Foreword
Having just successfully negotiated the dreaded exam, this web site is aimed at all the SpR’s coming through the system about to take the exit FRCS, or Part III Intercollegiate Specialty Board exams.
The way I see it you accumulate years of experience, concentrating on acquiring surgical skills, and then on the home straight you hit the ‘EXAM’. Asking your colleagues about it is essentially the way you find out what you need to learn.
This just isn’t right. I am sure it will change with the ISCP, and eventually I hope a rethink of which exams are really necessary.
So the problem is in essence, ‘ what do I need to know to pass the exam?’
Well the ISCP has yet to fulfil this aspect of your training as it was designed for the new breed of ST trainee. The old curriculum published in 2002 is what we currently have to work on. The exam is said to be a general one so I shall try and give you a few pointers.
I do not believe that this exam is relevant to my current or future clinical practice. In passing the exam I do not feel that I am in any way better equipped to do my job or become an effective consultant. It is however a financial, social and emotional hurdle that is unfortunately still necessary to reach the final goal
Best of luck.
John Lengyel ( SpR in the West Midlands)
