iraqi Orphans with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation Illnesses On CBS News!

2007-06-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Although I don't like politics at all, I found this really shocking; 4 years after the"liberation or occupation" of Iraq! I have no comment, just see and judge.
Osama Amin
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From CBS News:

(CBS) It was a scene that shocked battle-hardened soldiers, captured in photographs obtained exclusively by CBS News.

On a daytime patrol in central Baghdad just over than a week ago, a U.S. military advisory team and Iraqi soldiers happened to look over a wall and found something horrific.

"They saw multiple bodies laying on the floor of the facility," Staff Sgt. Mitchell Gibson of the 82nd Airborne Division told CBS News chief foreign correspondent Lara Logan. "They thought they were all dead, so they threw a basketball (to) try and get some attention, and actually one of the kids lifted up their head, tilted it over and just looked and then went back down. And they said, 'oh, they're alive' and so they went into the building."

Inside the building, a government-run orphanage for special needs children, the soldiers found more emaciated little bodies tied to the cribs. They had been kept this way for more than a month, according to the soldiers called in to rescue the 24 boys.

"I saw children that you could see literally every bone in their body that were so skinny, they had no energy to move whatsoever, no expression on their face," Staff Sgt. Michael Beale said.

"The kids were tied up, naked, covered in their own waste — feces — and there were three people that were cooking themselves food, but nothing for the kids," Lt. Stephen Duperre said.

Logan asked: So there were three people cooking their own food?

"They were in the kitchen, yes ma'am," Duperre said.

With all these kids starving around them?

"Yes ma'am," Duperre said.

It didn't stop there. The soldiers found kitchen shelves packed with food and in the stockroom, rows of brand-new clothing still in their plastic wrapping.

Instead of giving it to the boys, the soldiers believe it was being sold to local markets.

The man in charge, the orphanage caretaker, had a well-kept office — a stark contrast to the terrible conditions just outside that room.

"I got extremely angry with the caretaker when I got there," Capt. Benjamin Morales said. "It took every muscle in my body to restrain myself from not going after that guy."

He has since disappeared and is believed to be on the run. But two security guards are in custody, arrested on the orders of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Two women also working there, who posed for pictures in front of the naked boys as if there was nothing wrong, have also disappeared.

"My first thought when I walked in there was shock, and then I got a little angry that they were treating kids like that, then that's when everybody just started getting upset," Capt. Jim Cook said. "There were people crying. It was definitely a bad emotional scene."

There was nothing more emotional than finding one boy who Army medics did not expect to survive. For Gibson, that was the hardest part:

Seeing a boy who was at the orphanage, where Logan reported from, "with thousands of flies covering his body, unable to move any part of his body, you know we had to actually hold his head up and tilt his head to make sure that he was OK, and the only thing basically that was moving was his eyeballs," Gibson explained. "Flies in the mouth, in the eyes, in the nose, ears, eating all the open wounds from sleeping on the concrete."

All that, and the boy was laying in the boiling sun — temperatures of 120 degrees or so, according to Gibson.

Looking at the boy today, as he sits up in his crib without help, it is hard to believe he is the same boy, one week later — now clean and being cared for along with all the other boys in a different orphanage located only a few minutes away from where they suffered their ordeal.

Another little boy right shown in the photos was carried out of the orphanage by Beale. He was very emaciated.

"I picked him up and then immediately the kid started smiling, and as I got a little bit closer to the ambulance he just started laughing. It was almost like he completely understood what was going on," Beale said.

When CBS News visited the orphanage with the soldiers, it was clear the boys had been starved of human contact as much as anything else, Logan said. Some still had marks on their ankles from where they were tied. Since only one boy can talk, it's impossible to know what terrible memories they might have locked away.

The memory of what he saw when he helped rescue the boys that night haunts Ali Soheil, the local council head, who wept during the interview.

Later at the hospital, Lt. Jason Smith brushed teeth and helped clean up the boys. He and his wife are both special education teachers, and he was proud to tell her what the soldiers had done.

"She said that one day was worth my entire deployment," Smith said. "It makes the whole thing worthwhile."

This is a tough test for the Iraqi government: How a nation cares for its most vulnerable is one of the most important benchmarks for the health of any society.

See video no.1, and video no.2.

End.

More Patients Getting Into Stroke Units But 21st Century Care Still Lacking

2007-06-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

From the website of the Royal College of Physicians (London):

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More Patients Getting Into Stroke Units But 21st Century Care Still Lacking...

The results of the 2006 National Sentinel Audit for Stroke show that patients are spending more of their time on stroke units, but there are still unacceptable waits for brain scans and starting treatment. Results from Wales are still falling behind those from England, and are a major cause for concern. A separate release on the Welsh results is available.
The Audit, funded by the Healthcare Commission, was carried out on behalf of the Intercollegiate Stroke Group by the Royal College of Physicians’ Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit (CEEu), and covers 100% of eligible hospitals in England and Wales. As in 2005, results for each participating site are published on the RCP website:
http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/pubs/books/strokeaudit/strokeaudit2006.pdf

American Academy of Neurology Practice Guidelines...

2007-06-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) develops clinical practice guidelines to assist its members in clinical decision making related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of neurologic disorders. Each guideline makes specific practice recommendations based upon a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of all available scientific data.

AAN guidelines are used to:
**Improve health outcomes of patients
**Stay abreast of the latest in clinical research
**Appeal payment denials
**Provide Medico-legal protection
**Advocate for fair reimbursement
**Determine whether your practice follows current, best evidence
**Affirm the role of neurologists in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders
**Influence public or hospital policy
**Promote efficient use of resources
**Identify research priorities based on gaps in current literature

Review the latest practice guidelines.

AIR POLLUTION AND STROKE: IS A CAUSATIVE ASSOCIATION PLAUSIBLE?

