Dear All

Thank you for participating in the session today – a double session at the start of our current course for February 2026 exam.

AG gave general introduction and over view of the MRCPCH Clinical exam and how it is changing. It is still not back to it’s original form i.e. children are not present at all stations where they were previously – noticeably the Development Station. This station essentially remains ‘Virtual’ with candidate having to verbalize their assessment of ‘cirtual’ child to the examiner. This can be a benefit in certain circumstances. 

Important to practice to timelines of the exam and work through toa ‘focused’ exam versus a full examination at clinical stations.

Discussed Communication – most important skill in my opinion with marks to be gathered all across the exam and not only the 2 dedicated stations. Essential to keep Role player’s agenda in mind.

30 second Rule – speak in 30 sec bytes and 2 mins Shishir’s Rule of planning only for that time while practicing the Communication station.

We will take on Rapid Randoms Reviews, Hot seat and Examiner hats from next week.

Learning points are:

• Mark allocation for various stations
• 30 second and 2 min Rules
• Be prepared to adapt your approach with circumstances
• Pause – use it as an important tool
• Ring’s true to my previous attempt

Please visit www.mrcpchonline.org to add your comments or points I may have missed.

Anil Garg