In this episode, we delve into the real-life experiences of recent surgical trainees who have successfully navigated the MRCS exam. Our guests share their personal journeys, discussing the challenges they faced, the moments of doubt, and the strategies that helped them build resilience and manage anxiety. This episode aims to provide insights and practical advice for UK-based medical graduates preparing for the MRCS exam. Stay tuned for part two which will explore international medical graduates perspectives.

Host: Daniel Ashmore  

Danny is an ST6 upper GI trainee with an esophagogastric interest. Having studied in Leeds, he stayed in Yorkshire for his foundation and surgical training, and has since completed a PG certificate in Leadership, as well as a PhD. Danny recalls how he prepared for the MRCS now the next set of exams are round the corner.   

Guest: Shreya Saxena 

Shreya is currently a CT2 in General Surgery working in Thames Valley. She attended medical school at Bristol University and worked through the ranks, taking an F3 and F4 year to end up getting into Core Surgical Training in Thames Valley and now has an ST3 number for General Surgery in the East of England. 

Guest: Elena Georgiakakis 

Elena completed her pre-clinical studies at St Andrews and clinical years at Manchester, graduating from a six-year program with both a BSc and MBChB. She then completed her foundation training in London—first year at Chelsea and Westminster, and second year at Ealing. She is currently a CT2 in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital, having recently completed a 12-month rotation in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. She is keen to pursue a career in Trauma and Orthopaedics. 

Resources:

• RCS England Intercollegiate MRCS: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/ 

• Practice MRCS OSCE: Pathology course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-pathology/ 

• Practice MRCS OSCE: Anatomy course: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/courses/search/practice-mrcs-osce-anatomy/ 

• MRCS and DO-HNS Exam Locations and Dates: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/mrcs-exam-locations-and-dates/ 

• Surgical Exams FAQ: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/intercollegiate-mrcs/surgical-exams-faq/ 

• Exams Guidance: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/exams-guidance/ 

• MRCS  Examinations Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE): https://www.intercollegiatemrcsexams.org.uk/ 

• RCS England Anatomy and Pathology Museum MRCS Part B revision sessions MRCS revision sessions — Royal College of Surgeons 

• Webinar: Preparing for the MRCS Part B Preparing for the MRCS Part B 

• Anatomy eLearning Applied Anatomy for MRCS Preparation and Surgical Training — Royal College of Surgeons 

Produced by: Andrea Pearson

We would love to hear from you so please do reach out to us on social media, or email us at ⁠⁠podcasts@rcseng.ac.uk