2007-06-16T00:34:00.000-07:00

An article from behind the medical headlines by Professor A Seaton:

Summary:
The links between air pollution and respiratory disease are well established. Research has now suggested that air pollution could also have a causative effect in stroke. How plausible is this association? Prof Anthony Seaton reviews the evidence...
Read the article.

RCPI STATEMENT ON CONSULTANT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

2007-06-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

From the website of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland:

PRESS STATEMENT Immediate Publication 4th May 2007 :

RCPI has no role or involvement in issues regarding industrial relations, and it has not been the practice of RCPI to comment on such matters. However, issues relating to the current consultant contract negotiations have the potential to impact negatively on future standards in medical training, specialty practice and ultimately on patient care, and it is incumbent on RCPI to clearly state its position on these issues.
The future well-being of the Irish Health Service and the quality of care afforded to patients depends to a very significant degree on all key participants – consultants, doctors-in-training, management, nurses and other healthcare professionals and workers – working together in an environment where there is mutual respect and trust. In the interests of patient care, it is the responsibility of each and every one of these groups to play a part in creating this environment, particularly during the course of a very difficult process of change.
It is clear, given the nature of their expertise and position and as has been acknowledged by the HSE, that consultants have a critically important leadership role to play in the reform of the health service. In this context, it is essential that existing consultants and prospective candidates for consultant positions have confidence in the contractual arrangement for those positions and the process by which doctors are selected for those positions.
RCPI strongly supports the projected increase in consultant numbers, and is prepared to engage in the recruitment process from the perspective of maintaining standards in the context of an agreed contract. Further, RCPI believes that the primary goal of the consultant recruitment process must be to select candidates of the highest calibre who have demonstrated a high standard of practice in their speciality as evidenced by successful completion of an accredited training programme. In this regard, RCPI reiterates its view that all appointees to consultant positions must, at a minimum, be on the Specialist Register of the Medical Council.
One of the major successes of the health service in Ireland over the past number of years has been the development of high quality training programmes for doctors, which enable doctors to reach the standard required for entry onto the Medical Council’s Specialist Register. This has allowed the health service to recruit and retain highly talented and motivated doctors at all levels. It is of fundamental importance to the quality of patient care that such doctors continue to train and to seek employment in Ireland.
RCPI is deeply concerned that our existing cohort of Specialist Registrars (doctors undertaking a 4-7 year training programme in a specific medical specialty, such as Cardiology, Medical Oncology, Respiratory Medicine etc), have informed us that they believe that the current situation in relation to the consultant contract will undermine high standards of medical practice and medical training and deter them from continuing to work in the Irish health service.
All postgraduate medical training programmes are entirely dependent on the leadership and time given to those programmes by consultants in their roles as Trainers and National Speciality Directors. Their role in training and education of future specialists is absolutely central. The maintenance and development of high quality training programmes is entirely dependent on the employment of consultants of the highest standard. If any other standard is accepted, the quality of training programmes will be directly and immediately affected and as a consequence patient care compromised.
Within the current negotiations, RCPI believes that there is an opportunity to reach agreement on a contract that will attract the best candidates from Ireland and abroad, and will provide a real platform to enable clinical leadership and commitment to high standards in training and practice. This will directly impact on the quality and nature of patient care in Ireland for decades to come. The importance of this outcome demands that all parties redouble efforts to resolve outstanding issues as a matter of urgency.
End
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Read the statment in a PDF format from this link.

RCPI Masterclasses!

2007-05-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland:

The aim of the Masterclasses is to bring together experts in topics of established or emerging importance and to provide an opportunity for in-depth review.

2007 Series :
TREATING THE ACUTELY ILL PATIENT

Keeping up to date on evolving medical practice outside your own subspecialty area is challenging. To facilitate your continuing medical education needs the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is introducing this new Master Class Series.
It will run in the RCPI over 7 sessions once a month (January to June and October/November). Each session would concentrate on a particular specialty, e.g.
Neurology, Cardiology, Respiratory, Infectious Diseases, Haematology, Geriatrics, Oncology, Endocrine, Rheumatology, Renal, Gastroenterology, Heaptology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Toxicology, Medicolegal, etc.
The Masterclass series will focus on optimum early management and what should be done in the crucial first 24 hours. Recent advances in management of common medical conditions that frequently require hospital admission will be highlighted. Early intervention that may prevent hospital admission or facilitate appropriate discharge early will be highlighted.

Previous Masterclasses:

Osteoporosis 2006: A short comprehensive review

Hearts & Minds: Exploring the cardiovascular risk burden in psychiatric disease

Note that the Masterclass series is approved for 21 CME/CPD credits in total (or 3 CME/CPD credits per meeting)

----------------------
Best Wishes

2007-05-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

From BMC Medicine:
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Performance in the MRCP(UK) Examination 2003-4: Analysis of pass rates of UK graduates in relation to self-declared ethnicity and gender:

Abstract (provisional)

Background

Male students and students from ethnic minorities have been reported to underperform in undergraduate medical examinations. We examined the effects of ethnicity and gender on pass rates in UK medical graduates sitting the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians in the United Kingdom [MRCP(UK)] examination in 2003-4.

Methods

Pass rates for each Part of the Examination were analysed for differences between graduate groupings based on self-declared ethnicity and gender.

Results

All candidates declared their gender, and 84-90% declared their ethnicity. In all three parts of the examination, white candidates performed better than other ethnic groups (P < p =" 0.011)," p =" 0.176)." p =" 0.151).">

Conclusions

The cause of these differences is most likely to be multifactorial, but cannot be readily explained in terms of previous educational experience or differential performance on particular parts of the examination. Potential examiner prejudice, significant only in the cases where there were two non-white examiners and the candidate was non-white, might indicate different cultural interpretations of the judgements being made.

The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.

------------------------------

Our MRCP UK and Ireland Part I Examinations Teaching BOF Book/ Free Download!!

