CAREER IN PLASTIC SURGERY
A GUIDE FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS
FOUNDATION
Examinations: MRCS
Surgical trainees are required to pass the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS). This page will give a rough guide and information table on the MRCS.
MRCS are available in individual college websites:
MRCS general format as quoted from RCSI:
Part A is a four-hour MCQ examination broken into two papers, each of two hours' duration, taken on the same day. The papers cover generic surgical sciences and applied core knowledge as follows:
Paper 1 - Applied Basic Sciences MCQ paper, comprising Single Best Answer Questions
Paper 2 - Principles of Surgery-in-General MCQ paper, comprising Single Best Answer Questions and Extended Matching Questions
Part B OSCE will normally consist of 18 examination stations assessing the content areas of
(i) Anatomy and Surgical Pathology,
(ii) Applied Surgical Science and Critical Care,
(iii) Communication Skills, and
(iv) Clinical & Procedural Skills.
The timing of the exams is not resctricted and they can be takin at any stage of surgical training. In addition to the four broad content areas examined in the OSCE, four domains have been identified which encompass the knowledge, skills, competencies and professional characteristics of the competent surgeon.
These are assessed in the OSCE as follows:
1. Clinical knowledge and its application;
2. Clinical and technical skill;
3. Communication;
4. Professionalism.
These four domains are examined across the 18 stations of the OSCE.
You are allowed only four attempts to pass the MRCS OSCE exam, so it is important to be prepared.
Here is some information about the exam dates, fees and the locations that are covered:
By doing the MRCS examination, you are showing commitment to the specialty and may gain points on this section according to the CSRNO porfolio checklist.
