Dear All

Thank you for participating in the session. Dr MF & Dr SS were in the drivers seat with Dr AG & Dr ST as keen observers.

In UK it is traditionally believed that passing the MRCPCH exam is easier than passing the Driving Test. Dr ST has done us proud in achieving both is first attempt – Congratulations Dr ST.

In the RRR we discussed:

• Kawasaki Disease
• Constipation in 2 year old
• UTI – investigations in a 2 year old

Communication scenario was discussion with a Medical student about a baby with Neonatal Abstinence. Dr M was an excellent Role Player with Dr A taking the hotseat and making a good attempt at dealing with the issues. We discussed what and how to address certain points and then Dr S had an opportunity to practice the same scenario. There were very relevant observations from most present.

The Learning points are:

• Shishir’s Rule of 2 minutes to organise your thoughts
• AG rule of 30 seconds to avoid monologue
• Be technically correct: ‘baby in womb is not connected to mother’s circulation by umbilical cord’
• Explain in simple terms – be specific do NOT beat around the bush
• What causes ‘abstinence?’ – discontinuation of drugs – nothing else.
• Investigations – know for WHAT – do not just give a list.
• Think laterally also – recreational drug addiction – HIV / Hep B etc
• What to do in case parents REFUSE permission for treatment.
• Be mindful of what you say – there can be a disconnect between your ‘Thoughts & Speech!”
• You get marked for your SPEECH and not your thoughts.
• Practice regularly – watching others makes one feel ‘safe’
• Hotseat and exams – nerves take over and one is liable to be confused.

Visit www.mrcpchonline.org to add your comments or points i may have missed.

Anil Garg