2007-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Neurology4MRCP is the first website to offer a totally free MRCP teaching best of fives book, freely downloadable from the net as a high quality zipped PDF. The book is in 2 volumes, covering all major medical subspecialties, clues on repeatedly encountered MRCP questions, many past examination questions , a sample BOF answer sheet paper from the RCPI, and tips on how to solve difficult questions.

The author, Dr. Osama Amin MRCP(Ireland), insisted that the book is not to be copyrighted, so that everyone may download, browse, forward, and print the book, as away of helping the fresh and future MRCP candidates (but our website and author should be credited and mentioned).

Contents Volume I:

Chapter I: Cardiology.

Chapter II: Pulmonary Medicine.

Chapter III: Hematology.

Chapter IV: Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology.

Chapter V: Nephrology, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Disturbance.

Contents Volume II:

Chapter I: Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus.

Chapter II: Rheumatology.

Chapter III: Infectious Diseases.

Chapter IV: Dermatology.

Chapter V: Psychiatry.

Chapter VI: Immunology and Genetics.

Chapter VII: Toxicology.

Addendum:

1- MCQs "answer sheet"; a sample paper.

2- BOFs "answer sheet"; a sample paper.

Note that the neurology chapter has been removed to join its counterparts in our official website (where more than 1000 neurology questions can be found for free, with no registration required).

The book will be available online as HTML web pages soon; this is specifically designed for those who have no Adobe Reader.

Please for any question, feedback, or suggestion, email Neurology4MRCP at Gmail.Com.

Thank you for visiting our websites. Many thanks go to our "solitary writer", Dr. Osama Amin; who, for more than 2 years, has been leading and directing us voluntarily. We would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Free WebHostingArea.Com (Orgfree.Com and Ueuo.Com); without their excellent server and free services, this book and our free websites would not have been possible.

Team Neurology4MRCP
May 2007

Behind the Medical Headlines! Current Treatment of MS!

2007-04-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

A wonderful article is published by behindthemedicalheadlines.com about the current treatment of multiple sclerosis. Click here to view the article.

Key Points (from the article):

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a variable lifelong condition. There are several disease patterns, and these clinical sub-types may alter in an individual over time.
The severity of the condition, in terms of relapse frequency, degree of visability and level of symptoms varies within and between individuals.
The treatment of MS is aimed at symptoms, relapse and clinical course.
Steroids are the only drugs shown to be of benefit in acute relapse.
Beta Interferons, glatarimer acetate, some monoclonal antibodies against adhesion molecules and some chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to alter disease course.
Future treatments which have not yet been evaluated may include neural growth factors and stem cell therapy.

----

Team Neurology4MRCP

Free MRCP Clinical Courses...

2007-04-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Neurology4MRCP will conduct a full clinical course for MRCP UK PACES/ MRCP Ireland part II general medical clinical examination, covering all examination stations and steps. This course is designed specifically for helping Iraqi doctors to be prepared for the MRCP clinical examination and to improve their performances and skills.
Key points:
1- Date: 20-28 April 2007.
2- There will be 3 days concentrating on neurology and neuro-ophthalmology.
3- Venue: Sulaimaniya General Hospital/ Sulaimanyia/ Iraq.
4- Fee: FREE. Registration is open to all (Iraqis and non-Iraqis). To register please contact Neurology4MRCP at Gmail Dot Com.
5- Tutor: Dr. Osama Amin MRCPI
6- We will provide you with: stethoscope, patellar hammer, ophthalmoscope, red head pin, tunning forks (128, 256), tape measure, a peace of cottonwool, pin, tubes (warm and cold, for temperature sensation), and tongue depressor.
Best wishes...
Team Neurology4MRCP

2007-04-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing"

And

"I will prepare and some day my chance will come"

President Abraham Lincoln

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Dr. O Amin MRCPI

2007-04-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

From the website of the royal college of physicians of Ireland , 2 recent announcements:
1- MRCPI general medicine part I, II, and the clinical one are now open in India.
2- The name of the winner of the Canavan Medal 2006.

Best wishes to all future MRCPI candidates, and congratulations to Dr. Phillip Marshal.
Dr. O. Amin MRCPI

Addendum to our Announcement...

2007-04-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Neurology4MRCP Book/ Teaching Best of Fives for MRCP UK and Ireland part I Examinations;

Volume 1: contains the chapters of cardiology, pulmonary medicine, hematology, gastroenterology and hepatology, nephrology, electrolytes, and acid-base disturbance, covered by 320 questions.

Volume 1 has been launched; please revisit us at regular intervals for volume 2. We apologize for the delay in launching volume 2 because the writer is a little bit busy these days.

Thanks

Team Neurology4MRCP

15-4-2007

Neurology4MRCP Book/ Teaching Best of Fives for MRCP UK and Ireland part I Examinations, Volume 1

2007-04-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Preface:

Studying medicine thoroughly is not an easy job, especially if time is running and you are thinking about the pass/fail mark of the examination instead. Many candidates depend heavily on BOFs and MCQs books, as these are easy to read and review; yet, the information they give is usually compacted and bypasses many detailed and important aspects. The two main questions asked by almost all candidates are:

1- What books to read?

2- And how much time do I need to be ready for the examination?

The MRCP UK part I does not differ from that of Ireland, except that the Irish paper I has 50 questions in a true/false question format; paper II is similar in both and covers medicine in short best of five scenarios. The Irish BOF paper may, at times, include scanned pictures, hematology slides, photos …etc, ranging from 7-10 in number; this is not true in the UK counterpart. Many candidates find the Irish part more difficult as they should solve two papers within a 3-hour time window. The examination syllabus and "themes" are the same. The pass mark for the Irish part is between 70-72% (according to examination diet), while that of UK is between 58-62%! The results are published (online) after 28 days in both. The Irish part is more expensive (in all parts) and has a limited number of overseas centers (the bulk of the candidates and centers are in Ireland, but it is expanding gradually outside Ireland).

Use a pencil and a rubber; leave difficult questions at the end to be solved, be careful when filling in (mark) the answer sheet.

