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