Transcript Tips to Passing the Intercollegiate Specialty Examination

Intercollegiate Exam
Chris Gandy
Applying
When?
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Satisfactory 4th clinical year (RITA) confirmed by SAC.
Curriculum vitae
2-3 page summary of operative experience
Application form x2 & Passport size photo
Secretariat of the Intercollegiate Board
Central Administration Office
3 Hill Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9DR
http://www.intercollegiate.org.uk/apply.html
Subspecialty?
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YES
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Predict what comes up in 1/3rd of the exam
Greater knowledge
International exams
NO
Most people fail on clinical subspeciality
Why risk two vivas with difficult and searching
questions.
It is not recognised
Preparation
Syllabus
Work ***
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ITU teaching
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MDT’s , X-ray meeting, IBS meeting etc.
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Journal club
Mates
Preparation BOOKS
Preparation WEB
Preparation WEB
Preparation WEB
Preparation WEB
Preparation WEB
Preparation COURSES
Timetable
GROUP One
VIVA Day 1
CLINICALS Day 2
GROUP Two
VIVA day 3
Examiners and candidates
Preamble from head examiner
Two examiners +/- observers
Questions set and agreed prior to exam
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Format - introduction, pass/fail question &
supplementary questions
Dress
Conduct
Structure
Clinicals
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General
Subspeciality
Vivas
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Academic
Emergency and critical care
Subspeciality/General and General
Clinical Examination
Stethoscope & pen torch
2 sessions (general & subspecialty/general)
All Short cases
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History taking
Examination
X-Rays
Discussion
Subspecialty - Most difficult.
General - No more difficult than FRCS.
Academic Oral
2 Photocopied Papers - 1 hour to study and
make notes
One good paper one poor paper
Systematic discussion as for journal club
Statistics - basic knowledge required
Impact factor
Emergency/Critical care
Surgery
Emergency
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ATLS based “I would first resuscitate the patient
according to ATLS guidelines with simultaneous
diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres….
Familiar clinical scenarios
• Take
• Perioperative care
Critical care
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Systems based approach
• MOF
• SIRS
• ARDS
Subspecialty/General &
General
Very general!!
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Tongue cancer
Testicular cancer
Speciality
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Detailed questions
Examination Results to June 2004
2002
2003
2004
2005
% pass
% pass
%
pass
%
pass
A& E Medicine
91
87
67
Cardiothoracic
62
57
33
General Surg
59
64
69
Plastic Surg
60
59
53
Trauma & Orth
62
68
68
Urology
76
70
84
Total No. of exam
Presentations incl resits
785
821
420
Total No. candidates passed
536
558
298
Overall Average % pass to date
68%
68%
70%
Specialty
Spend time with family