At the end of each volume of this book, you will find a sample "answer sheet"; these PDFs can be downloaded from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland website www.rcpi.ie, I put them here for an easier navigation and for you to be familiar with them; please visit its website for more useful PDFs, examination procedures, steps, fees, dates, centers, and FAQs. The MRCP UK central office website (www.mrcpuk.org) contains many useful documents and web pages to answer any query about the examination.

The 3^rd edition of this book covers the most important themes to read and has many questions from past examinations; many questions were updated, added, and re-edited. The neurology chapter has been removed to be in a separate downloadable PDF. The book is divided in 2 volumes.

After publishing "One Year of Hard Work" (670 Neurology questions for MRCP UK and Ireland part I&II, with BOF, MCQs, and pictures at http://mrcp-neurology.ueuo.com/index.htm), this is our second high quality FREE MRCP book.

I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Free WebHostingArea.Com (Orgfree.Com and Ueuo.Com); without their excellent server and free services, this book would not have been possible. In addition, special thanks go to our visitors for their kind feedback and support.

Dr. Osama Amin MBChB MRCP(Ireland)
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCP

April 2007

Download the 3rd edition of the book (the name of the 2nd edition was "720 Teaching Best of Fives for MRCP UK and Ireland Part I").

Our MRCP UK and Ireland FREE" 720" book is in revision and re-edition!

2007-04-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

MRCP UK and Ireland / Neurology & Ophthalmology courses

2007-03-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

From the website of EalingPACES:

Neurology & Ophthalmology courses: Saturday 19 May 2007.
This is a one-day course providing focused teaching in neurology and ophthalmology. Neurology / Ophthalmology PACES will allow you to quickly update your neurological and ophthalmological examination techniques under exam conditions.

The course starts at 9.00 am and ends at 5.30 pm. The course includes Neurology stations, Ophthalmology stations, patients and practical demonstrations. The course content is targetted to the Neurology and Ophthalmology conditions commonly encountered in the MRCP PACES exam.

- The structure of the stations

Candidates will rotate though sessions as follows:

There will be 24 stations, each lasting 15 minutes.

Half the sessions will feature Neurological, and the other half Ophthalmological cases.

The cases will directly reflect the types of conditions which come up regularly in the PACES exam itself.

Teaching is provided qualified neurologists and ophthalmologists

Candidates will be able to examine patients in detail, and will receive immediate feedback on performance.

The course fee includes tea/coffee and a buffet lunch.

Candidates should bring along their own equipment, eg ophthalmoscope, tendon hammer etc.

Ealing Hospital is unable to provide any accommodation for candidates attending this course. The venue page provides details of helpful accommodation agencies.

Any cancellation must be received in writing. In the event of cancellation more than 10 days before your allocated course, a fee of £50 will be deducted. If less than 10 days notice is given, a cancellation fee of £100 may be deducted. If your place can be rebooked we will waive the cancellation fee.

- Postal Applications
	If you prefer to apply by post or fax please click here and print the form (you can fill it in online or offline). Do take into account, however, that it is only through booking online that you will be able to guarantee yourself a place here and now.

- The Neurology & Ophthalmology venue

	All courses are held in the Outpatients Department of Ealing Hospital, Uxbridge Road, Middlesex UB1 3HW. The venue page provides instructions about how to get there.

------------------------------------------
Best wishes to the future candidates
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

PacesNeuro!

2007-03-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

St. George Hospital / London:
A one day neuro/opthalmo course, emphasis on examination techniques, commonest PACES cases extensively covered, taught by neurology / ophthalmology consultants and SpRs only.
You may visit their website.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

RCPI/Dun’s Library – Suspension of Library Services March-June 2007

2007-03-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland:

Dun’s Library – Suspension of Library Services March-June 2007

Essential re-organisation work needs to be carried out on Library functions and activities between March and June 2007.

During this period, it will not be possible to deal with any new requests from researchers wishing to consult material from the Library, nor to conduct any genealogical searches.

The College regrets any inconvenience that this may cause but wishes to assure any intending users that the Library will be fully functioning again from July 2007.

RCPI-occupational Issues and Epilepsy!

2007-03-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

Occupational Issues and Epilepsy - Dr. Norman Delanty, a PDF that can be download from the official website of the royal college of physicians of Ireland.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

RCPI; Canavan Medal!

2007-03-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

From the official website of the Royal College of Physician of Ireland. Best wishes to all future MRCPI candidates.
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

Neurology Course for MRCPI / MCRP examinations

2007-03-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

From the IICN Website:

The Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience will hold a one day preparatory course in neurology for candidates for the MRCP examination. The course will be held on Friday, May 25th 2007 at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4. The focus of the course will be on detailed clinical examination and teaching clinical cases.
Programme
Taking a comprehensive history and neurological examination
Clinical case examination - 'Long' cases
Clinical case examination - 'short' cases
Video presentations of cases with question and answer session.
Reservation
To reserve your place on the course please complete the application form using the link to follow Application Form. Please forward your application and course fee (€400) to:Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, P.O. Box 351, Limerick.Please forward payment by cheque, bank draft or money order payable to Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience. We regret that we do not have a facility for payment by credit card.
For further information or queries please contact the Institute at info@iicn.ie or by telephone 061 203040.

Best Wishes From Team Neurology4MRCP

2007-03-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

"To study medicine without reading textbooks is like going to sea without charts, but to study medicine without dealing with patients is not to go to sea at all".
Sir William Osler

Team Neurology4MRCP

MRCPass Dot Com

2007-02-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

I did the free MCQs section at MRCPass; I concentrated on the neurology questions and found them to have a good quality. Overall, the website offers 500 free best of fives for MRCP part I with free notes and rapid reviews .
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

PasstheFRACP Dot Com

2007-02-20T02:11:00.000-08:00

This website is dedicated originally to those preparing for the fellowship of the royal college of physicians of Australia. There are useful past papers and clinical notes that i recommend to be viewed. It contains many freely downloadable "docs" and "pdfs".
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

2007-02-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

After taking a good history and performing a thorough neurological examination, we should ask ourselves 3 questions:

1- Where is the lesion?

2- What is the lesion?

3- Why?

An efficient neurologist will answer these questions accurately in 85% of cases. In the MRCP UK and Ireland part I examinations, such questions are very common, and also very easy to make mistakes without a proper prior study. Here, I tired to put the common examination "themes" regarding this topic together in a simple best of fives question format.

Download the mock from our official website.
Thank you for visiting our websites…

Dr. Osama Amin MRCPI

2007-02-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

The best of many type of questions when 2 or 3 options are chosen out of 10 is usually a source of fear, suspiciousness, and unconfidence in the MRCP UK and Ireland part II written. Although the number of such questions is not that big, but each question may "carry" a double or triple number of marks. Many candidates got confused by these questions as time is running out and short and the options' "list" deserves a "good look". When you practice on this type of questions, you will see that it is very easy to score a full mark. I've made this mock a little bit difficult so as to make you think profoundly as in a real exam. I admit that the number of questions is small, but the idea is "make the ball roll".

Download the mock, and see more.

Best wishes to all future candidates. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any suggestion, feedback, or help.

Dr.Osama Amin MRCPI

Medical Master Class...

2007-02-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

This website aims to help candidates prepare for the MRCP(UK) Examination (All Parts). It is also an invaluable tool for continuing professional development.

Although it is expensive, but i think it worths the price, and many questions are updated and added at regular intervals.

Key features:

Unique on-line practice facility for both MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 examinations
Over 2000 questions (equivalent to 20 examinations)
Take mock MRCP(UK) Part 1 and Part 2 examinations on-line
Interactive 3mrt® Mind Map technology, allowing you to view Medical Masterclass Mind Maps, create your own Mind Maps and monitor your self-test performance.

All the best...

Dr. Osama Amin MRCPI

Case Histories and Data Interpretation for MRCP Ireland Part II Written

2007-02-13T03:44:00.000-08:00

I've received many emails asking me to make Neurology Mocks for MRCP part II Ireland examination. This part II examination is composed of 3 papers: case histories (60 marks), data interpretation (50 marks), and best of many (150 marks); the time is 3 hours. You may start with any one of these, but I would advice to start with the "best of many" paper as it has the bulk of the marks and is easier to read and to solve. The time is enough for those who are well prepared.

Each paper is like a "magazine", is to browse from left to write; some questions may take 3 pages, but generally each question covers a page.

Use a pencil and a rubber, as you may change your answers. Some answers are long, others are short (one word). The problem is that many candidates are unable to fully express and write down the answer (some answers are right, but they are incomplete and may deduct marks!), and may make many syntax errors (may deduct marks also). Don’t use abbreviations.

This mock "imitates" the examination paper, covering neurology case histories and data interpretation. Each question is followed by an empty line (for you to write the answer as in a real exam).Don't over write or go to other spaces. The answers are given in blue color; the explanations are in green color. This is supposed to be your questions' papers, before and after answering it. So, you will know what you are facing really in the true examination (almost all candidates don't know the "shape" of the papers or how to fill in).

This is the first and only free teaching neurology mock for the MRCPI part II examination, with tips of "how to answer", and imitations of the real "papers" so as to anticipate what you are going through.
Best wishes to all future candidates. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any help:

My email: mrcpfrcp@gmail.com
Our webmaster's email: neurology4mrcp@gmail.com

Download the mock from our official website, and you may see the related web-page.
Thank you for visiting our websites…

Dr. Osama Amin MRCPI
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCP

2007-01-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

This new mock, entitled "a Stroked Patient!" and written by Dr. O Amin, covers important aspects of stroke with many past examination themes. It is for MRCPI (Ireland) part I examination (useful also to study for MRCP UK). Can be downloaded from our official website.
All the best...
Dr. N Mark MD
Team Neurology4MRCP

You Raise Me Up

2007-01-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

You Raise Me Up - video powered by Metacafe
We are greatly thankful to all those who supported us, and thank you for your continuous backup, and thank you for visiting our websites.
In December 2006, 4107 visitors browsed our official website.As whole, in the year 2006,we encountered 48229 unique visitors. The book "One Year of Hard Work" had been downloaded 2163 times till now (25 days). Special thanks to FreeWebHostingArea.com for their continuous and excellent supporting system, and for hosting our websites for free. Nothing but the wonderful song of Josh Groban could express our feelings.
Dr. Osama Amin and Team Neurology4MRCP

New MRCP Neurology Mock for MRCP Ireland Part I...

2007-01-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

Our newest neurology mock with teaching MCQs for MRCP Ireland part I written by Dr. Osama Amin, entitled "He has seizure. Is it epilepsy?" and covering epileptic disorders, has been launched in our official website, and is free to download (zipped PDF).
Thank you for visiting our websites.
Dr. N Mark MD
Team Neurology4MRCP

The newest MRCP UK and Irealnd Neurology Mock, "Your Patient has a Brain Tumor!"

2007-01-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

Our new MRCP UK and MRCP Ireland Neurology Mock for part I examination has been launched, entitled "Your Patient has a Brain Tumor!", and is free to download in a zipped PDF.
Thank you for visiting our websites...
Dr. N Mark MD
Team Neurology4MRCP

Our Vacation...

2007-01-07T00:54:00.000-08:00

This year, the Xmas and the Eid Al-Adhha'a occurd almost simultaneously. Dr. Amin invited all the members of the team to spend these events in Iraq and to extend the journey to other countries and we accepted. Dr. Amin was waiting in Turkey and escorted us to Iraq.

The Iraqi-Turkish Borders

We entered the city of Dohuk and from there we went to Erbil (the capital of Kurdistan Region in Iraq, an semi-independent area). Many places of interest can be found there. The next day we were invited to a Kurdish wedding ceremony.

Erbil Castle

The Market and the Castle

The Castle and "Dikakin"

Next was the city of Sulaimaniya; we were impressed by the rapid development and wide spread construction.

A new Mosque

Al- Shasty Street (or the 60th street in English)

Then we went ahead to Darbandikhan, where a big dam and a large lake can be seen.

Few houses (Darbandikhan)

The main street of Darbandikhan (you can see the flag of the Iraqi Kurdish communist party, small red one)

From there, we visited Khanaqeen, a small town near the Iranian borders. Dr. Amin visited his grandfather's grave there.

The encrypted words: this is the grave of Muhammed Amin Abullatif Al-Dawoody, died Thursday 1955 (he was 29 years old at that time, mostly from typhoid)

Finally, was the Iranian borders, and we entered Iran from Almuntheria point.

The Iranian Borders

The Parki Azadi (or The Freedom Park)

AlKhomainy poster in Tehran

We spent 2 days in Tehran; next was Malaysia. The city of Kuala Lumpur is a target for many tourists, many ethnic groups can be found and they are living together happily.

In the way of going to Kuala Lumpur

Near the China Town

The Twin Towers (KLCC)

In middle of the street in KLL

China Town and Market

The KL Tower

Inside the KLCC, A cancer group ...

Finally, we proceded to Australia and from there we went back to our country and Dr. Amin to Iraq.

Amin going back to Iraq

We thank Dr. Amin and his family for their hospitality, and thanks to the people of Turkey, Iraq, Iran , and Malaysia.

Happy New Year, Merry Xmas, and "Eidkoom Mubarak".
All the best...
Team Neurology4MRCP

Happy New Year and Merry Xmas...

2006-12-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and Merry Xmas. We wish you all the best.

Team Neurology4MRCP

Neurologic Examination Video Clip...

2006-12-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

You may download the file and enjoy learning how to examine the patient step by step. This clip features a normal examination in a young female, 24 minutes in length, and 41.7 MB in size.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

2006-12-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

New web streamed lectures in Palliative Medicine, delivered on 17 November 2006 as part of a symposium on Palliative Care organized by Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. These are:
1- Bone Pain: science into practice.
2- Delirium: an omen for the final exit but not always.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

Thanks to MRCP.ORG

2006-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

We would like to thank the great website MRCP.ORG for its continuous support by linking our publications , and for its kind and nice comment and words describing our last book "One Year of Hard Work". Without such support, definitely, we would not be able to continue our work.
Best wishes...
Team Neurology4MRCP Group

680 Questions (BOFs and MCQs) in Neurology

2006-12-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Our 2006 work has been gathered together under the title of "One Year of Hard Work" as we are celebrating one year after launching our official website. We are launching our new website MRCP-Neurology , and the book can be downloaded from there.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

"After One Year of Hard Work", what has been happening?

2006-12-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

"After One Year of Hard Work", what has been happening?

The idea behind making this website goes back to early 2005. As we encourage free educational activities, and as we conduct many free courses per year to teach clinical neurology in our hospital, we thought that It is better to expand our work and target doctors by making a free website to deliver the neurology subject in a simple way. We invited Dr. O Amin to be the writer and the medical editor of the MRCP neurology questions.

After finishing the year 2006, Dr. Amin had written many wonderful mocks to update our website every now and then, and inspite of being too busy, he expanded the work to involve other specialties besides neurology; and these are (a total number of 1480 questions):
1- 8 Mocks for MRCP UK Part I (neurology).
2- 3 Mocks for MRCP Ireland Part I (neurology).
3- 3 Mocks for MRCP UK Part II with slides (neurology).
4- 720 Best of Fives for MRCP UK Part I (general medicine).
5- ECG book for MRCP UK Part II with Mocks (general medicine).

From April to Augest 2006, Dr. O Amin (who is now our Head of Team) had conducted 3 free Clinical Courses for MRCP Neurology, and we are thinking of "opening" such free courses at regular basis; we will advertise about them in the near future.

The year 2006 work is now gathered together and published here. We would like to thank all people who helped us make this work, and we welcome new writers.

We noticed that some of our best of five questions are being published at other websites without a prior permission from us; we don't mind as long as they are being used to teach others freely, but our website's and writer's name should be mentioned and credited (this is our copyright policy). Please feel free to download, print, and forward our PDFs to your colleagues.

Thank you for visiting our website.

Dr. O Amin and Team Neurology4MRCP©2005,2006,2007

Harrison's Neurology In Clinical Medicine...

2006-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Featuring the contents of the Neurology section of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition -enhanced with important updates, new and annotated references, new illustrations, and self-assessment/exam review Questions and Answers-this next-generation resource is perfect for the backpack, the wards, and in all clinical situations. Also great for students! See a sample chapter (PDF).
Have a look and don't miss it.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI
Neurologist

Neuro-ophthalmology...

2006-12-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Moran Eye Center Collection offers a great space for neuro-ophthalmology. Personally, i found this website extremely useful. I has many medical pics and videos.
For example, many physicians are not familiar with "spontaneous venous pulsation" upon doing fundoscopy; please click here to see its video.
Don't miss it.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

MRCP Part II Preparation...

2006-12-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

Interactive MRCP 2 (2nd edition) is an MCQ-based CD-ROM which helps you prepare for the MRCP (UK) Part 2 Written Examination:
· contains nearly 500 cases
· comprising over 900 questions
· divided into 15 specialties
Have a look, and best wishes...

Dr. O Amin MRCPI

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage...

2006-12-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

As I'm interested in stroke, especially subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), I've read 3 articles in the new England journal of medicine; this topic is, unfortunately, full of pitfalls and many patients attending the ERs are being misdiagnosed as having migraine or tension-type headache. I would suggest reading these wonderful articles:
1- Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Current Concept).
2- Avoiding Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Primary Care).
3- Intracranial Aneurysms (Review Article).
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

MedPix Image Data Bases...

2006-12-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

This website gives us a wonderful collection of neurologic images, case of the week, and many neurologic resources. There is also a brain lesion localizer for differential diagnoses. Please browse this website well.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI

Neurology Case Of The Month...

2006-12-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Thr Baylor College of Medicine/Department of Neurology has a wonderful website containing a "neurology case of the month", in an interactive format, 81 in number with slides and pictures.

Best wishes...

Dr. O Amin

RCPLive, live online meetings...Epilepsy and Parkinson's Disease...

2006-12-05T07:24:00.000-08:00

RCPlive is a new series of live online meetings, which cover major therapeutic areas in medicine and provide updates on advances in clinical practice for physicians, doctors in training and GPs.
During each meeting
1-You hear the speakers live
2-You see their synchronised slides
3-You can submit questions at any time
4-An archived record of the meeting follows

Neurology is defintely included, especially Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin

RCPE Neurology Web-Streamed Lectures...

2006-12-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) has Web-Streamed Lectures covering many sub specialties in medicine. I found the Neurology one very useful, which is featuring updates in subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple sclerosis, delivered on 9 November 2006 as part of a symposium on Neurology, organised by RCPE. Please sepnd some time there.
Best Wishes
Dr. O. Amin

Brain Exercises part II Mock for MRCP Part I

2006-11-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Mock of Brain Exercises part II has been launched in our offical website.
We welcome new writers and any feedback.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCP Group of Websites

Clinical Skills Blog!

2006-11-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

A new blog has been launched, for Clinical Skills, i think it will succeed in providing useful online help for PACES candidates.
Best wishes from us...
Dr. O Amin

2006-11-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

Our new mock for MRCP Part I, Brain Exercises part I, has been launched in our official website, and is free to download (as other publications) .Coming next, brain exercises part II.

Dr. O Amin

MRCP Dot Org, Helping You Succeed!

2006-11-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

I found this website, MRCP Dot Org , 2 years ago by searching google. It contains useful links to many mrcp websites, books, best of fives, MCQs, and online courses. Also, its forum can of be of benefit. If you need any help regarding MRCP part I, II, or PACES, just click the link above.
Best wishes from us.
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

A Wonderful Neurology Website!

2006-11-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Temple University School of Medicine's Department of Anatomy and Cell biology has a wonderful website for Neurosciences. It has sections for:
1-Neurologic Images and Atlases.
2-Neurologic Interactive Quizzes.
3-Neurologic Examination Clips.
I would recommed this websites for those who are interested in Neurology.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Neurologic Examination Clips...

2006-11-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

NeuroExam.com is an interactive online guide to neurologic examination with video demonstrations (77 Clips, all are free). I think it is very useful to both under- and post-graduate students.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Your Development Resource!

2006-11-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Since 2 years, i've been visitng the MRCP website "Your Development Resource". I think it is a very useful website; and I think that it was the first website that offered FREE BOFs for MRCP ( about 250 in 2004, a number that is considered to be BIG at that time!). Now it has BOFs for part I and II (total no. is 314), and a book for PACES.
I'm sure this website will grow bigger and bigger, and will be of more and more benefit to the future MRCP candidates.
Best wishes to the owner and bof editor of that website.
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Neurology E-Books...

2006-11-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

Some links to useful E-Neurology books were posted in a public forum that can be downloaded freely.
Click here...
I think these books are very useful to read...
Best wishes...
Disclaimer: we are not responsible for the contents of that forum.
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup of Websites

ECG For MRCP Book, 2nd Edition!

2006-11-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

The ECG4MRCP book, 2nd edition, has been launched in our affiliate website , MRCP.ueuo.com , with teaching notes and quizzes. Like our publications for MRCP, it is free to download in a PDF format.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup of Websites

A New Website With Free Books to Download...

2006-11-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

A new website developed by a junior Iraqi doctor; in spite of limited facilities and many obstacles there, he gave us a wonderful website containing links to many many useful books with free downloads, including neurology. The books are in various formats.
To see all books and his website, click here.
Personally, i wish him all the best.
Disclaimer: we are not repsonsible for that website contents.
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology 4MRCPGroup

Neurology Quiz - October 2006...try it!

2006-11-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

The monthly quiz at MedicalFinals (October 2006) is a nice one to try. It contains 5 neurology best of fives with brain imaging.
Best wishes from us.
Dr. O Amin
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

The God Father of Neurology...R. D. Adams

2006-11-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Raymond Adams standing at a podium, in the midst of one of the many lectures he gave during his time at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Everyone interested in neurology must know those 2 genius people; they are Raymond D. Adams (right) and C. Miller Fisher (left).
Professor Adams is my inspirer, and his book (principles of neurology, with Victor) is my favorite book.
Thanks to this great man.
Dr. Amin

Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, 8th Edition

2006-10-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, 8th Edition
Allan H. Ropper, Robert H. Brown

Impossible to be an efficient neurologist without reading this book. It is my mentor for many years, during my board study journey. A new take on the classic, definitive text on the full spectrum of neurology. Reflecting a modern approach to neurology, Adams and Victor’s Principles of Neurology, 8/e new format highlights a more complete and accessible approaches to treatment and clinical management strategies. This thoroughly revised edition features more coverage of treatment and neuroimaging, renown signs and symptoms sections integrated throughout, and over 800 illustrations.
Have a look on its E-Edition.
Best wishes...

Dr. O Amin MRCPI
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Clinical Neurology, 6th Edition

2006-10-31T07:09:00.000-08:00

Clinical Neurology, 6th Edition
Michael J. Aminoff, David A. Greenberg, Roger P. Simon
During my 1st years of Neurology board study, every day i enjoyed reading this book but at that time i was in its 4th edition. It is compacted, updated, simple, and very useful in every day neurology practice. I recommend it to be read.
You may read it online as a E-edition.
Best wishes...
Dr. O Amin MRCPI
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Adult Internal Medicine Self-Assessment, an Excellent Book!

2006-10-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

After finishing reading this book for the second time, i think that the future MRCP and MRCPI candidates should read this excellent book. Nearly 1,000 case-based problems make review easy and enjoyable, whether you're studying for the board, recertifying , or just looking for a convenient way to make sure your patient-care skills stay sharp (this is mainly for the ABIM, but I think it is also suitable for any postgraduate clinical study including MRCP UK and MRCP Irleand diploma) .

Comprehensive. An extensive library of questions covers all of adult internal medicine, plus Psychiatry, Neurology, Dermatology, and more. And each question presents commonly encountered cases, diagnostic and therapeutic options, and in-depth reasoning and explanations on the recommended choices. Covers all the major areas of practice you need to review to score well on the exam.
Trustworthy. Questions are derived from the respected ACP Medicine CME program. For further reading, the problems are referenced to ACP Medicine, a continually updated, evidence-based reference of adult internal medicine. The cases are reviewed by experts in clinical practice from our editorial board at the nation's leading medical institutions.
Relevant. Case-based for greater relevance to daily practice—the format selected for many of the questions on recent exams. These self-assessment questions provide easy-to-understand, detailed explanations of the principles behind the answers—an ideal way to get ready for the boards or recertification.
Print or Electronic Formats. Our problem series can be ordered in traditional print or convenient new e-book formats.

You may see a PDF SAMPLE here.

Thanks to the ACP and MedScape.
Best Wishes...

Dr. O Amin MRCPI
Neurologist and Head of Team Neurology4MRCPGroup

Neurology for MRCP Dot Com's Official Blog!

Neurology Teaching Videos

Self-Assessment for MRCP part II E-book!

Self-Assessment for MRCP(UK) part 1

An Update from Neurology4MRCP.com

Mock Papers for MRCPI Part 1!

MRCP part 1 at ExamDoctor.co.UK!

Teaching Best of Fives, Internal Medicine, 4th Edtion

One Year of Hard Work, 3rd Edtion 2009!

MRCP Part 2 written Neurology Mock Test with Photographic Materials!

Get Through MRCP Part 1: BOFs

Our Second MRCPI Part 2 Mock Test....

MRCPI Part 2 Mock Test; The Irish Part...

Reforming for Excellence! The RCPI changes...

American Academy of Neurology Fall Conference

2008 AAN Fall Conference Online Registration Goes Live

ExamDoctor.Co.UK

Free MRCP(I) Mock Tests; The Irish Diploma!

Two Years of Hard Work; Girl with Pearl Earrings!

MRCP(I) Mock Test; Enough is Never is Enough!

MRCP(I) Mock Paper, The Day Before Examination!

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Launches its New Website...

MRCP; UK or Ireland?

New Online Self-Assessment Examination in Clinical Neurology Offered by AAN

Internal Medicine 2008

Welcome to the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine 2008

MKSAP 14 by the ACP...

The Business of MRCP and the Fresh MRCPians!

Occam's Razor versus Saint's Triad!

Neurology Themes ans Syllables for MRCP(UK) and MRCP(I)

Multiple Sclerosis Convention-Manchester 2008

MRCPI Part II General Medical Clinical Examination!

What you see is what you get ! The Journey of the MRCP!

American College of Physicians/ Diabetes Portal!

NeuroPat Dote Hu

RCPI STATEMENT ON ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

InterActive Atlas of Neuro-Oncology...

RCPI Public Meeting Series 2007...

PACES MRCP UK Blog...

Iraqi Orphans with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation Illnesses On CBS News!

More Patients Getting Into Stroke Units But 21st Century Care Still Lacking

American Academy of Neurology Practice Guidelines...

AIR POLLUTION AND STROKE: IS A CAUSATIVE ASSOCIATION PLAUSIBLE?

RCPI STATEMENT ON CONSULTANT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

RCPI Masterclasses!

The aim of the Masterclasses is to bring together experts in topics of established or emerging importance and to provide an opportunity for in-depth review.

2007 Series :TREATING THE ACUTELY ILL PATIENT

Our MRCP UK and Ireland Part I Examinations Teaching BOF Book/ Free Download!!

Behind the Medical Headlines! Current Treatment of MS!

Key Points (from the article):

Free MRCP Clinical Courses...

Addendum to our Announcement...

Neurology4MRCP Book/ Teaching Best of Fives for MRCP UK and Ireland part I Examinations;

Volume 1: contains the chapters of cardiology, pulmonary medicine, hematology, gastroenterology and hepatology, nephrology, electrolytes, and acid-base disturbance, covered by 320 questions.

Neurology4MRCP Book/ Teaching Best of Fives for MRCP UK and Ireland part I Examinations, Volume 1

Our MRCP UK and Ireland FREE" 720" book is in revision and re-edition!

MRCP UK and Ireland / Neurology & Ophthalmology courses

PacesNeuro!

RCPI/Dun’s Library – Suspension of Library Services March-June 2007

RCPI-occupational Issues and Epilepsy!

RCPI; Canavan Medal!

Neurology Course for MRCPI / MCRP examinations

MRCPass Dot Com

PasstheFRACP Dot Com

Medical Master Class...

Case Histories and Data Interpretation for MRCP Ireland Part II Written

You Raise Me Up

New MRCP Neurology Mock for MRCP Ireland Part I...

The newest MRCP UK and Irealnd Neurology Mock, "Your Patient has a Brain Tumor!"

Our Vacation...

Happy New Year and Merry Xmas...

Neurologic Examination Video Clip...

Thanks to MRCP.ORG

680 Questions (BOFs and MCQs) in Neurology

"After One Year of Hard Work", what has been happening?

Harrison's Neurology In Clinical Medicine...

Neuro-ophthalmology...

MRCP Part II Preparation...

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage...

MedPix Image Data Bases...

2007 Series :
TREATING THE ACUTELY ILL PATIENT